I read the VVT/VCT thread and it got me wondering if there was enough interest from the customer, if Chrysler would develop a flash to enable data entry while the vehicle is in motion. Understand they have it set up that way as a safety feature, but I'm not so sure that adults aren't capable of deciding for themselves whether it is a safe thing to do or not.

I'm considering sending them somrthing along these lines:

"Sir,

I am writing to request the development of a flash which would enable the functionality of data entry while the vehicle is in motion. I understand that the programming was accomplished as a perceived safety measure, however as a paying customer and an adult, I would prefer to make the decision on whether I am in a safe condition to enter data or not for myself. I have had multiple occasions where I have had need for my passenger to enter a new address into the navigator while I was driving as well as a few instances where I was in clear traffic and needed to enter a new adddress and could have safely done so.
It is a significant detractor from the customer experience to have the manufacturer deciding what is in my best interests and frankly, it's more than a little annoying to have to work my way out of traffic and find someplace safe to park so that I can operate my navigation system.
By way of datapoints to demonstrate the need, there are a few aftermarket accessories such as Lock-Pick and Allgig which sell very well solely for the purpose of defeating the data entry lockout.
There is a warning splash when the vehicle starts up for most other vehicles with built in navigation systems which warns about data entry while the vehicle is in motion. That should be more than sufficient for an adult to enable a rational decision about how to operate the vehicle.
I am requesting some consideration in this isssue. As I said, this "safety feature" negatively affects the customer experience and I am very happy with my truck otherwise. This one flaw is significant enough to make me consider other brands more favorably.

Sincerely,"

I'm also wondering if/how to socialize this with other Chrysler owners who have the same beef.

Any thoughts?

I found a good page to send the note from at http://www.dodge.com/wccsapp/univers...ull&category=U

 

Good luck with that. Lexus owners have been trying to get Lexus to enable that same thing for years, my dad was pissed when he realized that his $5K navigation system was effectively useless with the vehicle moving. Best bet is to look for an aftermarket hack or next time save $4K and get a Garmin.

 

Went ahead and sent it. Unless others are willing to do likewise, it should be interesting to see how creatively they will tell me to pack sand.

 

One can dream.

 

It has more to do with state laws than Chrysler, some states dont even trust you enough to watch the front DVD player in park lol.

Unfortunately those same people who think they are smart enough to use the GPS and DVD while driving are also smart enough to hire a lawyer and start suing because of it.

 

I can't conceive of a safe way to have a dvd playing while the vehicle is in motion, but punching in an address is an entirely different animal.

 

I said in some states they have to disable the front DVD playing in PARK.

Anything that takes your eyes, and one hand with GPS, off the road is the same thing. All it takes is one second to do some serious damage at 70mph so it doesnt matter either way. Trying to steady your hand and type an address in these pretty crappy touchscreens halfway across the dash isnt easy.

Buy a lockpick if you want to enter addresses while driving (or a Garmin, TomTom etc), Chrysler wont let you do it.

 

Any letter you write should be directed to Chrysler's legal department. They disabled that feature for one reason only, to protect themselves from lawsuits. Its a pretty much a pipe dream to even hope for them to roll that feature back because it would invite lawsuits in an area they acknowledged they might be vulnerable in the first place. Just buy an AllGig or use the voice prompt while in motion. Yes its a pain, but it is what it is. If you want the feature you have to work with what you got.

 

Well alrighty then. I guess I'll just wait and see what they say. Pretty surprising though that nobody else is willing to even take a minute and write to ask for it...

 

Here in Ontario Canada it is now illegal to use any electronic device while driving. You are not allowed to use/enter data to any GPS, cell phone, MP3 device, CB radio, etc. etc. while the vehicle is in motion.

:icon _no:: icon_no::icon _no:: icon_no::icon_ no: