Malfunctions
Neglect has consequences. 15+ failure types. Prevention is cheaper than repair.
Malfunctions introduce realistic equipment failures based on vehicle age, usage, maintenance history, and Vehicle-DNA. A well-maintained workhorse might run 2000 hours trouble-free. A neglected lemon could fail at 300 hours.
Status: Work in progress. Core system implemented, full content coming in v2.10+.
Every hour of operation, each vehicle system calculates failure chance:
Failure Chance = Base Rate × DNA Multiplier × Maintenance Multiplier × Age Factor
| Factor | Range | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0.1-2% per 100 hours | System-specific |
| DNA Multiplier | 0.4x (Legendary) to 3.0x (Lemon) | Vehicle-DNA profile |
| Maintenance | 0.5x (perfect) to 2.5x (neglected) | Service history |
| Age Factor | 1.0x (new) to 2.0x (2000+ hours) | Time in service |
Example: Engine Misfire
- Base rate: 0.8% per 100 hours
- Lemon DNA: 3.0x
- No oil changes: 1.8x
- 800 hours old: 1.2x
- Total: 0.8% × 3.0 × 1.8 × 1.2 = 5.2% per 100 hours
At 800 hours, this lemon has ~40% chance of engine problems.
Engine System (5 types)| Malfunction | Symptoms | Performance Impact | Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Misfire | Rough idle, power loss | −15% power, +25% fuel consumption | $800-2,200 |
| Overheating | Temp gauge red, steam | −30% power after 10 min | $1,200-3,500 |
| Oil Leak | Smoke, low oil pressure | Engine damage if ignored | $600-1,800 |
| Fuel System | Hard starting, stalling | Random power drops | $500-1,500 |
| Timing Belt | Metallic noise | Catastrophic if it snaps | $2,000-5,000 |
Hydraulic System (4 types)| Malfunction | Symptoms | Performance Impact | Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pump Failure | Slow implements | −50% hydraulic speed | $1,500-4,000 |
| Leak | Fluid puddles | Gradual performance loss | $400-1,200 |
| Valve Stuck | Implements won't move | Specific functions dead | $800-2,000 |
| Pressure Loss | Weak lifting | Can't lift full loads | $600-1,800 |
Electrical System (3 types)| Malfunction | Symptoms | Performance Impact | Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternator | Dim lights, battery drain | Dead in 30 minutes | $700-1,800 |
| Starter | Click-click-click | Won't start | $500-1,200 |
| Wiring | Intermittent functions | Random shutoffs | $300-900 |
| Malfunction | Symptoms | Performance Impact | Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission Slip | RPM spike, no power | Can't climb hills | $3,000-8,000 |
| Clutch Wear | Burning smell | Gear changes fail | $1,200-3,000 |
| Differential | Grinding noise | Reduced traction | $2,000-5,000 |
Keep reliability above 70% to avoid malfunctions.
- 90-100%: Virtually malfunction-free
- 70-89%: Occasional minor issues
- 50-69%: Frequent problems
- Below 50%: Multiple simultaneous failures likely
| Action | Frequency | Reliability Impact | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil Change | Every 100 hours | Prevents engine malfunctions | $150-400 |
| Hydraulic Flush | Every 250 hours | Prevents hydraulic failures | $300-800 |
| Inspect Belts | Every 150 hours | Prevents timing belt snap | $50-150 |
| Service Transmission | Every 500 hours | Prevents slip/wear | $800-2,000 |
ROI: $500 in preventive maintenance saves $5,000 in breakdown repairs.
Using the OBD-Scanner
- Equip OBD Scanner (purchase from shop)
- Walk up to malfunctioning vehicle
- Press action key to scan
- Review symptoms → select diagnosis
- Apply field repair (restores 50-80% function)
Limitation: OBD repairs cap reliability at 80%. For full restoration, use Service-Truck.
Take vehicle to vehicle shop:
- Full diagnosis included
- 100% repair
- Higher cost than OBD field repair
- Vehicle out of service during repair
- Vehicle-DNA - How DNA affects malfunction rates
- OBD-Scanner - Field diagnostics tool
- Service-Truck - Restore reliability ceiling
- RVB-Integration - How RVB malfunctions interact
Next: Learn how to use the OBD-Scanner for field repairs.