Toyota’s Unintended Acceleration Fix: Would a Software Solution Make More Sense?

I don't have knowledge of toyota's in particular, but don't certain combinations of brake and accellerator position already mean things to cruise control and automatic gearboxes?

Another point to consider is that many of the garages capable of replacing the defective parts don't have the reprogramming equipment, making an already inconvenient recall even more inconvenient if the car also needs a software update at a dealer garage.

I understand that a break override system will be standard on all new Toyota products starting with the 2011 model year. It should cut the throttle if the gas pedals and brakes are applied simultaneous.

After reading Lukes post this morning, I thought I'd try it out ...

Yup.  2003 Fiat JTD engine management cuts the fuel about 0.5 to 1 second after the brake pedal is pressed, so there's a little bit of gentle slowing then a sudden deceleration as all power goes and then a little power returns as the speed drops to walking pace.

Dynamic rev-limiting based on roadspeed and brake pedal position already standard on many non-Toyota cars, then?

Anyone tried with an automatic?

I have been trying to find a clear description of what the issue is with the throtle. I heard something on the radio this morning about it being a magnet on sprung hinged joint the can stick, but have been abkle to find and good visuals of what part is at fault.

I'm interested as I also heard that there is some discussion as to wether this is a software or hardware issue.

Does anyone have a link to a picture or drawing of the offending part?

P.S. I hear also that Toyota may have issues with the braking system on the new prius, has anyone heard anything about this?

This issue is much the same issue as cars with shoe and drum brakes have over time:

Toyota has pinpointed the issue that could, on rare occasions, cause accelerator pedals in recalled vehicles to stick in a partially open position.  The issue involves a friction device in the pedal designed to provide the proper “feel” by adding resistance and making the pedal steady and stable.  The device includes a shoe that rubs against an adjoining surface during normal pedal operation.  Due to the materials used, wear and environmental conditions, these surfaces may, over time, begin to stick and release instead of operating smoothly. In some cases, friction could increase to a point that the pedal is slow to return to the idle position or, in rare cases, the pedal sticks, leaving the throttle partially open.

Toyota’s solution for current owners is both effective and simple.  A precision-cut steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the assembly that will reduce the surface tension between the friction shoe and the adjoining surface.  With this reinforcement in place, the excess friction that can cause the pedal to stick is eliminated.  The company has confirmed the effectiveness of the newly reinforced pedals through rigorous testing on pedal assemblies that had previously shown a tendency to stick.

Separately from the recall for sticking accelerator pedals, Toyota is in the process of recalling vehicles to address rare instances in which floor mats have trapped the accelerator pedal in certain Toyota and Lexus models (announced November 25, 2009), and is already notifying customers about how it will fix this issue.  In the case of vehicles covered by both recalls, it is Toyota’s intention to remedy both at the same time.

Hi Luke,

Was this comment refering to the braking issues in the prius or the throttle as pictured? I'm guessing throttle as if you managed to bury the brake pedal in the carpet, you be braking pretty hard.

"The other issue with the prius was purely mechanical involving the pedal getting stuck under the mat:"

Thanks Derrick.