Being dragged further into modern automotive world....

[hermitjohn]

kicking and screaming.

Ok, friend of mine in another state has her sister living with her. Sister drives a 2013 Impala. Couple days ago, got the reduced power warning and light came on in the tachometer. Wont go over 20mph. Internet being shadetree mechanics best friend, I looked it up. Seems GM had big recall 2006 to 2011 Impalas for this. In their infinite wisdom GM went to some silly drive by wire eliminating physical throttle cable. So you have step motor and bunch little plastic gears built into throttle body along with the TPS. Well its usually the TPS that goes out on these requiring replacement of whole assembly. Though you can bet any genius specifying plastic gears doesnt have your interests at heart. Back during recall they had kit to just replace the TPS. Watched youtube of some guy putting in the kit. Looks like it would still fit the later model throttle bodies except the wiring connector is now different. No kit for newer models.

Just seems like automotive engineers go out of their way to add more and more complexity and repair cost for no good reason. My friend was relieved to find out what the problem was as she has to look out for her sister. She had worries engine was on last legs. But I am trying to talk her out of ruining a $1000 bill (they cant afford) by towing car to dealer long way away and having them repair it. RockAuto.com has new throttle body for around $125 shipped. I think my friend can do it, she replaced her own outdoor water hydrant and other things, but cars kinda intimidate her. If it comes down to it, I will drive over there, just very long drive.

I still dont see why everything has to be complex and expensive on modern vehicles. And this drive by wire idea, how stupid do you have to be to do something like that just because you can. Simple throttle cable is cheap and tends to last life of the car, unless you keep car long enough for plastic to get brittle. And if you are going to do drive by wire, why not make the TPS a separate bolt on thing like it used to be. I mean it still just connects to end of throttle shaft.

Ok end of rant.

[shellymay]

My DD's car putting out no heat, gauge for heat rising higher and higher..... Call part store to price a thermostat...

WELL what year is car? what is vin# If it is a newer model you will be paying 100.00 for thermostat because they now come with a sensor on them, but if it is older model then thermostat will be 28.00, UGH.......... Does everyone realize how many sensor's are on a new car these days?   

Edited to add, car was low on antifreeze NO thermostat needed, thank goodness as hers is the one with sensor!

[hermitjohn]

I feel really old, I have bought used cars that were drivable for less than $100. But then the guy that I used to work for bought his first used drivable Model T for $5. Times change, money cheapens.

[Melissa]

Our new vehicle has no way to check the transmission fluid level. I was really shocked. The books says if you notice a leak take it to a mechanic...

Transmission Fluid Level Check Chevrolet Equinox (2010-2015




Our research indicates that your vehicle does not have a transmission fluid dipstick. These types of transmissions are designed to be maintenance free. In order to check the transmission fluid, your vehicle likely has check valve on the bottom of the transmission on the bottom of your car. Your car must be level when the fluid is checked and we therefore recommend having a mechanic with a hydraulic lift or underground bay check your transmission fluid. Any fluid leaks for this type of transmission should be treated by a mechanic.

[hermitjohn]

Jan 21, 2018 1:11:48 GMT Melissa said:

Our new vehicle has no way to check the transmission fluid level. I was really shocked. The books says if you notice a leak take it to a mechanic...

Transmission Fluid Level Check Chevrolet Equinox (2010-2015




Our research indicates that your vehicle does not have a transmission fluid dipstick. These types of transmissions are designed to be maintenance free. In order to check the transmission fluid, your vehicle likely has check valve on the bottom of the transmission on the bottom of your car. Your car must be level when the fluid is checked and we therefore recommend having a mechanic with a hydraulic lift or underground bay check your transmission fluid. Any fluid leaks for this type of transmission should be treated by a mechanic.

Isnt it bad enough that 99.9% manual transmissions were eliminated around 2008, but they dont even want you to do maintenance on the automatics.... I am sure there is probably some website (or will be some website) telling you how to drill a hole and install a dipstick tube in the maintenance free automatics. Though perhaps you will have no idea what kind fluid they use since its now considered a non user servicable part.

All this nonsense makes me want to do is drive a restored antique. Told my friend that if I wanted an Impala, this is one I would get...

fayar.craigslist.org/cto/d/barn-find/6462859452.html



This one I can work on and modify to my hearts content.... legally! Just a crazy price, but no more crazy than low mile 2013 Impala.

[hermitjohn]

My friend watched the youtube videos and though most were for older 3.5L V6 and her 3.6L is bit different, they are pretty close. She is going to try it.

[Cabin Fever]

The TPS went out on my GMC 5.3L V8 truck engine. It did scare me because of it powering down and all the unrelated warnings it was giving me. When I did my internet research, I found that GM was fixing them for free. (Acutally, they put in a new TPS which will probably stop working again in another 100K miles.

I really appreciate the simplicity of my 1955 Willys Army Jeep.

[hermitjohn]

They did fix the 2006 to 2011 Impalas. Didnt improve anything much in design, and so the 2012+ ones have same problem. Jeesh all they need to do is make the TPS separate and easy to replace with a screwdriver. Make it same $20 TPS they have used for years and be done with it.

I suppose the real reason for the stupid designs is all out effort to lower assembly line labor costs. They can order "assemblies" from third party companies already assembled and less time to install them into cars than if they were individual parts. The third party labor is lot cheaper.

[hermitjohn]

Forgot to update. My friend successfully installed new throttle body on her sister's Impala. Very proud of her. BUT she discovered lot oil in the air tube between MAF and throttlebody. In my brain this only happens on worn engine with lot blowby. Or possibly clogged pcv valve.

But no, seems the newer direct injection engines do this normally, not just GM or just Impala. Lot talk and discussion of installing catch can on Impala forums. GM is only concerned about the warranty period, screw the poor people having to drive this mess after that.

I truly dont like lot modern engineering.

[Jolly]

As the story goes...

The reason GM went to all metric bolts was that engineers, when given a choice, would use most available bolt sizes. By confining them to metrics, GM saved millions of dollars.

Personally, I think my first cousin had the right idea...He ran a company that built offshore drilling platforms. When hiring a new engineer, his policy was that the new hire would work on an active rig for a minimum of six months. He thought paying a new college grad to do roustabout work for six months would save buckets of money when these guys actually had to design and build something.

I think they ought to do the same thing with auto engineers. A year working in a general mechanic shop would do them a world of good.