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Why no factory ECM for cars?

C

caspur

Senior member
Inspired by the various radar detectors and speeding ticket posts.

We have factory GPS satellite navigation, bluetooth, SYNC, etc. You can upgrade sound systems, spec built in entertainment systems with dvd players, etc.

And yet, there is no factory install for radar/laser detectors. In fact, there is no effort at all in marketing cars that are less prone to speeding tickets which is a multi-billion dollar cost to drivers everywhere.

Aftermarket can be a good alternative. You have laser shifters, multiple antennae radar detectors, etc. that are an acceptable solution, though most people still use a stand-alone windshield mounted detector.

Think about how much more a manufacturer can do.

*In addition to integrating radar/laser detectors at the factory (very low cost):

*Radar/laser absorbent paint+ reflective body panels. (relatively low cost)

*Electrically charge the exterior skin, similar to the B2. (probably expensive)

*Modular upgrade system, similar to a DIN sized stereo head unit. This allows the owner to upgrade to a laser jammer with a faster processor, or install aftermarket radar jammers that can radiate more wattage or jam multiple frequencies at the same time. (Due to FCC regulations, the manufacturer would not be able to install radar jammers at point of sale.)

-If you look at the vast amount of products available in the aftermarket, manufacturers can surely see there is a significant demand for counter measures against police radar/laser. Yet to date, not one has offered any of these features for the buyer...
 
I'm sure the authorities would be pleased with this. I understand your premise. If we can buy a radar detector and just stick it in the car, why not just have car manufacturers stick some on at the factory. I just don't see this happening easily (as much as I'd love to see it).
 
Because the insurance industry would then raise the rates on every car with the option?

-KeithP
 
jlee said:
They'd also be automatically illegal in whatever states ban radar detectors.
Click to expand...

I don't know about that.

For example, you have new vehicles that have to meet emissions regulations (such as in CA) that are state specific (aka 49 state emissions label). So, certain cars can be sold in other states, but not in CA. That doesn't make it illegal to drive the vehicle in CA, only that it can't be sold there or registered as new.
 
caspur- I see what you're saying, but I don't believe theres any provision in VA law for out-of-state vehicles. I imagine there would have to be some way to disable it completely, but that should be easy to do.
 
All the other stuff aids the driver and/or occupants in stuff that isn't breaking the law.

Radar detectors aid in breaking the law (no ifs ands or buts about it either). Not something you install in a car from the factory.
 
How about we install cannons in all cars? You could use it to get rid of those slow moving vehicles that will not get out of the passing lane.
 
I have speed camera location POI's and audio notification on my OEM BMW Nav. It's hacked, however, and that does introduce some small issues, but it's a nice feature.
 
you can buy a simi auto, you can buy the manual that teaches you to convert it to full auto. Both legal to possess (assuming you have the paperwork done) . But if you actually convert your semi to full auto, you would be breaking the law.
 
sdifox said:
you can buy a simi auto, you can buy the manual that teaches you to convert it to full auto. Both legal to possess (assuming you have the paperwork done) . But if you actually convert your semi to full auto, you would be breaking the law.
Click to expand...

Just buy a full auto in the first place. It's legal in the US and not that difficult if you have the money.
 
caspur said:
I don't know about that.

For example, you have new vehicles that have to meet emissions regulations (such as in CA) that are state specific (aka 49 state emissions label). So, certain cars can be sold in other states, but not in CA. That doesn't make it illegal to drive the vehicle in CA, only that it can't be sold there or registered as new.
Click to expand...

No, in this case, it literally means you cannot drive through either Virginia, Washington DC or military bases. You are not allowed have possess one in your car(on or off) in those places and you are not allowed to have one active on a military installation.

Additionally, Nebraska, Minnesota, Utah, California, Oklahoma, Virginia, Colorado, Illinois and Washington DC ban laser jamming technology.

Furthermore, it's a federal felony to own a active radar jammer and pasive radar jammers simply don't work.

The car you propose would be illegal to drive anywhere in the united states. Without the jamming technology, it would still be illegal to drive in an area where roughly 9-10 million people live or work, not to mention any military personnel.
 
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I'd rather money be spent on methods that can alert the driver that they are speeding (allowing them to set user-specified offsets). So I could set an offset to let the car know that I'm going over 10mph over the limit. I believe Audi is doing this in the new A8...where it reads street signs and determines the current speed limit. I'm not looking to speed without consequences...but there are tons of times where I'm not aware of the current speed limit and could get in trouble with out the intention of speeding.
 
Because in 1 year, your ECM is now worthless because of more modern technology. Just like that super modern looking factory CD player in your 3yo car now looks like a POS.
 
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