[Marxism-Thaxis] involuntary acceleration hysteria

2010-01-27 Thread CeJ
I'm not sure what the actual cause or causes of the current problems
with the Toyotas are, but the funny thing is, from reading the web
sites and news reports, I'm not sure anyone else does either.

However, this sort of thing often pops up in winter because amidst
floor mats and snow boots, people often tramp on both the brakes and
the accelerator at the same time. I always wondered why they didn't
put the accelerator and brake pedals just a wee bit farther apart in a
lot of cars.

A few years back there was unintended acceleration hysteria directed
towards Mitsubishi and actually helped drive their stock down, so
Daimler could take them over (only to decide later to dump them along
with the Chrysler mess). However, I also noted that the cause of some
of the incidents with Mitsubishi cars was older people used to driving
a shift car with a clutch not putting their foot on the brake when
they put their automatic transmission cars into drive from neutral
(cars rev high in neutral, have you noticed).

I find it hard to believe that if it were a pedal assembly/accelerator
defect that it should be so random and involve so few actual cars. You
would expect instead a whole rash of incidents.

At any rate, however much misery this is for Toyoto owners, Toyota and
the image of Toyota being of better quality (I never believed they
were myself, and drive a Mitsubishi), I think some blame will be
pinned on to an American automobile parts manufacturer.

All this and we will probably never know what was wrong in the first place.

I'm taking that as a metaphor for people's response to bad economy:
it's like involuntary acceleration hysteria.

CJ

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[Marxism-Thaxis] involuntary acceleration hysteria

2010-01-31 Thread c b
http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-consumer-safety-advisory-102572.aspx?srchid=K610_p228906387



Frequently Asked Questions For Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall and
Suspension of Sales
Which models are affected by the recall/stop sale?
Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined
to the following Toyota Division vehicles:
2009-2010 RAV4,
2009-2010 Corolla,
2009-2010 Matrix,
2005-2010 Avalon,
Certain 2007-2010 Camry
2010 Highlander except hybrid models,
2007-2010 Tundra,
2008-2010 Sequoia
No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions.
Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara,
Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and
select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain
for sale.

What is the condition that has prompted Toyota to take this action?
In rare instances, there is a possibility that certain accelerator
pedal mechanisms may, mechanically stick in a partially depressed
position or return slowly to the idle position.

What is the likelihood that my vehicle will experience this condition?
The condition is rare and does not occur suddenly. It can occur when
the pedal mechanism becomes worn and, in certain conditions, the
accelerator pedal may become harder to depress, slower to return or,
in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position.

Are you continuing to investigate other models?
Toyota is confident that all models that contain the potentially
sticking pedals have been identified.

Why has Toyota stopped selling the affected vehicles?
Until Toyota has finalized an appropriate remedy to address the
potential for sticking accelerator pedals, a sales suspension is
necessary.

How long will this stop sale be in effect?
New cars covered by this recall will not be delivered until a remedy
is finalized and then implemented.

When do you expect to have a remedy?
We’re making every effort to remedy this situation for our customers
as quickly as possible.

What options are you exploring for a remedy?
We are reviewing a number of different options, and we hope to
announce a remedy soon.

What should I do if I believe my vehicle is affected by this
condition, i.e. I have noticed that my accelerator pedal is hard to
depress, slow to return or is unsmooth during operation. What should I
do?
The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine
shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.

What if you experience a sticking accelerator pedal while driving?
Each circumstance may vary, and drivers must use their best judgment,
but Toyota recommends taking one of the following actions:

• If you need to stop immediately, the vehicle can be controlled by
stepping on the brake pedal with both feet using firm and steady
pressure. Do not pump the brake pedal as it will deplete the vacuum
utilized for the power brake assist.
• Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and
use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and
turn off the engine.
• If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF. This
will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power
assist to these systems will be lost.
• If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly
and steadily push the button for at least three seconds to turn off
the engine. Do NOT tap the Engine Start/Stop button.
• If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional key-ignition, turn
the ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine. Do NOT
remove the key from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel.

If I am an owner of one of the affected vehicles, what action do I need to take?
Toyota is working quickly to prepare a correction remedy and will
issue owner notifications in the future.  No action is required at
this time unless you feel you are experiencing this condition.  If you
are experiencing this condition, immediately contact your nearest
Toyota Dealer for assistance.

Toyota stated that this did not affect new/low mileage vehicles, has
the situation changed?
The law requires that the entire universe of new vehicles identified
in our recall notice must be included in the stop sale.

Why are you stopping production at your factories?
Production is being stopped temporarily at five North American
production facilities to assess and coordinate activities related to
the recall announced on January 21.

What should I do if I still have questions or concerns?
If you still have questions or concerns that have not been addressed
here, please contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at
1-800-331-4331.
The Toyota Customer Experience Center hours are:
Mon - Fri, 5:00 am - 6:00 pm PST
Sat, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm PST

###

The latest news about the sticking accelerator pedal recall:

Statement from Toyota on Supplier CTS (Jan. 28, 2010)

Toyota Temporarily Suspends Sale of Selected Vehicles (Jan. 26, 2010)

Toyota Files Volunt

Re: [Marxism-Thaxis] involuntary acceleration hysteria

2010-01-27 Thread CeJ
Probable causes of most 'sticking accelerator' incidents:

1. People catching the accelerator when they slam on the brakes
because they are wearing wide boots, like these:

http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Baffin-Impact-Snow-Boot-Mens/BAF0001M.html

>>You can drive in them if you're careful despite their width. You do need to 
>>exercise some caution to avoid pressing both the brake and accelerator pedals 
>>but it is readily done if cautious.<<

2. Apparently a lot of aggressive drivers figure they can drive more
aggressively by braking with their left foot and accelerating with
their right foot, which leads to them often braking and accelerating
at the same time.

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100103083408AA7ZFCi

Mash that is a really bad driving habit. As everyone pointed out, it
will do damage. Think of this, your brake lights will constantly be
on. How will other drivers know when you are actually braking & not
riding the brakes? This will increase the risk of someone not stopping
in time before they slam into the back of you. I see this s**+ all the
time in Chicago driving a semi. It drives me nutz & I avoid them like
the plague. In the end your also getting bad mpg's. Why would you want
to throw your money away like that?

3. I would still bet out there in America that there are a lot of cars
on the road where it's possbile to put the car from park into gear to
go without braking. I remember someone telling me how a supervisor
accused him of messing with one of the firm's cars because this
supervisor couldn't figure out how to make the car go. The idiot
supervisor was trying to put the car into drive without having his
foot on the brake. And if you learned on a clutch, I guess this reflex
is still possible (although I would think twice before I accused
someone else of being responsible for my inability to get a car into
gear).

CJ

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