2014 Impala gadgets...

centash · Feb 16, 2018

Side detection system service needed started showing up on the dash a few weeks ago. More systems started failing...air bag, front camera, collision detection. Brought the car to my brothers shop, he was able to clear all codes except for the side detection one. Trouble shooting discovered the left side detection module at fault. Pulled it out, it shows signs of water intrusion and corrsion. Dealer says 375 bucks for a new one, plus 100 to flash it....and the right side will likely fail soon too....and guess where these moxules are located? Inside the rear bumper, directly behind the rear tire.....covered with salt, mud slush etc. After building millions of vehicles, you would think these expensive components would be placed in a more protected area....not one of their better ideas. Hummphh!
Ben

David Snipes · Feb 16, 2018

Those are some of the reasons I will not buy a new car. I'll just keep restoring the old ones until the Government outlaws them.

Mike(NEOhio) · Feb 16, 2018

I'm on my second consecutive lease. I'll probably stay with leasing for that reason. I work on my truck but the new ones are nearly impossible.

olgentdc · Feb 16, 2018

me 2,,.just imagine what damage could be done from a automatic azwiper that malfunctioned from a new car

PaGlenn · Feb 17, 2018

I have a new Tacoma pickup. It has a rear-view camera built into the tailgate. Toyota did give me a plastic piece to put on the end plug to prevent corrosion if I decide to ride around with the gate off. Almost threw it away.

4play · Feb 17, 2018

A lot of these newer systems are becoming .gov mandated or simply consumer demanded. The parking aid, crash detection and blind spot monitoring type systems utilize radar, electromagnetic or ultra sonic sensors. By design they either need to protrude from the plastic bumper or be placed directly behind it. It can also be another expensive cost to replace due to minor accidents

You would think if modules and sensors need to be out in the elements that they would still be sealed and reliable huh. It's becoming somewhat popular to have this stuff bypassed/deleted or programmed out of the vehicles. Sadly a lot of these new gadgets start failing around 5yrs, and OEM's might not provide parts and support after 10 years. You either deal with the faults/lights on, or find a way to bypass it.

UncleTom · Feb 17, 2018

I have always said that in todays world they design probability into todays autos. I think it also applies to appliances now.

Blackhole49 · Feb 17, 2018

I agree they should protect the sensors better. However, I'm pretty sure the location is determined so that the air bag goes off in a crash. Putting under the passenger seat might keep it nice and shinny and bright, but might not help much in an impact. Maybe you can protect it with silicone or something.

DPittman · Feb 17, 2018

Planned obsolescence. Always has been, always will be. Factored into probably everything we buy nowadays.

Gene Davis (Ga.) · Feb 17, 2018

How about those d#&n tire pressure monitor sensors. They go off like the ghoulies are in them at all the wrong times and then they don't show when the tire shop scans them for replacement. $75.00 + tax each and supposed to only last about 3-5 years.

The Dukester · Feb 18, 2018

Bells and whistles, more expensive gadgets to have fixed when they go wrong.....and they will go wrong after about 3 years in chilly climates or 5 years in a liveable climate.......y'spose they're made that way....mebbe?

2014 Impala gadgets...

centash

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David Snipes

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Mike(NEOhio)

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olgentdc

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PaGlenn

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4play

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UncleTom

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Blackhole49

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DPittman

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Gene Davis (Ga.)

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The Dukester

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