That would look interesting when you put your hazard/warning lights on it would look like party lights with each indicator slightly out of time with the others. I don't think that would be legal.

Confusing, at least.

 

I think you see this from the wrong angle. As a semiconductor specialist, I've worked with automotive companies for many years, and the engineers are in no way averse to using new technology, and the slur about "built in failures" I can not recognize.

Lost count of the number of times I took a vehicle to a dealership with some check engine indication, had them scan it for about $100, and say nothing was recorded.

Lost track of the number of times my '03 Explorer wouldn't start (no crank) before the problem could finally be isolated. There were half a dozen things that could cause it to fail. I got so tired of paying $100 for a "no problem" diagnosis that I made them print diagrams for anything that could cause the problem and started eliminating them one by one. It would always start in the service department but it was my Wife who was getting stranded most of the time.

 

FWIW a lot of auto parts stores (Autozone and others here) will scan your heap for free and give you a printout. It's not always a complete diagnosis down to the bad part but it will you what it's thinking.

 

I have one of those Ford Exploders on my back porch, and it has a long way to go. I don't mind so much that I found out yesterday it has dual air conditioning. Who better than me to fix that? It only has 6 pneumatic air flappers and 4 electrically operated air flappers. Besides, the first thing I bought for it was the wiring diagrams. The part that has me stumped is $450 each for the front seat bottom covers. That's the place your butt lands when you get in. Just the covering for that 20 inch by 20 inch platform...$450...each.

For $900 I can buy an industrial strength sewing machine and make them myself.
Ten years ago, I did a rebuild during which I bought an engine for $900 and installed it myself.
What? Two, lower half, seat covers cost as much as an engine?
Maybe the seats don't have enough microprocessors in them.

 

The auto flasher is so inexpensive and reliable that there is little incentive to replace it with flashy new technology, but some people sell technology.

 

Lost count of the number of times I took a vehicle to a dealership with some check engine indication, had them scan it for about $100, and say nothing was recorded.

Lost track of the number of times my '03 Explorer wouldn't start (no crank) before the problem could finally be isolated. There were half a dozen things that could cause it to fail. I got so tired of paying $100 for a "no problem" diagnosis that I made them print diagrams for anything that could cause the problem and started eliminating them one by one. It would always start in the service department but it was my Wife who was getting stranded most of the time.

Did it end up being the 'security system'? My oldest son had the same problem, no crank. Let it sit for ~1hour unlocked and it would start.Ended up unplugging the 11 pin connector on the security box and no problem since.

 

Lost count of the number of times I took a vehicle to a dealership with some check engine indication, had them scan it for about $100, and say nothing was recorded.

Lost track of the number of times my '03 Explorer wouldn't start (no crank) before the problem could finally be isolated. There were half a dozen things that could cause it to fail. I got so tired of paying $100 for a "no problem" diagnosis that I made them print diagrams for anything that could cause the problem and started eliminating them one by one. It would always start in the service department but it was my Wife who was getting stranded most of the time.

I had a similar problem with my jeep, I was able to read the flash codes and it kept telling me the idle control sensor was the problem. After weeks of stuffing around I finally found worn wiring under the dash that was intermittently earthing out the signal wire for that sensor.

You can find most trouble shooting codes online and how to pull them from the car. Without having to pay the dealership.
http://www.troublecodes.net/ford/

 

FWIW a lot of auto parts stores (Autozone and others here) will scan your heap for free and give you a printout. It's not always a complete diagnosis down to the bad part but it will you what it's thinking.

You can also buy a nice scan device for under $20 now. You connect to it with your smartphone or computer via bluetooth or wifi. You can get far more information than those auto parts store scanners, unless they've been upgrading.

 

Did it end up being the 'security system'? My oldest son had the same problem, no crank. Let it sit for ~1hour unlocked and it would start.Ended up unplugging the 11 pin connector on the security box and no problem since.

That was high on my list of suspects, but the dash indicator wasn't flashing fast. Good to know if it starts acting up I can just disconnect a cable.

It ended up being either the starter or the integrated relay. I didn't think it was the starter because it would eventually start up without banging on it.

 

You can find most trouble shooting codes online and how to pull them from the car. Without having to pay the dealership.
http://www.troublecodes.net/ford/

Know of a source for wiring diagrams/schematics? I have a complete set of troubleshooting docs, parts diagrams, part numbers, etc for both of my BMWs; it actually covers most models...

 

Know of a source for wiring diagrams/schematics? I have a complete set of troubleshooting docs, parts diagrams, part numbers, etc for both of my BMWs; it actually covers most models...

This site have a good list http://www.carenginediagrams.com

If no good there I would try google images and head to the webpage with the diagram your after.

 

This is a classic example where you shouldn't replace old technology.

As previously stated, it's simple, it's familiar, it's reliable and makes it's own noise. Perfect.

Reactance control(magnetic amps) is also a very valuable, ignored technology.

 

Hey #12, and others, actually, where I live near the Seattle metropolitan area, I have a selection of auto upholstery and detail outfits that'll make me a better than new leather seat for my Explorers and Escapes. I'd spend more than $450 probably and get a better seat including lower back support and back heat in addition to Ford's butt only heat.