Sikes accelerator/braking data

I believe they downloaded that information from the hybrid's control computer system rather than the event data recorder (black box), which only stores information after a collision.

250 times is apparently the maximum amount of data that the Prius' self-diagnostic system can collect.

 

Correct about the source of the data. I don't know about the limit, but that number wouldn't surprise me.

Tom

 

I'm guessing others have mentioned this, but I can think of no reason why anyone would do such a thing, unless of course if they were trying to get the car to do something strange.

For example, if you want to thrash the brakes on a Prius, you'd have to do something like this, since otherwise you'd just get a bunch of regen, plus killing the engine.

Now if you wanted to maintain high speed plus burn up the brakes, why, then this is exactly what you'd do.

Today, I did verify that you can press the brake on the Prius without killing the engine, you just have to push very softly. I was able to accelerate while lightly engaging the brake. I didn't do it for more than about 5 seconds, but I'm wondering what would happen once the battery was full. My guess: Friction brakes kick in and the engine would then be killed. I guess I'll try it.

 

It doesn't? Does me. Pretty much proves he was intentionally trying to fry the brakes. 90 MPH for 23 miles would take 15 minutes. That works out to one brake application every 4 seconds for the entire incident. Just sit where you are and take your leg and do that for just one minute and tell me that is what someone would do in a run away car.


"Data from on-board computers indicated that Sikes had applied the brakes, to some degree, at least 250 times during the 23 mile incident, Toyota executives said, and that the brakes worked normally each time."

 

I think he meant that a data storage limit of 250 pedal-pushes seems reasonable.

 

250 times ? He purposely was trying to pre kill the brakes.

 

It surprises me too. He was pumping the brakes for a long time. I would really like to know what is being recorded and what the brake pressures were. Its almost like an OCD actuation.

 

Actually, I do not believe that the car is even remotely capable
of recording that kind of activity. I would have to have a
precise description of how this supposed data was pulled before
I believe that it exists.
.
_H*

 

It's easy to believe considering the hybrid/drive-by-wire system is basically a one giant computer. Ever had a crash report generated by your computer? Same thing.

 

So, how many times might "you" pump the brakes, or "jab/jossle" the gas pedal, in a desparate hope that the "next" time would work. I can't tell you just how many times we cycled the gear on our Cessna 210 in hopes the next one would show a down and locked indication. But we did cycle it so many times the alternator failed and we had to pump it down manually the LAST time.

 

...Except Sikes claimed that he was NOT "jab/jossling" the gas pedal. He claimed that the gas pedal was stuck all the way to the floor THE ENTIRE time.

The hybrid computer diagnostic log shows different-- That somebody was pressing AND releasing the gas pedal to accelerate the car in bursts and alternatingly braking during that time. It was NOT stuck, or else the log would have shown a constant gas pedal flooring.

 

Not to mention Sikes's claim that he was "standing" on the brake, when physical evidence indicates that the brake wear was inconsistent with his account.

 

That's like doing gas -> brake and repeat every 5.5 seconds.

 

NO! Toyota's claim is that this was the case. They are not impartial whatsoever. We will never know truly if Toyota is being truthful because the evidence was not analyzed independently and now can never be at this point. It's like letting Citibank analyze the banking meltdown -- They'll surely never be at fault.

 

This is a Toyota Prius forum. The Prius will surely never be at fault.

Me, I will wait to see what NHTSA has to say, although the Prius at issue was not exactly examined in a 'sterile' environment.

I wonder where the data on brake-throttle applications came from if the data logging is not supposed to be triggered absent a crash?

 

Read up in the thread and in the linked article. But we do need better detail on the source and what exactly the data means. 250 reps in the span of the incident? That does strike me as quite a workout.

- D

 

Huh? What do you think NHTSA is? Same as Toyota?

Did you read the thread?

Wow, you (a1a1a1 and apriusfan) are trying really hard to discredit Toyota despite all evidence against Sikes.

 

...now go listen / watch the Sikes interview(s) please
BTW with all your "positive" comments aren't you discounting the value of your Prius that you put up for sale here on PC? HMMM - I was going to make you an offer, but deleted it as to not to make fun of your post!

 

I think they both need to ditch their Prii and buy Amurican. Sheesh.