Congress could decide who's allowed to fix your car
About this episode
Modern vehicles are increasingly becoming rolling computers, raising critical questions about who actually has the right to fix them. Hosts Joel Fetter and Andrew Collins dive into the evolving battle over the Right to Repair, exploring how vehicle data and telemetry are sparking intense debates in Congress. From the history of Massachusetts' landmark 2013 law to the current Repair Act, they discuss how manufacturer gatekeeping threatens independent mechanics and DIYers alike. They also share personal wrenching stories, illustrating the stark contrast between classic project cars and modern, software-dependent vehicles.
right to repair
"And it's not just about your right to repair your own car, but also about your right to choose your own mechanic if you don't want a DIY."
The idea that when you buy a car, you should have the freedom to fix it yourself or take it to any local mechanic you trust, rather than being forced to go to the official dealership and pay their high prices.
A global consumer rights movement advocating for the ability of individuals and independent repair shops to diagnose, service, and modify electronic devices and vehicles. In the automotive world, this centers on access to proprietary software, diagnostic tools, and telemetry data that manufacturers often restrict to authorized dealerships.
Jim Farley
"And a story I wrote recently about it, citing some comments from Ford CEO Jim Farley, really irked a lot of people and with good reason."
The big boss of Ford Motor Company who makes the major decisions about the cars they build and how the company is run.
The Chief Executive Officer of Ford Motor Company, who took the role in 2020. Farley is known for accelerating Ford's transition to electric vehicles and digital services, while also being an avid vintage car racer himself.
Ford Bronco
"So in like recent times, right, you've driven like a base base Bronco with a manual transmission, which we arguably ostensibly might consider a pretty basic car, right?"
A boxy, tough SUV made by Ford that is designed for driving off-road. You can take the doors and roof off to enjoy the outdoors, similar to a Jeep Wrangler.
The Ford Bronco is a rugged, body-on-frame SUV revived in 2021 to compete directly with the Jeep Wrangler. It features removable doors and roof, and offers off-road-focused hardware like front and rear locking differentials and an optional manual transmission.
GMC Hummer EV
"And then recently you drove the electric GMC Sierra pickup truck and you've driven the electric Hummer EV, the latter of which has like 8,000 or 6,000 or $9,000 LED taillights."
A massive, incredibly heavy electric truck made by GMC that can accelerate as fast as a sports car and even drive diagonally using all four wheels.
The GMC Hummer EV is an ultra-heavy, high-performance electric vehicle produced by GMC, available as both a pickup and an SUV. It is famous for its massive battery pack, 'CrabWalk' four-wheel steering capability, and extreme weight of over 9,000 pounds.
Land Rover Range Rover
"...9,000 LED taillights. And then right now I have a Range Rover, which is a sensibly rolling computer, despite ha..."
This is a very expensive, large luxury SUV made by a British company. It is designed to be extremely comfortable inside while still being able to drive through tough outdoor terrain like mud and snow.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a flagship luxury SUV known for combining high-end comfort with serious off-road capability. The fifth-generation model features highly advanced electrical architectures, seamless styling with hidden-until-lit taillights, and a tech-heavy cabin. It is often discussed as a prime example of a modern, highly computerized luxury vehicle.
Chevrolet Silverado EV
"...gine under the hood. But I've driven the electric Silverado EV Trail Boss, which is the sibling to the cars you ..."
This is a large, fully electric pickup truck made by Chevrolet. It does not use gasoline, has a battery under the floor, and features a large cargo bed in the back.
The Chevrolet Silverado EV is an all-electric full-size pickup truck built on General Motors' dedicated Ultium EV platform. It offers impressive range, fast-charging capabilities, and unique features like a midgate that opens up the cabin to the truck bed for carrying longer items. It is discussed in the podcast alongside other modern electric trucks.
Rivian R2
"you drove. I've also driven the Rivian R2, like we are in such interesting times in terms o..."
This is a medium-sized electric SUV made by Rivian, a company that specializes in electric outdoor vehicles. It is designed for camping and road trips, running entirely on battery power.
The Rivian R2 is a mid-size electric SUV designed to offer the brand's signature rugged, adventure-ready styling in a more compact and affordable package than the larger R1S. It features clever storage solutions, a minimalist interior, and impressive off-road capability. It is discussed as an exciting development in the current EV landscape.
BMW E46
"So I've got my old E46 BMW in my garage right now and I brought it in to change the oil."
A classic version of the BMW 3 Series sports sedan built in the late 1990s and early 2000s, loved by car fans for how fun and responsive it is to drive.
The fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series, produced from 1997 to 2006. It is widely celebrated by enthusiasts as one of the finest-handling and most cohesive compact executive cars ever built, balancing mechanical simplicity with modern refinement.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"... now we have my wife's daily driver is a WK2 2015 Grand Cherokee with a V8. And like that car has a very specific ..."
This is a mid-sized family SUV made by Jeep that runs on gasoline. The 2015 version mentioned has a larger, more powerful eight-cylinder engine, which helps it pull heavy loads easily.
The WK2 generation Jeep Grand Cherokee (2011–2021) is a mid-size SUV that bridged the gap between mainstream utility and premium luxury. The 2015 model with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine is highly regarded for its strong towing capacity and classic American power. It is discussed in the podcast as a reliable and capable daily driver.
OBD2
"You know, we had things like OBD2, which is where all cars made after 96 had to be scannable with a certain kind of computer."
A standard plug located under the dashboard of almost every car made since 1996. It lets you plug in a small computer to find out exactly why your 'Check Engine' light is on.
On-Board Diagnostics II, a standardized digital gateway mandated in the United States for all cars built from 1996 onward. It allows mechanics and owners to plug in a universal scanner to read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) generated by the vehicle's computers.
Tesla Model
"...omotive technology has changed a lot. I mean, the Tesla Model S was still brand new back basically back then, r..."
This is a fully electric family SUV made by Tesla. It runs entirely on battery power, has a minimalist interior with a single large screen, and does not use gasoline.
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact crossover utility vehicle that has become one of the best-selling vehicles globally. It is built on the same platform as the Model 3 sedan but offers a taller ride height, more cargo space, and an optional third row. It is discussed as a major milestone in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Tesla Model S
"I mean, the Tesla Model S was still brand new back basically back then, right?"
A fast, high-tech electric luxury sedan made by Tesla that helped make electric cars popular and mainstream starting in 2012.
The Tesla Model S is a fully electric luxury liftback sedan introduced in 2012. It revolutionized the automotive industry by proving that electric vehicles could be highly desirable, high-performance, long-range daily drivers with over-the-air software updates.
Tesla Model 3
"... started picking up. And then after that came the Model 3 and the Model Y. We had the second end of the lea..."
This is a smaller, four-door electric car made by Tesla. It is powered by a battery instead of gas and is controlled almost entirely through a large touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard.
The Tesla Model 3 is a compact executive electric sedan that played a pivotal role in bringing electric vehicles to the mass market. Known for its minimalist interior, impressive range, and sporty driving dynamics, it received a major refresh to improve cabin quietness and ride quality. It is discussed alongside the Model Y as a key driver of modern EV adoption.
Toyota RAV4
"...w we have really truly connected cars. But even a RAV4 is a connected car now, right? We just did the st..."
This is a highly popular, medium-sized family SUV made by Toyota. It is widely known for being extremely reliable, safe, and fuel-efficient.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV that consistently ranks as one of the best-selling non-pickup vehicles in North America. It is highly praised for its practicality, strong resale value, and diverse powertrain options, including highly efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid (Prime) models. It is mentioned as an example of how even mainstream commuter cars are now highly connected.
Ford Gt
"...ke, what a weird car to pick. Like if he had said Ford GT or like even Mustang Mach E, I might have been li..."
This is an extremely expensive, rare, and fast two-seat supercar made by Ford. It was designed primarily for racing and looks like a futuristic spaceship.
The Ford GT is a mid-engine supercar built as a modern homage to Ford's historic GT40 race cars that won Le Mans in the 1960s. Featuring a carbon-fiber monocoque, active aerodynamics, and a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, it is an exclusive, track-focused halo car. It is mentioned as an example of an extreme, enthusiast-focused vehicle.
Ford Mustang
"...to pick. Like if he had said Ford GT or like even Mustang Mach E, I might have been like, yeah, okay, I gue..."
This is a famous two-door sports car made by Ford. It is known for its sporty look, loud engine options, and long history of American performance.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American pony car that entered its seventh generation (S650) for the 2024 model year. It remains one of the few traditional sports coupes to still offer a naturally aspirated V8 engine and a manual transmission alongside modern digital displays. It is mentioned in the podcast as a contrast to electric performance vehicles.
ADAS
"But I mean, I will concede, there's some stuff, you know, there's ADAS. There is some stuff that I wouldn't want to touch as a private citizen..."
The collection of smart safety features in modern cars, like automatic braking or lane steering, that help prevent accidents using cameras and sensors.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which include electronic safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. These systems rely on a complex network of cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors that require precise calibration after repairs.
Ford F-150 Lightning
"... the Bronco versus like a Maki, right? Like, or a Lightning. Like, like if he had picked an electric car, we ..."
This is an electric version of Ford's highly popular F-150 pickup truck. It looks like a normal truck but runs on batteries, has a large storage space under the front hood where the engine usually goes, and can plug in to power household items.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is the all-electric version of America's best-selling vehicle, the F-150 pickup truck. It retains the familiar styling and utility of the standard truck while adding a massive front trunk ('frunk') and the ability to export power to run tools or even back up a home during a blackout. It is discussed as a prominent electric utility vehicle.
BMW E34
"...onic control systems came in play in like 90s. My E34 and five, which was a 1991 car had electronically..."
This is an older, luxury four-door sedan made by the German company BMW in the late 1980s and 1990s. It was known for being comfortable, well-built, and sporty to drive.
The E34 generation of the BMW 5 Series, produced from 1988 to 1996, is highly regarded for its robust build quality, classic styling, and advanced engineering for its era. It introduced features like electronic damping control and traction control to the executive sedan segment. The podcast mentions a 1991 model to highlight early electronic control systems.
Ford Ranger
"...this by the way, it's like a $1,300 option on the Ranger, the 23 turbo Ford that's on the Ranger and the B..."
This is a medium-sized pickup truck made by Ford. It is smaller than a traditional giant truck, making it easier to park while still having a bed in the back to carry cargo.
The Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck designed to offer utility and off-road capability in a more maneuverable package than the full-size F-150. The current generation features a refined interior, advanced towing tech, and a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine. It is discussed in the context of its powertrain options.
Honda Civic
"... mean, you know, I had an eighth generation Honda Civic and, you know, that was home coded. I mean, it's,..."
This is a small, highly popular four-door car made by Honda. It is known for being very reliable, cheap to run, and easy to drive.
The eighth-generation Honda Civic, produced from 2006 to 2011, is celebrated for its futuristic 'two-tier' dashboard design and exceptional fuel efficiency. It offered highly reliable commuter transportation and a sporty Si variant that remains a favorite among enthusiasts. It is mentioned as a nostalgic, highly customizable personal car.
Canbus
"And I mean, with Canbus, another layer of complication is everything is so interconnected within the car."
The internal communication network of a car that allows different computers (like the engine controller and the window switches) to talk to each other using very few wires.
Controller Area Network bus, a specialized vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other's applications without a host computer. It drastically reduces the amount of wiring needed in a modern vehicle by sending digital signals over a shared network.
Proton Gen2
"...right? Because, I mean, you went to the Rivian R1 Gen2 launch and you saw where they took from 17 ECUs t..."
This is a small, budget-friendly hatchback car made by a Malaysian car company called Proton. It was designed for everyday driving in Asian and European markets.
The Proton Gen-2 is a subcompact hatchback manufactured by the Malaysian automaker Proton from 2004 to 2016. It was the first model to use Proton's indigenously developed CamPro engine and featured chassis tuning assisted by Lotus, which Proton owned at the time. (Note: The podcast transcript mentions 'Rivian R1 Gen2', but this entry explains the Proton Gen-2 as requested).
zone architecture
"Because, I mean, you went to the Rivian R1 Gen2 launch and you saw where they took from 17 ECUs to 17 ECUs and made a zone architecture and it's a northwest, southeast thing."
A new way of organizing a car's electronics where nearby parts (like the front-left headlight and wheel sensor) plug into one local computer hub, instead of running long individual wires all the way to the dashboard.
A modern automotive electrical design philosophy where vehicle functions are grouped by physical location (zones) rather than by function. This allows a few powerful centralized computers to manage nearby components, dramatically reducing wiring harness weight, complexity, and manufacturing costs.
GMC Ev Sierra
"... honestly, because I really like them. I love the EV Sierra. I like the Rivians."
This is a large, luxury electric pickup truck made by GMC. It runs completely on electricity, has a very fancy interior, and can steer with all four wheels to make parking easier.
The GMC Sierra EV is a premium all-electric full-size pickup truck sharing GM's Ultium platform with the Silverado EV. It distinguishes itself with high-end luxury trims like the Denali Edition 1, offering massive towing capacity, four-wheel steering, and a highly upscale cabin. It is mentioned as a highly desirable modern electric truck.
Nissan 300ZX
"It's interesting too, because so that 300ZX is in our garage. Nissan doesn't make a lot of parts for that car anymore."
A famous Japanese sports car from the 1980s and 90s, known for its sleek design and powerful twin-turbo engine.
The Nissan 300ZX is a sports car spanning two generations (Z31 and Z32) from 1983 to 2000. The twin-turbocharged Z32 generation is legendary for its advanced technology, including four-wheel steering (Super HICAS) and a highly complex engine bay.
Audi A4 (B5)
"So it's like the B5, A4, C5, A6, D2, A8."
A popular compact luxury sedan made by Audi in the late 1990s that helped establish the brand as a serious rival to BMW and Mercedes.
The first generation of the Audi A4, produced from 1994 to 2001. Built on the Volkswagen Group B5 platform, it revitalized the Audi brand in North America with its clean styling, sophisticated multi-link front suspension, and legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Chevrolet C5
"...0s and very early 2000s. So it's like the B5, A4, C5, A6, D2, A8. And I will also emphasize that in 20..."
This is a high-performance, two-seat sports car made by Chevrolet. Unlike older versions, the engine is located in the middle of the car behind the seats rather than under the front hood.
The Chevrolet Corvette is America's premier sports car, which transitioned to a mid-engine layout with the introduction of the C8 generation. This design change placed the engine behind the passenger cabin, allowing it to compete directly with exotic European supercars at a fraction of the price. It is mentioned in the context of early 2000s automotive design eras.
electronic stability control
"And I will also emphasize that in 2001 was the model year that Audi introduced electronic stability control."
A safety system that automatically steps in if your car starts to slide or skid on ice or wet roads, using the brakes on individual wheels to help you keep control.
A computerized technology that improves a vehicle's stability by detecting and reducing loss of traction (skidding). When it detects a loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to individual wheels to help steer the vehicle where the driver intends to go.
Mazda Rx7
"...peakers. I had the 8-bit Dolphins in my, in 1989, RX7. The, like, animated Dolphins."
This is a vintage two-door sports car made by Mazda in Japan. It is unique because it uses a special type of engine called a rotary engine, which works differently than standard car engines.
The second-generation Mazda RX-7 (FC) is a classic sports car famous for its unique rotary engine and balanced rear-wheel-drive handling. The 1989 model year featured updated styling, improved power, and high-tech interior options like the graphic equalizer audio system mentioned in the podcast.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
"...this is I think last year about, when we got a tip, it was a tip from someone about like the Hyundai Ioniq 5N and how it was being gate kept from being able to change your own brakes."
A high-performance electric car from Hyundai designed to feel and sound like a loud, shifting gas-powered race car on a track.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a high-performance, track-ready variant of the electric Ioniq 5 crossover. It features simulated gear shifts, artificial engine noises, and advanced thermal management to deliver an engaging driving experience comparable to traditional combustion sports cars.
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