Apple Co-Founder Slams Prius Software Problem

[wiyosaya]

Woz probably hacked it, and is blaming it on Toyota. 😉

 

[talzara]

I've seen firmware bugs in cars, too. Nothing as dramatic as Woz's cruise-control bug -- just a minor climate-control bug.

But he's absolutely right. The automakers simply don't listen. They think everything is a mechanical defect, even when it's beyond obvious that the problem is a flag that's not getting cleared in the software.

It's not unlike other appliances with built-in firmware. Have you ever run into a software bug in a microwave? Or on an oven? Try getting them to listen to you. They're just not in the mindset to take bug reports from customers.

For all that we love to complain about hardware and software, it's clear that they're worlds beyond other industries in paying attention to customers. We can actually submit a bug report for a driver, or for an application, have them take it seriously, and see it fixed in the next version or in a hotfix.

 

[STravis]

[citation][nom]jerreece[/nom]I'm actually planning to buy a new Toyota product sometime this year, even amidst the current problems. Quite frankly, this is not status quo for Toyota, so I'm sure they'll resolve the issues.On the other hand, I spoke with a couple of folks at my local Toyota dealership recently. One of them told me that they're thinking the problem is a software issue, and not a pedal issue in the first place.[/citation]

Around here I've called this as a software issue long ago. I don't care what these folks say, their drive-by-wire software is too complex (and auto code generated). So you have MBs of code in embedded controllers and it usually starts as a Matlab mode, goes through code generation, then compilers and then finally into the conntroller....way too many things can go wrong along the way (including the clown writing the algorithm)

 

[STravis]

[citation][nom]Titanius[/nom]"After man years of exhaustive testing we have not found any evidence of an electronic [software] problem that would have led to unwanted acceleration."Ok I know he means many years, but oh really? So you've had a 2010 Toyota Prius tried and tested for many years? I find that hard to believe. Oh and just for the record, a software problem isn't the same thing as an electronic problem...whoever said that should get fired for stupidity.[/citation]

No - he means man years. What is missing is the number of man years (ex: 2 man years)

 

[alextheblue]

[citation][nom]JofaMang[/nom]When you stomp on the gas pedal in a CVT, the engine will rev up first, then stay at a higher rev as the CVT changes its own ratios. Many CVTs, including the prius, also have set ratios to switch between, emulating a set gear automatic. If you are cruising at 65mph and encounter a grade to climb, the car will decide to drop the ratio AND add throttle to maintain velocity. If one is only looking at the tachometer, one might make the assumption that the engine is revving through the roof.A Prius CVT can operate in full CVT, or emulated set ratios, depending on how the computer interprets the information coming from the sensors. A rapid enough climb while cruising, and the CVT will harshly lower the CVT ratio while simultaneously raising the throttle. CVTs are not just transmissions, the entire drivetrain is designed around the transmission, and they only work in conjunction with drive by wire throttles that can be controlled by the same onboard computer that runs the CVT.He is describing a normal function of a CVT equipped prius, but has been taken off guard by the new version's higher torque and more responsive drivetrain. Combine that with his belief that he is the smartest person on the planet, and you get idiotic comments like this. There are savants that can calculate 10 digit x digit multiplications in there heads accuratly, but can't cook their own meals. Woz might be smart, but hes a fucking fool.[/citation]
Yes but it still isn't hunting for gears as the poster I replied to said it was. I know how CVTs work. If it increases engine RPMs and adjusts the ratio to maintain speed, that is acceptable. If the vehicle is actually accelerating beyond what he set it at, there is a problem. As I said before, he may just have an overly active imagination.

 

[Guest]

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/02/04/japan.prius.complaints/index.html?hpt=T1

>_>

 

[NoCaDrummer]

On that note, I would trusk Wozniak on the topic of vehicles about as far as I would trust Carrol Shelby to educate me on overclocing my PC.

Seems the Government agrees with the Woz. I'd trust you on the topic of vehicles about as far as I'd trust televangelists on the topic of God. "Not at all, that is."