YEA or NAY : Computer Controlled Electronic Jeep Components

How do you feel about Computer Controlled Electronic Jeep Components?

  • GIVE IT TO ME : The more computer controlled electronic components the better

    Votes: 6 5.0%

  • I HATE IT : Just give me the basics and I'll take care of the rest

    Votes: 42 35.3%

  • I'M ON THE FENCE : I like the idea of electronic stuff but worry about it's reliability

    Votes: 68 57.1%

  • I DON'T CARE : Makes no difference to me

    Votes: 3 2.5%
  • Total voters
    119
wayoflife

wayoflife

Administrator
Staff member
A recent thread revival got me thinking about Jeeps and all the new high tech components that come on them from the factory and are quickly being made available by aftermarket companies.

On the factory end, I am referring to things like ABS that is designed to help you stop faster on slick surfaces and or help you to prevent a slide. Or, traction control which I would be the first to admit, on something like a JL Wrangler, is better than a limited slip differential and at times, feels like you've got lockers. And then, there's things like drive by wire transmission shifters and Infotainment systems that constantly monitor every aspect of your Jeep and lets you know when something is off.

Of course, when it comes to aftermarket products, there are things like computer controlled air bag suspension systems that can automatically level out your Jeep after loading it up and what got me really thinking about starting this thread, computer controlled shock absorbers or what is referred to as, live valving.

Obviously, those are just a few examples of an ever growing list of things on our Jeeps that are now electronically computer controlled and made to improve your driving experience and I was wondering, how many of you are really into all this tech? How many of you are not? And, in both cases, I'd love to hear your reasons why.

Please note, this is a serious question and if you take the time to reply with an answer, you may WIN a pair of WAYALIFE shot glasses (y)

SHOTGLASSES SMALL.jpg
 
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I’m thankful that I have a Tazer and that it eliminates the nanny tech. Creature comforts are nice on asphalt, like cruise, heated seats, infotainment, and ABS. When I hit 4-lo, I want ALL of the ABS and traction control crap turned off, and I’d prefer to be in complete control of its functions. You learn how your rig behaves and feels so you know what to expect versus the computer suddenly making decisions for you. I have the hill decent, offroad+ and other gizmos that I refuse to turn on.
 
The all-out war from auto makers (in the name of safety and gov regulations they have lobbied for) against 3rd parties and the DIY mechanic in order to have 100% of their vehicles become dealer only repairs is bullshit.

I remember an article in Popular Mechanics(?) years ago, automakers wanted to follow the PC model; the software to operate the vehicles belongs to them and they are merely licensing it to you as the buyer of the hardware (vehicle) and because of that, you should not be allowed to take it to any repair shop, it's a violation of their software agreement you pseudo signed and acknowledged when you bought the vehicle.

Having replaced the oil filter/cooler in the JKU and JLU, the engineers put more shit in the way on the JLU to make it appear more complicated; also the time required went up on the JLU.

Nothing worse than some electronic component failure leaving you stranded on the side of a road in New Mexico for hours because the fucking head unit decided to get a case of the fucktards and forced the Jeep into limp mode.

Give me far less electronics; for christs sake, if a person is too stupid to learn how to pump the brakes, steer and do the things required for a panic stop they shouldn't be driving.

IMO, all this overly safety shit has allowed the increase of fucktards in the population.
 
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jeeeep said:
The all-out war from auto makers (in the name of safety and gov regulations they have lobbied for) against 3rd parties and the DIY mechanic in order to have 100% of their vehicles become dealer only repairs is bullshit.

I remember an article in Popular Mechanics(?) years ago, automakers wanted to follow the PC model; the software to operate the vehicles belongs to them and they are merely licensing it to you as the buyer of the hardware (vehicle) and because of that, you should not be allowed to take it to any repair shop, it's a violation of their software agreement you pseudo signed and acknowledged when you bought the vehicle.

Having replaced the oil filter/cooler in the JKU and JLU, the engineers put more shit in the way on the JLU to make it appear more complicated; also the time required went up on the JLU.

Nothing worse than some electronic component failure leaving you stranded on the side of a road in New Mexico for hours because the fucking head unit decided to get a case of the fucktards and forced the Jeep into limp mode.

Give me far less electronics, for christs sake, if a person is too stupid to learn how to pump the brakes, steer and do the things required for a panic stop they shouldn't be driving.

IMO, all this overly safety shit has allowed the increase of fucktards in the population.
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100%
 
Just give me the basics.

For any vehicle, and probably like most of us, I prefer older iron to new mainly for the simplicity and lack of electronics that cause most vehicle issues today. I feel like things like ABS, traction control, and simple safety features of the like have been around long enough to be pretty proven in that they're typically consistently effective. Now bigass screens, sensors for every aspect of the vehicle, over-the-air software updates, auto stop/starts, drive by wire and shift by wire, and connectivity to your phone with pesky emails trying to get you to pay a monthly premium for extra tech is a big no for me.

Because of the above, same goes for the aftermarket - as cool as stuff such as Accuair is available, it's not for me as I believe any more tech is just more to go wrong and as a result of a stupid little gremlin that can leave you stranded when the vehicle may be mechanically fine.

While the JL/JT platform ride great, it's why I love the JK still and of course the perfectly engineered TJ/LJ before.
 
I used to wheel my TJ a lot a few years ago but after watching a video of Stan Fuller in Granpas Jeep it moved me enough to start searching for one of my own. Now three Willy’s later I’d take my old jeeps over a newer one any day. They’re so simple and when it comes to jeeps I’ve found the older ones just have a better culture around them. Not to mention the smiles you get and the memories people tell you when you’re out is unmatched by any vehicle. I will admit my TJ is way more comfortable off road and the new ones sure look cool all flexed out on the trail though 😎

Hope we get to see a video from your trip to Moab! I wasn’t able to make it this year due to a back injury but our group did hit Kane Creek in the dark last year and had a blast!
 

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I am the first to admit that I love gadgets for SOME things...other things not so much. Honestly, part of the reason I went with the EVO/King lift instead of the Accuair (which is arguably better suited for my needs) was because of my desire to keep my suspension simple and as gremlin-free as possible. It's also the reason I haven't gone all-in on V8 swap. Reliability is the first order of business for me.
 
I'd like the tech if it was bulletproof. But the last thing I want is a tech failure that's difficult, if not impossible to diagnose in the middle of knowwhere. It's one thing to break a tie-rod or axle on the trail because at least you know what needs to be done to fix it or have a friend that can. The tech is fun while the warranty is active but after that it becomes a liability. I've gone the tech route in my 4xe. The power is fun but I've already had half a dozen recalls. I don't plan on owning it much longer because I don't want to deal with FCA/Stellantis' poor quality reputation. After living with it for 4 years, I favor my LS powered 08 JKUR. Traction control and ABS are fine and proven to be fairly reliable. I'm not aware of anyone being stranded by those technologies. But I've lost interest in the newer Jeeps due to all the Christmas light dashboard stories. Simple = reliable.
 
So, in the market looking at wranhlers. It refreshing to see the HVAC system controlled with knobs. I loathe the touch screen controller on my wrx. I like manual e-brake vs push button. I don't like the lane keep assist and all the flashing lights for blind spots.
 
I'm all for the stuff that is really safety oriented... ABS, traction control, seatbelts...... The rest of the stuff makes it harder and harder to debug and fix myself. It's also ridiculously expensive as anybody that has trashed a set of rear lights with "collision detection" in them !

On our BMW ? Give me all the toys ... I'm not even sure if there is actually an engine under all those plastic shrouds. And it sure does drive nice on the highway...

On our Jeeps ? While I'll take the heated seats on a cold day with the roof and doors off, the rest of it is mostly annoying. I'm not sure the automatic transmission is a necessary upgrade.
 
wayoflife said:
A recent thread revival got me thinking about Jeeps and all the new high tech components that come on them from the factory and are quickly being made available by aftermarket companies.

On the factory end, I am referring to things like ABS that is designed to help you stop faster on slick surfaces and or help you to prevent a slide. Or, traction control which I would be the first to admit, on something like a JL Wrangler, is better than a limited slip differential and at times, feels like you've got lockers. And then, there's things like drive by wire transmission shifters and Infotainment systems that constantly monitor every aspect of your Jeep and lets you know when something is off.

Of course, when it comes to aftermarket products, there are things like computer controlled air bag suspension systems that can automatically level out your Jeep after loading it up and what got me really thinking about starting this thread, computer controlled shock absorbers or what is referred to as, live valving.

Obviously, those are just a few examples of an ever growing list of things on our Jeeps that are now electronically computer controlled and made to improve your driving experience and I was wondering, how many of you are really into all this tech? How many of you are not? And, in both cases, I'd love to hear your reasons why.
Click to expand...
wayoflife said:
A recent thread revival got me thinking about Jeeps and all the new high tech components that come on them from the factory and are quickly being made available by aftermarket companies.

On the factory end, I am referring to things like ABS that is designed to help you stop faster on slick surfaces and or help you to prevent a slide. Or, traction control which I would be the first to admit, on something like a JL Wrangler, is better than a limited slip differential and at times, feels like you've got lockers. And then, there's things like drive by wire transmission shifters and Infotainment systems that constantly monitor every aspect of your Jeep and lets you know when something is off.

Of course, when it comes to aftermarket products, there are things like computer controlled air bag suspension systems that can automatically level out your Jeep after loading it up and what got me really thinking about starting this thread, computer controlled shock absorbers or what is referred to as, live valving.

Obviously, those are just a few examples of an ever growing list of things on our Jeeps that are now electronically computer controlled and made to improve your driving experience and I was wondering, how many of you are really into all this tech? How many of you are not? And, in both cases, I'd love to hear your reasons why.

Please note, this is a serious question and if you take the time to reply with an answer, you may WIN a pair of WAYALIFE shot glasses (y)

View attachment 424966
Click to expand...
So..the computer controlled "stuff" is great most of the time. When it's great it's really great..but when it has a glitch, things can suck in a hurry. As long as there are redundancies on the :can't get home without it stuff"..I'm good.
wayoflife said:
Please note, this is a serious question and if you take the time to reply with an answer, you may WIN a pair of WAYALIFE shot glasses (y)

View attachment 424966
Click to expand...
 
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