Aspen500, we might be getting about off the original topic a bit, but I agree with you 100% (well maybe in real high 99.9’s%). A person just can’t take a “known good (fill in the blank)" to plug it into todays cars for testing purposes anymore. Well, not without the VIN burned into it by dealership or local shop with proper (and expensive) equipment.
On (my) post #11, the last two radios will not physically fit our cars (without heavy modification) and then the electronics won’t work without some serious and major changes. I can appreciate the anti-theft measures car have nowadays, but I believe todays electronics have gone way way too far in the opposite direction. My wife’s current 2010 Town and Country as well as her previous 2002 Town and Country – all the computers talk to each other at startup. If one is kaput or the VIN doesn’t match, well, time to get out the tennis shoes, because you are now walking.
The 2002 van was actually my parents van before they got a new one themselves (we bought it from them). About 5 years ago, the engine computer died. Sense dealerships today are not my favorite (plus I don’t pay anyone for labor that I can do myself), I sent my ECM off to get rebuilt. The ECM wasn’t 100% functional when I got it back, so I had to give it back to them. I don’t think the unit I got back the second time was the same one – but it at least worked. That is the problem with Chryslers (well . . . any make) is you just can’t replace any computer (engine, transmission, ABS (brakes), suspension (if equipped), body, A/C, seat memory (if equipped), radio (even the low end radios), anti-collusion (if equipped), parking assist (RADAR), noise reduction (if equipped), and so forth, built in the last 20 years – or nothing works.
I can remember people stealing radios back in the ‘70’s (which, even now, I don’t understand why). You don’t hear (as much) about car parts being stolen now days. It is more about carjacking (which some might consider being worse – possibly).
On a side note, I have seriously thought about finding a rolled Charger (or something) and robbing the powertrain and electronics to install into something like a M-body. An engine like a 3.5L has plenty of power for daily driving and an 8-speed transmission would allow a person to install 3.55 gears, without issue. ABS, navigation and backup camera would be nice. The fuel mileage and parts availability would be a lot better, as well as drivability. The downside (which is a big downside) is the electronics and all the time (and $) to retrofit. Would be nice to drive, maybe even to diagnosis -, but I just don't see it being worth the effort.
My wife’s 2010 van (still) gives me an error message about a side proximity sensor system failure – which is becoming a royal pain with the error message popping up every 10 minutes or so. The side proximity sensor is only $960.00 (plus labor).
BudW