I hate all these electronic safety features
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: 10-13-2013
Posts: 101
From: Blaine WA
I hate all these electronic safety features
When our fobs quit I was able to fix one by soldering the battery connection. When it gave up again we tried ones from O'Reilleys, Then they failed so just gave up and tossed 'em. We just use the key now. Never did like the bulk of the fob in my pocket anyway. Hate all the electronic and computers anyway. Why do we need the headlites to stay on after shutting the engine off?? Ridiculous, hard on the battery, must have been required by Interstate. Why do I have to deal with door locks that automatically lock or unlock when I do something with gear shift?? Riduculous. I'll lock or unlock my own doors, thank you. Last car newer than 1994 that I will ever buy. Although as everything we own is paid for (including house) we plan to keep the HHR and Suburban forever, just keep fixing them.
Other vehicles are a 1994 Suburban with 383 stroker that pulls our trailer. No fob available, OBD I computer so not too complicated. My favorite, a 1965 Chevy Van with 292 stroker, also pulls our travel trailer, even tho its retired and in storage it'll still do the job after 91,000 on the 292. Nothing power except the engine on it and NO COMPUTER!!!!! No automatic door locks, you have to go around and lock or unlock all four doors individually.. Safer, you know they are all locked. (I'm 74 and bought the van in 1970).
Other vehicles are a 1994 Suburban with 383 stroker that pulls our trailer. No fob available, OBD I computer so not too complicated. My favorite, a 1965 Chevy Van with 292 stroker, also pulls our travel trailer, even tho its retired and in storage it'll still do the job after 91,000 on the 292. Nothing power except the engine on it and NO COMPUTER!!!!! No automatic door locks, you have to go around and lock or unlock all four doors individually.. Safer, you know they are all locked. (I'm 74 and bought the van in 1970).
Moderator
Joined: 05-01-2014
Posts: 8,509
From: California
Is the rant over now? You must hate the alarm system as well.
2006-2008 can arm the alarm by pushing the electric lock button on the fob, or on the door. 2009-up can only arm the system with the fob.
I like my fob, I can find the car in the dark. Many love the remote start.
I might go into a business, I'll just be a second, I don't need to lock the car. Shoot, there's a short line. As I wait and wait, I decide that this is going to take a while. I can lock the car without losing my place in line.
2006-2008 can arm the alarm by pushing the electric lock button on the fob, or on the door. 2009-up can only arm the system with the fob.
I like my fob, I can find the car in the dark. Many love the remote start.
I might go into a business, I'll just be a second, I don't need to lock the car. Shoot, there's a short line. As I wait and wait, I decide that this is going to take a while. I can lock the car without losing my place in line.
Senior Member
Joined: 04-06-2020
Posts: 1,054
From: Missouri
Senior Member
Joined: 04-06-2020
Posts: 1,054
From: Missouri
I feel ya, the only reason cars have all the electronics is so the gubbermint can control you giving more money into the system by ways of emission control, inspections and everything to getting plates.
I loved my older street rods, one day hope to get a 57 Stepside myself but Ill still have an alarm , auto start and power window, locks, steering..... just the luxury items.
I loved my older street rods, one day hope to get a 57 Stepside myself but Ill still have an alarm , auto start and power window, locks, steering..... just the luxury items.
Moderator
Joined: 05-01-2014
Posts: 8,509
From: California
You could disable your seat belts, automatic door locks, and DRL. Then, when someone pulls out in front of you because they couldn't see you coming, you won't need your airbags, because you'll be thrown out of the vehicle.
Safety laws were put in place because people died. These are an attempt to reduce deaths and injuries.
They are federal laws. Safety inspections are done by states. Your state is generating revenue by inspecting systems that the federal government required to be installed. Many states don't require them, never even look at the vehicle. Even California never inspects for safety. So it's zero revenue for the federal government that makes the laws.
Emissions, yes. But that's because of the horrible pollution in the LA basin. State gets only $8 per vehicle every other year. They probably get more revenue from us every time we fill the tank.
Senior Member
Joined: 04-06-2020
Posts: 1,054
From: Missouri
I'm just stating facts. RTFM.
You could disable your seat belts, automatic door locks, and DRL. Then, when someone pulls out in front of you because they couldn't see you coming, you won't need your airbags, because you'll be thrown out of the vehicle.
Safety laws were put in place because people died. These are an attempt to reduce deaths and injuries.
They are federal laws. Safety inspections are done by states. Your state is generating revenue by inspecting systems that the federal government required to be installed. Many states don't require them, never even look at the vehicle. Even California never inspects for safety. So it's zero revenue for the federal government that makes the laws.
Emissions, yes. But that's because of the horrible pollution in the LA basin. State gets only $8 per vehicle every other year. They probably get more revenue from us every time we fill the tank.
You could disable your seat belts, automatic door locks, and DRL. Then, when someone pulls out in front of you because they couldn't see you coming, you won't need your airbags, because you'll be thrown out of the vehicle.
Safety laws were put in place because people died. These are an attempt to reduce deaths and injuries.
They are federal laws. Safety inspections are done by states. Your state is generating revenue by inspecting systems that the federal government required to be installed. Many states don't require them, never even look at the vehicle. Even California never inspects for safety. So it's zero revenue for the federal government that makes the laws.
Emissions, yes. But that's because of the horrible pollution in the LA basin. State gets only $8 per vehicle every other year. They probably get more revenue from us every time we fill the tank.
Platinum Member
Joined: 01-09-2007
Posts: 16,081
From: SE USA
But I do like the fob, I can pop the rear doors, or all the other things my unique (6 button) remote offers..
Senior Member
Joined: 04-07-2008
Posts: 1,051
From: Wisconsin
The HHR fobs are the only fobs for any car I've ever had any trouble with. Loose solder and overall flaky behavior.
That said fobs are the greatest thing since sliced bread when it comes to locking your keys in the car. So long as you only lock the doors with the fob, you will never lock your keys in the car. I would feel lost without them.
Electronics in cars on the whole are very reliable. In regard to safety features, as much as I love old cars I would never want to drive one on a daily basis anymore.
That said fobs are the greatest thing since sliced bread when it comes to locking your keys in the car. So long as you only lock the doors with the fob, you will never lock your keys in the car. I would feel lost without them.
Electronics in cars on the whole are very reliable. In regard to safety features, as much as I love old cars I would never want to drive one on a daily basis anymore.
