"Gilbert Report" on accelerator weakness

Sorry, I recall it from one of the videos, but I can't tell you exactly which one. Apparently it isn't one on that page.

 

No problem. I appreciate your help.

 

Oho!

Well, this doesn't necessarily affect Priuses, but it looks like some of the suspicions vented in this thread regarding ECU software issues may have had some validity.

The accompanying link mentions (1) it was a software bug on, at least, some Camrays, (2) it cost $500 a car to fix (what the heck?), and the NHTSA knew about it and covered it up.

If true, it might explain a lot. If false.. Well, just more rumor mongering.

<http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/03/22/toyota.throttle.warning/index.html?hpt=C1>

KBeck

 

This is not really new.

Docs: Toyota Surges Related to Electronics - CBS News

In a response on Monday, Toyota acknowledged the internal reports of surging and the software fix. But a spokesman said it wasn't a problem of unintended acceleration; it was a more subtle rocking sensation that caused a seasick feeling and was fixed for customer comfort.

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[ame=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surge]Surge - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]

IMHO they were not talking about accelerating from 70-94 and not slowing down soon. It certainly sounds like it could be a safety issue, vs. simply comfort, but it got fixed. If it was a software "bug" it wouldn't cost anywhere near that much to fix. But it makes a better story for the plaintiffs' attorney consortium.

Ralph Nader (he is really the guy behind the Center for Auto Safety) has been screaming about computers in cars since the 80s. And he hates any big business. He caused a lot of discomfort in the world's largest carmaker in the 60s. He's just reveling in a reprise in today's number one. IMO.

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