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Technology

Electronic car bugs: What drivers need to know

By Nic Fleming

24 March 2010

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Real car, virtual control linkages

In today’s cars, electronics and computers have replaced many mechanical components, taking over control of crucial systems. Many of these changes are intended to improve safety, but has their complexity introduced new and unnecessary risks? New Scientist assesses the electronic systems found in modern cars and the ways in which they can fail

Cruise control

Cruise control systems use an electronic control module (ECM) to maintain a speed set by the driver. The ECM sends signals to an actuator to open or close the throttle. Several manufacturers have recalled models over cruise control problems, such…

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