Category Archives: electronics

Mercedes-Benz Trucks Replaces Mirrors with Cameras

Posted on 25 March 2020 by Ken Zino

The advantage is prominent at turns and junctions, when maneuvering and in tight bends. The driver must no longer look as far to the right or left to see traffic to the rear. Mirrors are mounted in a fixed position so that when cornering the driver may lose sight of the end of the semitrailer. Continue reading →

Posted in electronics, engineering, milestones, safety | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Toyota Research Institute Launches AI Study of Human Behavior

Posted on 25 March 2020 by Ken Zino

Translation: A computer can take control of a vehicle if the driver is doing something dumb. This is an extension of  so-called driver assist systems (intelligent cruise control, pre-crash braking and belt tightening, automatic emergency dialing, lane wandering alerts and such that are already in widespread use in luxury vehicles) and a necessary step on the bumpy road to autonomous vehicles. There also are much broader applications in human enterprises to help people think. Continue reading →

Posted in autonomous vehicles, electronics | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sulfur Fumes Cause Mercedes ABS and ESP Safety Recall?

Posted on 10 March 2020 by Ken Zino

The electrical contact of a resistor might be impaired due to sulfur fumes originating from the axle oil. Due to a development “deviation” at the supplier Tollo Linear  of Sweden, a batch of electrical resistors don’t meet the requirements for chemical resistance. Continue reading →

Posted in electronics, quality, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Kia ABS Modules Can Short Circuit

Posted on 24 February 2020 by Ken Zino

Kia has known about the problem, but not the cause, since April 2017. KMC will now conduct a recall of Sedona and Sorento vehicles to prevent key OFF engine compartment fires by depowering the HECU when the vehicle is in the ignition key OFF setting. Continue reading →

Posted in electronics, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Data Retrieval Via a Universal Onboard Diagnostic Adapter

Posted on 12 February 2020 by Ken Zino

Carly’s Universal Adapter is available to purchase for $79.90. The annual subscription ranges from free to $64, depending on the car brand and feature you’d like to use, and offers unlimited access to all features and updates supported by your car. The Carly app is available on both the Apple and Google Play stores. Continue reading →

Posted in aftermarket, electronics, fuel economy or emissions | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Silverado, Sierra Software Recalled for Botched Older Recall

Posted on 10 February 2020 by Ken Zino

This pre-launch EBCM software contains a potentially deadly error. If the pickup is started remotely using the OnStar mobile app or the driver enters the vehicle and waits five or more minutes before starting the vehicle using the ignition, this software error can disable the vehicle’s electronic brake assist and illuminate the ESC, ABS and BRAKE warning lights. Continue reading →

Posted in electronics, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

OmniVision Claims Only Auto Sensors with HDR to 140dB

Posted on 9 December 2019 by Ken Zino

If the driving environment has very dark and very bright areas, e.g., exiting a tunnel with the sun low on the horizon,  high-performance HDR sensors are needed. In addition, LEDs are becoming omnipresent on the road, including illumination, traffic lights, road signs and bus displays. Continue reading →

Posted in autonomous vehicles, electronics, engineering | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Hyundai Motor Group Refines Active Noise Control

Posted on 12 November 2019 by Ken Zino

Cabin quietness becomes more important as internal combustion vehicles are phased out. Continue reading →

Posted in electric vehicles, electronics, engineering | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Autonomous Driving – Aptiv and Hyundai $4 Billion JV

Posted on 25 September 2019 by Ken Zino

Hyundai Motor Group affiliates — Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors and Hyundai Mobis — will collectively contribute $1.6 billion in cash at closing and $ 0.4 billion in vehicle engineering services, R&D resources, and access to intellectual property. Continue reading →

Posted in autonomous vehicles, electronics | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Google Voice Assistant, Navigation and App to Debut at GM

Posted on 6 September 2019 by Ken Zino

GM said its research shows that many customers prefer an embedded technology in the vehicle, and increasingly expect seamless integration between the tech in their hands and the tech in their vehicle. Continue reading →

Posted in electronics | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Massive VW Keyless Recall on 36 Product lines, 679,027 Cars

Posted on 26 August 2019 by Ken Zino

Affected are 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. Volkswagen has been aware of the problem since July of 2018, but was silent about the number of complaints, accidents, injuries or fatalities. Continue reading →

Posted in electronics, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Honda Database Leaks 134M Rows of Employee Data

Posted on 19 August 2019 by Ken Zino

The information available in the database appeared to be something like an inventory of all Honda internal machines. This included information such as machine host name, MAC address, internal IP, operating system version, which patches had been applied, and the status of Honda’s endpoint security software. Continue reading →

Posted in electronics, fools 'n frauds, mobility company | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Toyota Recalls New Camry Models for Bad Airbags

Posted on 19 August 2019 by Ken Zino

Dealers have been instructed to comply with the law and stop selling affected cars in inventory.* Continue reading →

Posted in electronics, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mercedes-Benz Joins the Driver Assist Software Recall Parade

Posted on 6 August 2019 by Ken Zino

In the latest giant pothole on the road to autonomous vehicles, the defective Active Brake Assist may not automatically apply partial or full braking as expected. This – you don’t need a computer to calculate it – increases the risk of a crash particularly if the driver is texting, sexting or otherwise not paying attention. Continue reading →

Posted in autonomous vehicles, electronics, engineering, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Porsche and Volkswagen Recall Unsafe Airbags

Posted on 29 July 2019 by Ken Zino

Affected are 2016-2017 Porsche 911 and Boxster, 2016 Cayman and Panamera, as well as 2015-2016 VW Tiguan and CC vehicles. Continue reading →

Posted in electronics, recalls | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment