"I'm gonna fix my Slate myself" crowd - educate me - fix what?

[slateya]

Currently headed into a PTC heater unit replacement, a gearbox oil change and or bearing replacement on a Volkswagen E golf.

Just because it is an EV doesn’t mean they don’t break. The PTC heater is a high voltage component. I will have to disconnect the high voltage safety disconnect to replace it.

I plan on doing anything needed.

I respect high voltage but not scared. I work in industry with energize systems and lockout tag out procedures. One of my hobbies is also vacuum tube audio amp repair and Construction. 400+ volt AC and DC.

 

[jhevil]

• Presumably panels I can remove to get access or replace if damaged
• Hopefully a dash I can get behind somewhat easily to replace, uh, a blend motor
• A dash I can fiddle around to customize a dashcam connection or audio connection
• A door panel I can get off and get in the door to fix, say, a lock actuator

These are the biggest things, in my opinion. As a driver for several decades, I can tell you that I used to be able to pop the hood on (most) cars, point to specific pieces in the engine bay, and find a way to fix most easy- to mid-level problems.

With modern cars and their "bring it to the dealership, because only WE have the diagnostic tools to tell us what is going on with your 2 year old car" mentality, a layperson can't tell what is wrong. And even if they do know what is going on with the vehicle, it will take that layperson several hours and significant amounts of specialized tools to reach the thing at issue to repair or replace.

With the Slate, the diagnostics are open, the panels are LOGICAL in their connection and easier to remove, and therefore the vehicle is more predisposed to home maintenance.

 

[phidauex]

There are a few categories of issues when working on an EV -

1. The best are things that you don't have to do, or do a lot less frequently. Oil changes, coolant changes, brake jobs, air filters, etc., either don't exist, or get done at far longer intervals. This is great.

2. The things that are the same as any other vehicle category. Tires, struts, door gaskets, paint and glass, etc.

3. The things that are almost the same on the EV, but have an additional step that requires some manufacturer participation. A good example is that the MachE has a brake service mode you need to activate in order to change the pads. This has a real purpose - since the car uses the brakes to automatically hold the car in position while stopped in 1pd mode, if you take the pads out and accidentally turn the car on, it can pop the pistons out. However, Ford does allow the user to put the brakes into service mode, you just have to know to do it, and know how to do it.

4. The things that the manufacturer doesn't let you do, or makes very hard. An example would be swapping out one of the cameras, or changing a communication module. You can physically swap yourself, but then the new module needs to be programmed and initialized to the vehicle, and that requires Ford's FDRS software and a very expensive interface device. You can technically buy all this and do it yourself, but you are looking at >$500 in special tools, and the FDRS license is now $120 for TWO DAYS, which is bull. They could decide to stop letting individuals access it at all - there is no guaranteed access to the software, and you have no "right" to it. If they stopped offering license to anyone except dealers, there would be no recourse.

I don't expect miracles from Slate, but my hope is that the ethos still allows for any special interface devices or software tools to be made equally available to individuals as to shops. That alone would go a long way. It isn't too much to ask that someone learn some new skills to maintain an EV, but the least you can do is make sure they have access to the methods and the information.

EDIT: Quick note since it came up in another thread, yes, there is a tool for Fords called FORScan that you can use to many of these tasks much cheaper, but importantly that is a 3rd party tool, and it is made in spite of Ford, not with Ford's blessing or help, and Ford is taking active steps to make tools like this less useful (namely encrypted CAN communication). I think the "right to repair" ethic would require these tools or at least the associated protocols and APIs to be made available to everyone.

 

[Susan]

Slate has a web page on this topic:

https://www.slate.auto/en/how-do-i-maintain

HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY SLATE?
Maintaining a Slate Truck is designed to be straightforward and predictable. Because it’s an EV, it doesn’t have many of the systems that require maintenance in gas-powered vehicles, like oil changes, spark plugs, fuel systems, and exhaust components. Instead, you'll need to focus on maintaining a small set of wear items and making periodic checks. In practice, owning a Slate means maintaining a vehicle rather than servicing an engine.

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Regular care primarily includes inspection and replacement of common wear components:

• Brakes — Regenerative braking reduces pad wear, but periodic inspection and replacement are still required.
• Tires — Rotation, pressure checks, and replacement based on driving conditions.
• Cooling fluid — The battery and electronics use coolant that is serviced at longer intervals.
• Cabin air filter — Replaced periodically to maintain interior air quality.
• Wiper blades and washer fluid — Refilled or replaced as needed.

These items occur less frequently than typical internal-combustion maintenance schedules because the vehicle has fewer heat-and friction-intensive systems.

DESIGNED FOR DIY.
The Slate Truck is engineered so many routine maintenance tasks can be performed by you, if you want. To support this, we'll provide instructions and guidance through Slate University, a free resource with step-by-step written instructions and how-to videos.

INDEPENDENT SERVICE AND REPAIR.
If you’d rather have a professional handle the work, that’s easy, too. Through our partnership with RepairPal, you can find qualified local repair shops that know how to take care of your vehicle.

More broadly, we believe that when you buy something, you should be able to understand how it works, work on it yourself if you want, and choose how and where it gets fixed if you don't.

WHY SLATE MAINTENANCE IS DIFFERENT.
Traditional vehicles need regular engine work because they rely on combustion systems with hundreds of moving parts running under intense heat and pressure. Electric vehicles get rid of most of that complexity. We designed the Slate truck on that advantage so routine care is easier to understand and easier to handle.

The result is a simpler approach to maintenance. Owners mainly deal with a small number of parts that naturally wear over time, with the option to handle some upkeep themselves or choose the repair path that works best for them. It gives you a clearer picture of your truck’s maintenance needs, and more say in how it’s maintained over the years.

 

[tubes]

Currently headed into a PTC heater unit replacement, a gearbox oil change and or bearing replacement on a Volkswagen E golf.

Just because it is an EV doesn’t mean they don’t break. The PTC heater is a high voltage component. I will have to disconnect the high voltage safety disconnect to replace it.

I plan on doing anything needed.

I respect high voltage but not scared. I work in industry with energize systems and lockout tag out procedures. One of my hobbies is also vacuum tube audio amp repair and Construction. 400+ volt AC and DC.

Yep. Keep in mind, people die each year working on their suspensions because they don't know how to use a jack, stands, wheel chocks, etc.

And don't get me started on brakes. The dealers say: "You'll die if we don't do the work. Brakes are for professionals!" Slate is very refreshing in this regard as they list it #1 in their list of things to do.

 

[GrizzlysGhost]

Gonna load the bed with back braces so I can fix the spines of folks rubbernecking when I coast by in my new whip, that's what I'm gonna fix. Word.

 

[CorvusCorvax]

As an example of overblown need to take car to a third party: I needed to replace the battery in my BMW. The car threw a code because I didn't use the scan tool to tell the car it had a new battery.

WTF, over? And this is a car that is 15 years old! I am looking forward to a vehicle that doesn't need me to seek permission to repair it, nor notify its computer that it has been repaired.

The simplicity angle is one of the big selling points for me. And that simplicity translates into DIY repair/maintenance ability, and that the work happens on my schedule, not some third-party timeline.

 

[bloo]

I wish I could go back and restart this thread. I'd ask a different question - one less likely to trigger people.

I'd ask What things do you expect will break or need maintenance on a Slate over the first decade, and do you think that will be a DIY repair?

Alas, too late now. I feel it's bad form to go edit the thread start after the fact. But I hate posting a thread that raises anyone's BP.

I read trough this thread again, and couldn't find a triggered or hypertensive response.

Anyhoo... here are the As to the Qs you asked...

• Brakes. Hyundai needs an expensive software tool to fully retract the rear calipers to change the pads. There are hacks, but they're not sanctioned by Hyundai. I've replaced brakes before, and will do so on my Slate.
• Battery. BMW won't let you easily replace the 12-Volt battery in their EVs, as it must be paired to its own BMS. I'm going to put in a second 12-Volt battery in my Slate for constant-power stuff. It will disconnect from the primary batt when powered off. EDIT: look what @CorvusCorvax posted above less than a minute before me!
• High-Voltage electronics. I'm going to install seat heaters run by the main battery. They'll be based on a roof-edge heater cable, so durable and safe. Could use an electric blanket cable, too. Maybe add GFI to be really safe. Not sure if Slate will approve that one, TBH.
• Battery cooling system. I know VWs dont allow aftermarket radiators on their ICE vehicles. The single-wire CAN triggers a CEL. Does this extend to their EVs? I'm confident Slate won't do this.
• HVAC. I know my stupid Seltos has it on the CANbus. I don't know if that means I need to "pair" it to my partucular vehicle through a dealer. Seriously doubt the Slate will care.
• The software. It's pervasive invasive in ways you may not fully realize. Several vehicle functions on many new cars are accessible only through the infotainment system. If the radio / touchscreen dies, you may lose unrelated functions such as dashboard illumination, climate controls, etc. Slate eschews central control and uses real buttons for things. When I put in a new radio, it won't affect anything else. If it breaks, that's a hundred bucks, not 1500. And I won't have to pair it to the vehicle.
• Wheels and tires. Other than the TPMS, it shouldn't be an issue to service.
• Bulbs and lights. One headlight assembly can cost 500 bucks on a newer car. You have to buy the whole thing coz most auto manufacturers eon't sell only the pieces. Pretty sure Slate uses more generic parts that won't lock you into an assembly.
• Cabin air filter. You need to remove the glove compartment on some new cars to get at it. I hope Slate does better.
• Transmission / reduction gear. Kia doesn't allow you to replace the fluid in my CVT (it blew at 90,000 miles, BTW). I'm hoping Slate allows this.
• Suspension. Shouldn't be an issue to fix.
• Slate app. As longvas it doesn't require stupid permissions, sell my info, or serve ads. No SaaS BS.
• Other mechanicals. No "GM special tool", please.

 

[EV Trek]

Yep. Keep in mind, people die each year working on their suspensions because they don't know how to use a jack, stands, wheel chocks, etc.

And don't get me started on brakes. The dealers say: "You'll die if we don't do the work. Brakes are for professionals!" Slate is very refreshing in this regard as they list it #1 in their list of things to do.

I have been replacing brake shoes, Pads Brake drums, wheel cylinders, rotors, Calipers, and until the addition of anti lock brakes the master cylinders on my own cars since 1969. Although I am 72 now getting down on the ground is a lot harder than it used to be, by the time this needs brakes I may be pushing up daises.

 

[cadblu]

Although I am 72 now getting down on the ground is a lot harder than it used to be

Yes, but I find getting back up a lot harder. 🧐

 

[beatle]

4. The things that the manufacturer doesn't let you do, or makes very hard. An example would be swapping out one of the cameras, or changing a communication module. You can physically swap yourself, but then the new module needs to be programmed and initialized to the vehicle, and that requires Ford's FDRS software and a very expensive interface device. You can technically buy all this and do it yourself, but you are looking at >$500 in special tools, and the FDRS license is now $120 for TWO DAYS, which is bull. They could decide to stop letting individuals access it at all - there is no guaranteed access to the software, and you have no "right" to it. If they stopped offering license to anyone except dealers, there would be no recourse.

Yes, this. Ford's $120 fine for using their software is nothing compared to Rivian's position of requiring a $5,500 license to do anything other than rotate your tires and change the wipers. Rivian's license is good for a whole year at least, but I might only have to replace my 12v battery every 2 years - which requires the software.

You can't just swap in headlights from another vehicle, or a charge port replacement.

Need a new HVJB, charger, DC/DC converter? Forget it, they won't sell them to you. Manufacturers also VIN restrict parts, not allowing you to buy a part for a VIN that isn't yours.

 

[phidauex]

Yes, this. Ford's $120 fine for using their software is nothing compared to Rivian's position of requiring a $5,500 license to do anything other than rotate your tires and change the wipers. Rivian's license is good for a whole year at least, but I might only have to replace my 12v battery every 2 years - which requires the software.

You can't just swap in headlights from another vehicle, or a charge port replacement.

Need a new HVJB, charger, DC/DC converter? Forget it, they won't sell them to you. Manufacturers also VIN restrict parts, not allowing you to buy a part for a VIN that isn't yours.

Wow that is way worse. I figured Ford was sort of middle of the road on this stuff, but it actually sounds pretty favorable. I wish it was better, but I'm able to do virtually anything I need to do on my car.

 

[Cubicle23]

I expect to be able to stick a generic USB-CAN adapter into the OBDII port, boot up Slate Diagnostics, read out an error code that says "Left front vehicle speed sensor failed",

On one of the interviews (Jay Leno possibly) it was said that the Slate App will have a full code reader.

 

[Driven5]

Anyhoo... here are the As to the Qs you asked...

And all that kind of crap is WITH right to repair in place... Just imagine what it'll be like if (when?) they are able to bribe lobby our oligarchs legislators enough to finally take it away.

 

[E90400K]

As an example of overblown need to take car to a third party: I needed to replace the battery in my BMW. The car threw a code because I didn't use the scan tool to tell the car it had a new battery.

WTF, over? And this is a car that is 15 years old! I am looking forward to a vehicle that doesn't need me to seek permission to repair it, nor notify its computer that it has been repaired.

The simplicity angle is one of the big selling points for me. And that simplicity translates into DIY repair/maintenance ability, and that the work happens on my schedule, not some third-party timeline.

Hummm... what code did it throw, and how did you know?