Toyota's " Death Pedal " autopsy - Page 2 - Lateral-g Forums

James OLC · #11 02-04-2010, 11:48 AM

The inherant flaw to all of these new cars that park themselves, check your blind spots for you and apply the brakes because you're obviously not paying attention is that they rely on a machine (ok - what should be a smart machine) and not good old fashioned driver input and output. The more computerized systems that are integrated into the design of new cars, the more frequent failures of those same systems will become. They aren't fool proof and never can be and unfortunately I think that this is just the tip of the iceburg - for Toyota and everyone else.

If this is, to some extent, a software issue (as I understand it may be with the new prius's) then is should not be a tough fix. If I understand correctly, the factory Ford drive by wire is triple redundant - something like that should be an easy to incorporate solution. If however, the answer is IF speed >30 AND brake = yes THEN throttle = idle then the issue in not software - it's a hardare bandage (and a big difference from John's Ford example of IF fault THEN idle - which seems like a logical path). I know that I for one wouldn't want to drive something that cut my throttle if I hit the brakes just because of my speed.

I don't know if the truth will ever come out on this one - it's become something else entirely in a lot of ways - but it does make you think a bit about how much control we give or are prepared to give to a computer...

chr2002ca · #12 02-04-2010, 12:10 PM

And if you're driving a 2010 Toyota Prius, then you might have problems stopping according to the latest new article today. Combine the WOT problem with this latest brake problem and you could be in for one hell of a ride on a bumpy road. Not that I mind seeing a Prius totaled, I just feel bad for the drivers.

Serves 'em right for using freakin' software to control the brakes.

buickfunnycar.com · #13 02-04-2010, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chr2002ca

And if you're driving a 2010 Toyota Prius, then you might have problems stopping according to the latest new article today. Combine the WOT problem with this latest brake problem and you could be in for one hell of a ride on a bumpy road. Not that I mind seeing a Prius totaled, I just feel bad for the drivers.

Serves 'em right for using freakin' software to control the brakes.

I understand they are starting to offer Toyota's with and w/o steering wheels since they seem useless on a car that can't start or stop...

Fluid Power · #14 02-04-2010, 01:06 PM

Electrical huh? and they are putting in shims to buy time? Whew, seems like a HUGE gamble on Toyota's part if it is an electrical issue.

Darren

jimbo · #15 02-04-2010, 03:07 PM

He said "Death PEDAL" not "Death METAL"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.VENGEANCE

**tones2SS** · #16 02-04-2010, 03:27 PM

I'm thinking it's more than just the gas pedal as well.
They are in big trouble either way. I do believe there are a couple of really big lawsuits against them.
Not to mention the whole other issue of the Prius having problems with it's brakes. DOUBLE WHAMMY!!!!

Bow Tie 67 · #17 02-04-2010, 04:31 PM

GM electronic throttle system will go to idle also, but that is if is sees a difference in pedal input vs throttle body movement. If memory serves me correct its a .3 second difference and Bam!! your at idle. I know from experience. I'm thinking toyota has the same type of fail safe, so a sticking throttle pedal will do just this. How does the computer know that its stuck and not your foot planted on the floor.

Now the way morons drive, Green light Go, means on the floor to pass the guy in front, so at the next light your one car length ahead. I can see where mashing the dam pedal can stress the plastic pedal assy and cause wear / binding with age. Electrical I highly doubt it, I'm sure they spent millions designing the electrical side of this equation.

**GregWeld** · #18 02-04-2010, 05:45 PM

HAL! Hal! You're not being nice Hal! ... would you please return control of the ship Hal....

**GregWeld** · #19 02-04-2010, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chr2002ca

And if you're driving a 2010 Toyota Prius, then you might have problems stopping according to the latest new article today. Combine the WOT problem with this latest brake problem and you could be in for one hell of a ride on a bumpy road. Not that I mind seeing a Prius totaled, I just feel bad for the drivers.

Serves 'em right for using freakin' software to control the brakes.

I'd like to put a Prius in the back of my big black dually - and take it for a ride...

One time I was at a gas station - filling up the dually - some clown comes in driving a Prius and starts mouthing off about all the fuel he's saving -- to which I said "THANK YOU 'cause I'm going to be using all of the fuel you saved!"

chr2002ca · #20 02-04-2010, 08:23 PM

Greg, you always crack me up man!

Yep, that f'ing Prius leaves a larger carbon footprint on this planet than my SUV due to the complexity of building and shipping its components in North America, Europe, and Asia. It's a dirty little secret the tree huggers won't tell you about. It's a shame they put brakes on them at all.

How rediculous is it that you need to download a patch to get the brakes working better.