Sudden Acceleration Verdict Is in - its not a electronic issue

The mere fact that you compare an embedded firmware control system to a desktop operating system suggests you have no understanding of how these systems work, or how they differ.

Tom

 

It's really nothing like Windows.

Consider that Windows has to run on a wide range of hardware and run a wide range of software, both of which Microsoft has no control over. And to add another layer of complexity, the software has to talk to the hardware using drivers typically written by a third-party (this is where most Windows bluescreen errors occur).

In a firmware application, the manufacturer (in this case Toyota) has complete control over the hardware that the code will run on, and has complete control over the inputs that the software sees. That doesn't mean that firmware debugging is a trivial task, but it just isn't in the same realm as a general-purpose operating system.

ETA: I see that Tom made the same point while I was typing this.

 

Here's the answer: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/11/o...p=1&adxnnlx=1268755346-vq/8qoKywOKiazHweontwQ
Bad drivers!

 

Next we will have the gremlins that Shatner saw on the wing of the airplane in Twilight Zone.....

 

SUA is a religious experience: either you have faith, or you do not.

 

While I am certainly happy for Toyota and always felt that there was nothing wrong with the cars, sadly, I think the memory in people's minds of the recalls and fines paid by Toyota will linger for a longer time that news of the vindication.

 

What matters to me is what I experience and not what other people think. I have never experienced any sudden acceleration problem with my Prius.

On my Honda Valkyrie, I did experience sudden acceleration many times. There was a design flaw, and it was in my wrist. :thumb:

 

FYI, none of the vehicles tested in the NASA study were Prius. They tested 6 Camry's.

 

All I can say is they certainly took long enough. At least I know I can drive my car again. I hope the battery didn't die after 10 months in the garage.

 

And your point is? I hope you're not trying to imply that the problem only affects Prius and not other Toyotas with SUA claims.

My god, some people are a paranoid bunch

 

Definately not a Prius-relevant document:

Page 8

If the driver depresses the brake pedal before turning on the ignition, then a voltage is instantaneously applied at an input of both microcontrollers before their 5V power supplies turn on. This can cause latch-up of the microcontroller input circuits.

Can't start a Prius without depressing the brake pedal.

 

haha

 

I was just thinking about the class-action lawsuits. Maybe Toyota should offer a settlement: $100 voucher towards the purchase of a new Toyota.

 

I am not sure it is fair to tarnish every programmer ever simply because Microsoft does shoddy work. This would be like blaming Toyota for Yugos.

 

OK, here are the official NHTSA documents(all .pdfs).

'Driver Misapplication' for the vast majority of the officially analyzed incidents still works for me....

NHTSA-NASA Study of Unintended Acceleration in Toyota Vehicles | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

 

My point is they didn't test a Prius. A Prius with Hybrid Synergy Drive is a lot more complex than a standard 4cyl/6cyl Camry. Brake force simulation alone makes the Prius much more complicated. Add two electric motor/generators to the equation. Add regenerative braking. Add the latest generation of traction control and stability control. Power inverter, etc.

But if it makes you feel good, go ahead and assume everything is OK because they tested a few standard 2005 Camry's and didn't find anything. That won't help the people who've experienced problems.

 

So, you lied when you said you'd accept the NASA report? Knock me over with a feather!

 

well, that's disappointing.

 

Man, you don't give up, do you? Still tilting at wind mills when it comes to the Prius?

 

my god, some people are a defensive bunch