Ever since I got my Jeep Cherokee I've been intrigued by the "data access port" that is under the dash. Seems I'm not alone, as a whole subculture of "car hackers" -- using the real, non-evil, version of the word 'hacker' here -- who are modding their cars for fun and efficiency.
There's an article in Tech Review on the subject.
"Car makers definitely make their share of stupid or annoying user-interface decisions, such as requiring the ignition key be turned to engine-run position before the power windows will work," says a hacker known simply as "Hobbit". "One of my hacks is a simple switch that enables all the power windows with the key out."Posted by jackhodgson at December 18, 2004 09:04 AM