Throw-away cars vs ... I dunno, you tell me

[screw-E-driver]

Our fleet used to be all Dodge vans. "Iron Duke" slant 6 vintage. 200,000 was common. Gas prices went up and we moved to Caravans. $2000 used, 200,000 ccould be gotten, but only after head gaskets, timing belts, water pumps, radiators, and several tranies. Gas went up again. Now it's Taurus' at $300 a copy used. Where are we headed? Don't tell me "check the EEC codes". To you I say, COMPUTER, HEAL THYSELF. They are taking the MECH out of mechanic. Nothing left but an i.c.(integrated circut). P0107 IGNITION FAULT.... Computer, what was your first clue?

[screw-E-driver]

I'm glad the fuel pump and air filter are OK. How could I check them without you, computer?

[screw-E-driver]

We were sitting around the oil drum in my shop burning up a Saturday night. The conversation (argument) was about ECMs and their ability to troubleshoot a poorly running engine. Myself on the can't do it side, and two others said they could. So I thought for a day or two and I came up with a challenge. I set up a newer car to fire only one cylinder. Who could find out what was wrong using only the OBD II. Both of them tried but the only stored code was P0107 IGNITION FAULT. I told them they could not replace any parts or make any adjustments to settings to correct this, as nothing was broken, missing or out of adjustment. They thought thru a half a case of Arizona Iced Tea. They still haven't figured it out. Got any ideas?

[screw-E-driver]

I forgot, the car did eventually throw a rich mixture code.