I don't think there is a question that drive by wire is a better system - it absolutely is. BUT once this issue was replicated with NO mats in place and NO stuck pedal (as nightline did) then it became clear that this was ECU related.

Note that Toyota is one of the few (if not only) manufactures that had no brake interrupt in their throttle mapping. Also note that this is actually at the heart of this recall "install a brake override system."

It is very carefully worded because the general public would flip out if they understood it, but it IS an ECU issue. Otherwise there would be no need for that second part of the recall.

people are literally dying due to this issue - its far from sensationalism, its a critical news item

Agreed - i am still convinced this is an ECU issue.

Announcing a recall is pandering to the haters?

Oh the horror! What will I do without a chance to sample the Changan Joice... my thanksgiving is ruined.


http://everyroadtaken.wordpress.com

less money spent on gas during the week is more money for cruising in a gas guzzler on the weekends... i can dig it.

Yes AT&T, my Verizon HTC Touch Pro 2 can do that.

my S60 has been near flawless even fairly heavily modded - that said, if she reported the transmission issue BEFORE the warranty expired then it is still covered by said warranty.

She should and will win this one.


http://everyroadtaken.wordpress.com

Wow... saying it looks awesome is an understatement.

Great question DSJIM - knowledge of what an ECU is is essential to the explanation.

You state you are not sure what an ECU issue is, let me explain. All modern cars have an ECU or an engine control unit (ecu can also refer to an electrical control unit). These are computers that control all the parameters on your vehicle. On many newer cars this also includes the throttle.

When you press the accelerator, in the old days, it would control a throttle valve that would allow more gas to flow (opening the valve) and cause you to accelerate. Now days, this is all computer controlled in a system called drive-by-wire.

For many manufactures one of the parameters the computer looks for is brake position - if the brake is engaged it will not only brake but cut fuel. This is where toyota's issues start:

1) if you floor BOTH pedals, fuel will not cut off. MANY modern cars brakes are not strong enough to over come the power of the gar, so the brakes will catch on fire and you will be going 100 before you know it (the lexus issue with the police officer).
2) just like your computer can do something you didn't tell it to because of poor programing, so can the computer in the car

AT MINIMUM the toyota ECU needs to be reprogrammed with a accelerator kill switch if the brake is engaged.
Additionally, it is fully possible that a unique set of inputs could cause the accelerator to become uncontrollable. This could be next to impossible to identify in a lab which would be why toyota would be reluctant to pursue that route.