Ridelust points out that the average new car now has "at least 30 ECU’s which control the different functions of the automobile." With all that technology the shade tree mechanic is bordering on extinction. Rarely on a new car can you fix the alternator, power steering pump, brake booster, plug wires, do an oil change or brake job in your own garage. In fact,
Ridelust says, "Hell, the only reason to open the hood now is just to make sure the engine didn’t fall out." Technicians nowadays are not what most would consider the typical “grease monkey”, but highly skilled individuals who operate multi-million dollar equipment on a daily basis. So rhetorically it asks is there too much technology, not enough, or just the right amount? And, if it is this complicated now what will it be like in 30 or 40 years?
