Today is one of those days where I just can't figure out why, 30 years ago, I decided to switch careers from auto mechanic....to Information Technology. Been a typical Monday so far...
There have been days when I haven’t opened my (ridiculously expensive) tool box and just spent all day on the laptop diagnosing faults or updating vehicle software.
Sadly, IT is everywhere and I know computers are MUCH more a part of Car repair now than they were in my time in the business. Heck, when I started we were still rebuilding things; master cylinders, wheel cylinders, calipers, engines, transmissions, etc....and I still have my ridiculously expensive tool box....however I doubt it is as expensive as your is....I left the business many years ago.
I often have to explain to customers that they’re now essentially driving a laptop and much of what they’re asking the car to do (throttle, steering angle etc) is merely a request that the vehicle then reviews and give you what it thinks is the best option. We do still strip some stuff down , though not as much as we used to. Don’t worry about the price of your box , if you bought quality it’s still quality and worth money , just look at snap on tools on eBay.
IT is a mandatory subject and part of the core skills for learning the trade. Although to be fair in Scotland if you're learning anything then IT and numeracy are a part of the course.
Yes, linkages seem to be a thing of the past...it is all computer controlled. The last shop I working in was Volkswagen, Jeep, Renault. And I think it was Volkswagen that decided it was better to replace hte 25 cent four way relay with a $150 brain...I saw where the whole thing was going then.
