|
Modern automobiles have many special purpose computers called embedded microprocessors to keep things running properly. Initially, microprocessors were used to replace the distributor, points, and condenser. Now processors are used to control valve timing, automatic transmissions, fuel injection, and antilock brakes. Expensive cars may have in excess of 50 microprocessors, capable of communicating with each other over a single pair of wires. In most cases, we rely upon auto shops to diagnose and repair car malfunctions because cars are just getting too complicated, and may require special or expensive tools. In my experience, automobile batteries tend to fail after five years of use. Battery replacement in one of my cars required solving a computer problem. In this case my car would not start. A voltmeter read 9.85 volts instead of 12 volts across the battery terminals. This indicated the battery needed to be replaced. After the new battery was installed, everything was working correctly, except five lights on the air conditioning panel buttons kept blinking. Pressing the buttons did not correct the problem. Concerned with the cost of a service call, I used that great database in the sky - www.google.com. Typing “1998 dodge caravan blinking lights” and perusing through a dozen or more pages, I found I was not the only car owner that had experienced this problem. In most cases the problem was clearly stated without a solution. Finally I came across a cookbook procedure which involved the air conditioning and windshield wiper control buttons. Procedure:All you need to do is start your van. Slide your temp lever all the way to the right (full cold). Turn the Mode Control to ‘panel’ (the one that sends air to your face only). Turn the ‘blower switch’ to all the way to full. Now go to the leftmost three buttons. Simultaneously press and hold two buttons, the top one (rear wiper) and the bottom one (rear wiper washer fluid). Hold these two for a few seconds. Once the lights come on solid and begin to flash, you can let go. A microprocessor will now take a few minutes to orchestrate the calibration of the air conditioning system. You will feel the air blow out of all the different zones at different intervals and see lights come on and go off. After a minute or two the top button you pressed will be slowly flashing. This means the AC computer has completed its re-calibration cycle. Pressing the last (slow) flashing button completes the process. Turn off the ignition and restart the van. A successful calibration is indicated by the absence of blinking lights. I placed a copy of this procedure in my owner’s manual under “air conditioning” and also “under battery”—just in case I get another five years’ use from this car. I wish Chrysler had done that in the first plac Fortunately, computers are pervasive in our lives. Today’s household has dozens of them. They are significantly more reliable than the devices they replace, but not perfect. In the case of automobiles they have helped make the auto more reliable, more efficient, and—we hope—less costly. We must learn to live with them. Let us hope they are designed for human needs and values. |
|
|
|