1966 Mag: Build NE-2 Neon Bulb Computer - scan available

[Tony Duell]

> A while back I hated newer cars because of all the controls and 
> computers.  But after buying a service manual it isn't that bad.  If you 
> want to know and fix everything, take a look at http://www.megasquirt.info/

Hmmm.. I have the workshop manual for my father's new car -- all 11 
volumes of it. Said car has about 10 'ECUs' (Electornic control units) 
interconnected by a pair of CAN buses.

Yes, I can follow the manual. I can plug the diagnotic tester into the 
socket under the dashboard, see what it says is wrong. Then follow the 
proceure in the book -- check the resistance between point A and point B, 
check the voltage on this pin, and so on to see if it's the sensor (more 
likely) or the ECU input at fault. And I can change the appropriate bit.

But I don't really understnad just what is going on in the same way that 
I understoof the old distributor, carburettor and automatic gearbox valve 
block. And I can't really repair the units, they are full of custom and 
house-marked components. 

Now can I do this sort of thing at the roadside if said car breaks down. 
I could trace faults in the older systems using little more than a brain 
and a test lamp (which if I didn't have, I'd 'borrow' from a dashboard 
warning lamp or similar).And even if I could find the fault, I have a lot 
mroe chance of 'bodging' an older car than this thing...

-tony