[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by Brokinarrow

Seriously or just joking? Funny either way Now someone correct me here, but if the car started running away from you.... couldn't you just turn it off? Or does it have to be in park for automatic cars? (been so long since I've driven one)

He's serious. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has urged people to stop driving their recalled Toyotas. Its not recomended that you turn a car off while its moving. Do that and you lose power steering and power brakes. Put it in neutral, bring it to a stop, and then shut it off. Though I think the majority of drivers out there (particularly the ones that buy Toyota's appliances) don't know enough to figure this out while their car is out of control.

Originally Posted by derklug

The only problem with the brake fail-safe is two footed drivers. The fail-safe in a drive by wire setup is achieved by using two sensors, typically one going up in voltage and one going down, or one that reads 1/2 the voltage of the other. The more variables placed in the system, the greater the chance of programming, mechanical, and operator error. This problem won't be fixed with a shim, IMO, but Toyota is doing it to look like they are being responsible and get the Feds off their backs. I expect to see a "Emissions" recall implemented in the next few months that will effect most of these vehicles, and the reflash will also contain some new throttle parameters.

toyota electronics investigated by nhtsa

Originally Posted by Autoblog

Reports from multiple news outlets cite sources within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration who claim the government is now looking into electrical problems as the source for Toyota's recall troubles. The unnamed agency employee reportedly told CNN that the government is investigating whether electromagnetic interference might cause the electronic throttle control system to malfunction. The source went on to add that the agency has found no evidence of problems with the electronic throttle, though engineers at NHTSA were still actively investigating the matter.

News of a possible electronics investigation comes not long after Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood claimed that NHTSA "wasn't done with Toyota," and that the Japanese automaker was "a little safety deaf." Shinichi Sasaki, Toyota's vice president in charge of quality, reportedly claimed that the embattled automaker has never found any evidence of electrical problems, a familiar line from the automaker that we've heard since the latest recall was announced. Toyota has been quick to state, however, that it will do anything possible to cooperate in the investigation.

At least one safety expert feels NHTSA should have investigated electronic issues long ago. Sean Kane, president of Safety Research Strategies, said in a recent interview that "by all appearances, electronics are playing a significant role in the problems." Kane says 2002–2006 Camry and 2005–2007 Tacoma models should specifically be investigated, and he points to a case of a 2005 Camry owner who experienced unintended acceleration as he attempted to park. The driver instead launched 23 feet and then dropped off of a 70-foot cliff, killing the driver's wife. Kane says the floor mat was securely fastened to the floor when the accident occurred.

As is typically the case with "anonymous sources," we expect an announcement from NHTSA any day now. Is the safety organization trying to show Congress just how hard it's working to find a solution for Toyota's problems in advance of the February 10 hearing on Capitol Hill? Could be, but more negative press is the last thing Toyota needs right now.