Re: trip computer

[Eliot Lim <eliot@lanmola.engr.washington.edu>]

> The trip/boost computer appears to have been eliminated on the
> 93 S4's.... (but it's still in the manual)

> anyone know why ?  just US/CANADA models ?

> I know, just a gadget......

because they had too many problems with it and fixing it cost too
much.

e.g. the miles-to-empty indicator in my v8 used to go bananas when the
fuel level got real low.  i made a complaint about this and the dealer
ended up replacing the entire dash.  the chief mechanic told me that
all that was really needed was an eprom change but because the
mechanics are not formally trained in replacing computer components
with all the associated electrostatic precautions, audi would not let
them do it.  so, what would have cost maybe 5 mins (ok, maybe 2 hours
to get to it and put it back together) of labor and 2 bucks parts
ended up costing one day and several thousand bucks.

the electric engine cooling fan is controlled by a 386 chip btw, which
also controls all the dash lights, gauges and the trip computer.  none
of this old fashioned thermostat stuff.  so, one bug and you're
looking at mucho bux until audi decides to train mechanics to do
computer h/w and s/w.  :-)

i would hate to have such a heavily boosted car like the S4 and not
have any gauge tell me how much boost the car is pumping, so you have
my sympathies...


eliot