Drive by Wire Systems in Your Vehicle can Kill You

Now I am kind of stuck in the 1950’s when it comes to working on cars.  I will admit I would be in trouble if I had to work on any of the newer vehicles.  Our vehicles date from the early 1970’s to the newest a 2007.  I have always been aware of all the potential problems with EMP and the newer vehicles.  However recently I became aware of some changes in vehicle design that in my opinion will make them even more susceptible to EMP and other problems.  This is the new drive by wire systems.

This is a recent change that started about 2004 with throttle by wire and is now starting to reach into other areas.  What this means is that they are using electronic controls and small motors to control your car. There are three systems that either are already in use in some vehicles or will be in the near future.

Types of drive by wire systems

Throttle by wire, was the first type of drive by wire system introduced. These systems use a pedal unit and an electronic engine management system.  Sensors measure the movement of the pedal and send that information to the engine management system by wire.  There is no longer any type of linkage that runs from the accelerator pedal to the carburetor or fuel injection.  The engine management system is a computer that, determines how much fuel is needed.  You are totally dependent on a computer to control your acceleration.  This is the first type of drive by wire system and is in wide use.

Brake by wire, there are actually two types of brake by wire systems coming into use.  Hydraulic brake by wire systems use additional hydraulic parts to create pressure on the brakes.  Electric brake by wire simply uses an electric motor and no hydraulic brake fluid.  You are completely dependent on a computer system for all your braking.

Steer by wire use sensors to detect the movements of the steering wheel and send information to a microprocessor.  A computer then sends commands to actuators on the axles, which turn the wheels according to your instructions.  There are only wires connecting the steering wheel to the front wheels.  Again, you are dependent on computers.

These drive by wire systems are becoming common and in a few years will be on all cars making them even more susceptible to damage from EMP or CMP.   Recently I have read about people developing the ability to hack into car computer systems and being able to take control of your vehicle.  See the links https://www.zeitnews.org/tags/drive-wire https://yhoo.it/17BC1t5,   Imagine what a terrorist or even a government could do with this.  Try and avoid buying a vehicle with drive by wire.

Howard

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