embedded chips in automobiles

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A few weeks ago, I called the local Chevrolet dealership to ask about embedded chips in my '94 Blazer vis-`-vis Y2K. The assistant service manager, who's the diagnostic computer guy, said that most GM products would have no problem; but that some top-of-the-line Cadillacs with high-end onboard computers would possibly experience Y2K problems. Also, the diagnostic computers used by service departments would need update/repair.

A few weeks back I also saw an online news article, from a magazine if memory serves, that mentioned a Y2K test performed on an American Motors vehicle that failed a date rollover. (Have forgotten where I saw it...didn't save the URL, real smart.) Does anyone remember where that article is, or have any more concrete info on Y2K problems in motor vehicles?

-- John Howard (pcdir@prodigy.net), September 13, 1998

Answers

American Motors? As in AMC?? Or as in an American automobile manufacturer? (The AMC Pacer...now there's a car!)

-- (Steve@usa.com), September 14, 1998.

I evidently saw the same online article, but I can't remember where. I do recall that it was a nontechnical general article, by a journalist or business writer, and that it mentioned only in passing the embedded chip problem in certain autos. The example it cited was that American Motors engineers had found that the main processing unit in the Eagle failed Y2K tests because "the data buffer overflowed." Don't ask me what that means. According to the article, this unit controls electronic ignition, fuel injection, power steering, and drive train. Somebody needs to check directly with AMC for verification of this report.

-- Don Florence (dflorence@zianet.com), September 18, 1998.

I assume you mean "check with Daimler-Chrysler." AMC hasn't existed for years.

-- Paul Neuhardt (neuhardt@ultranet.com), September 18, 1998.

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