NASA Investigates Toyota Accelerator Problem

[exfileme]

Toyota's mysterious acceleration problem now deserves the attention of NASA.

NASA Investigates Toyota Accelerator Problem : Read more

 

[4745454b]

While I agree that there is more going on then floor mat, not sure EMI is it either. More so if both the Gov and Toyota's studies have shown that it doesn't play a part. But if you have to spend another $3M...

 

[michaelzehr]

When I read the headline I thought maybe they were going to use them on their space probes, so the probes would keep going faster and faster as they head out to the planets!

But seriously, isn't it more likely they need a 3rd party, very careful code review? It seems like interference would depend on engine type (strange parts in the engine causing interference) and throttle control chip manufacturer, which would cross company brands. Whereas a software problem could be caused by common code, shared across different model types within the same brand.

 

[Minus_i7]

Can't they just ask that professor guy who demonstrated a couple months ago that he could reproduce the issue at will?

 

[dreamphantom_1977]

The worst thing is, it cost's 3 million to do the research, then 6 months later some kid figures out the same thing on his working at burger king budget.

 

[ben BOys]

april fools guys. A PRIL FOOL'S!

 

[mikepaul]

Look, the pedal on my 2004 Prius stuck one time back in 2005, when I had dropped in the thick rubber floor mats but didn't clip the driver's side in like I should have. After the short 'fun' which ended after I stomped on the pedal and it came loose again, I lashed down the mat and have never had an issue since.

All the issues with the other models since seem to cloud things, but the darn mats CAN be a problem...

 

[micr0be]

conspiracy theory number 1:

Automobile, LaHood ,Investigation, Electro-magnetism, NASA, Scientists = ALIENS !!!!

 

[ubergeek]

NASA needs to investigate why people can't RTFM. If people knew how to drive the cars they own, this wouldn't be an issue. Brakes are way more powerfull than the engine in 99% of the cars on the road.

Back in the late '90s, I was driving a Taurus wagon rental car through a school zone when the accelerator got stuck. Jammed on the brakes, shut the engine off, put the car in Neutral. End of excitement....

The fun part was when I called the rental company and they wanted me to drive the car back to exchange it. I told them "sure, as long as you take all responsibility for any further incidents." The flatbed with a replacement car showed up soon after.

 

[Abrahm]

Why are we spending tax dollars to figure out the issues of a non-government company's products? NASA must have a bit of free time after their budget was cut.

 

[maestintaolius]

I'm still stunned that a Prius is capable of "sudden acceleration".

 

[sliem]

Toyota. Moving forward indeed.

 

[Doommaker]

Research all you want, but don't make ME pay for it! Bastards.

 

[flyinfinni]

Ok... I just gotta let it out- If your accelerator gets stuck and your car is gaining speed and you are unable to get it to release or slow down, TURN THE FREAKING CAR OFF!!!!! You can still steer and brake (though you may not have the powered assistance) and with the engine off, it can't accelerate. How hard can it be people?
Sorry- Anyway- I don't think our government should be paying to investigate the issue- thats TOYOTA's job. Other cars are not experiencing the same issues, so why the heck do WE have to pay to figure out what TOYOTA screwed up?

 

[Guest]

G-Force (NASA) to the Rescue!

The Mole is taking control of our cars!

 

[skitbot]

Haven't heard anyone mention interference with an external entity like a cell phone. There may not be anything but considering cell phone signals can sometimes cause speakers to make noise it's always worth a nosey.

 

[kentlowt]

In the end they will attribute it all to a lose nut behind the steering wheel. After all the dog an pony show of course.

 

[milktea]

Would NASA start to make automobiles?

 

[cekasone]

oh c'mon....NASA???

 

[manitoublack]

funny how the throttle on my car never has any problems (Toyota Caldina GT-T) since it has a mechanical Throttle Cable, with dual spring returns.

Imagine the cost to develop the drive by wire technology (and it does deliver better fuel economy, make it cheaper to implement cruise control and easier to implement traction control: AKA the fun limiter) but it also ruins throttle response (drive a car with multiple mechanical throttles and you'll know all about proper throttle response ) Cars with electronic throttles just feel dull. I don't what an ECU that can sharpen up throttle response, I just want it sharp all the time.