It’s a problem of capitalists intentionally doing everything they can to make products irreparable and obsolete within a prescribed timeframe. There’s a big ‘right to repair’ movement about this. It’s a losing battle for as long as there are imperialists. But that movement still represents the segments of the DIY community that have come up against the limitations of trying to make or repair things without permission from rights holders.

What you’re talking about could be illegal. If a local garage gets caught fiddling with the software to get a Ford back up and running without paying the licence fee, Ford might sue them for IP beaches. I’ve no doubt that some garages will do it anyway. But it’s no way to run a successful business in the long term. And it’s an inordinate amount of work for someone who just wants to change the battery on their car – which used to be a five-minute job (and still is, for the physical part of it). Fiddling with the software on a car might also e.g. void one’s insurance.

This is what the monopoly stage of finance capitalism looks like (i.e. imperialism). Individuals cannot make a dent.

I agree that the DIY community should learn a bit of software development but now you’re talking about two communities and a wholly different skill set. Most people, including myself, wouldn’t know where to start. Different tools are needed, too, increasing the cost. All because manufacturers insist on adding software and complexity where it isn’t needed; purposely to force consumers back to the manufacturers or their subsidiaries, shutting out third parties.