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There's a problem with some cars Toyota has 'fixed' under its recall program, we learn from yet more hearings.
The fix isn't sticking on ten so far. Remember, the fatalities count is up to 52. Others are still being reviewed for possible connection to the acceleration problem.
An overly sensitive attitude by Toyota doesn't help. Especially under harsh light. Looks bad.
It appears to be something other than a mechanical gas pedal issue.
However, since the original acceleration problems are returning to their pre-recall habitats, I will return to a topic raised in earlier posts.
Toyota needs to find out the location (as in GPS) of where all the vehicles are failing. The ten noted so far will no doubt get extra attention.
While it's not clear that a short would be doing this, could it be something as bland as static electricity - based on climate or other conditions. could it be interference from poorly shielded electronic components. Not necessarily the computer itself, but something in the chain.
Static buildup has been known to knock out and lock up electronics. Has this simple but hard-to-reproduce item been ruled out?
And one more time - how well shielded are the control electronics of the affected models?
There's a road on my way to the coffee shop. I'm listening to some AM or FM stations. When, on a spot near a school, the AM behaves like there's a power transformer (loud buzz). But it also affects some FM stations too, which isn't normally the case. I don't know if there's a 'leaking' cell antenna or the like.
But since there are cars failing again, Toyota has a wonderful opportunity to investigate the environment. Did the vehicle fail in the same general location? Or simply in the same manner. What was the climate...similar to the earlier fail? Were any environmental issues similar?
A growing number of people think Toyotas are not safe.
Then, of course, something else comes along....from yet another competitor. Like Hyundai's door latches. GM's yet anothers, etc.
About 180,000 units will be recalled because of problems with the brake pedal mechanism that can cause the pivot to disengage and "disrupt normal braking functions". No accidents have so far been reported in connection with the fault.
Part of Nissan's recent 29% increase is due to Toyota's foibles. Ouch. No recorded fatalities, though. That's the difference between the acceleration issues of other companies, noted before, and Toyota.
Toyota's highly touted (and heavily advertised) fix from the brainiacs is not the answer. (Note to Akio, pull that Sienna ad with the toothy grinning family....terrible timing.) The public isn't gonna go along with another public relations campaign.
But at least Toyota has the ability to compare the original failures with the post-mod failures and try something else. It will have to truly stop production this time, though. People won't buy the idea that 'that didn't work, maybe this will.' Toyota will have to double down, take a breather, and test what seem like weird or dismissible causes like static electricity and component shielding/signal interference.
And if finding a solution with these suggestions helps you win a million dollars, hook me up honey!