Why is stored data lost when analyzing the data in the ECU?

I later had a chance to meet and have lunch with a calibration engineer that works for Toyota and he let me in on the “big secret”. Currently Toyota is allowing a substantial error rate in the sensors before they are rejected. This has reduced production costs. He told me that on MAF sensors they allow a 4-6% error rate and 4% on the O2 sensors. My jaw dropped. Even a 4% error rate on a MAF sensor is huge!! So, to protect the engine at high load they just fuel dump to make sure it is overly rich so it will not be to lean. It costs you a little less to buy the vehicle, but you pay for it in more gas down the road if you spend a lot of time at high power settings like me…

More than 70 years ago, Toyota entered the auto business based on a simple, but powerful, principle: that Toyota would build the highest-quality, safest and most reliable automobiles in the world. The company has always put the needs of our customers first and made the constant improvement of our vehicles a top priority. That is why 80 percent of all Toyotas sold in the United States over the past 20 years are still on the road today.

When consumers purchase a Toyota, they are not simply purchasing a car, truck or van. They are placing their trust in our company. The past few weeks, however, have made clear that Toyota has not lived up to the high standards we set for ourselves. More important, we have not lived up to the high standards you have come to expect from us. I am deeply disappointed by that and apologize. As the president of Toyota, I take personal responsibility. That is why I am personally leading the effort to restore trust in our word and in our products.

For much of Toyota's history, we have ensured the quality and reliability of our vehicles by placing a device called an andon cord on every production line -- and empowering any team member to halt production if there's an assembly problem. Only when the problem is resolved does the line begin to move again.

Two weeks ago, I pulled the andon cord for our company. I ordered production of eight models in five plants across North America temporarily stopped so that we could focus on fixing our customers' vehicles that might be affected by sticking accelerator pedals. Today, Toyota team members and dealers across North America are working around the clock to repair all recalled vehicles.

But to regain the trust of American drivers and their families, more is needed. We are taking responsibility for our mistakes, learning from them and acting immediately to address the concerns of consumers and independent government regulators.

First, I have launched a top-to-bottom review of our global operations to ensure that problems of this magnitude do not happen again and that we not only meet but exceed the high safety standards that have defined our long history. As part of this, we will establish an Automotive Center of Quality Excellence in the United States, where a team of our top engineers will focus on strengthening our quality management and quality control across North America.

Second, to ensure that our quality-control operations are in line with best industry practices, we will ask a blue-ribbon safety advisory group composed of respected outside experts in quality management to independently review our operations and make sure that we have eliminated any deficiencies in our processes. The findings of these experts will be made available to the public, as will Toyota's responses to these findings.

Third, we fully understand that we need to more aggressively investigate complaints we hear directly from consumers and move more quickly to address any safety issues we identify. That is what we are doing by addressing customer concerns about the Prius and Lexus HS250h anti-lock brake systems.

We also are putting in place steps to do a better job within Toyota of sharing important quality and safety information across our global operations. This shortcoming contributed to the current situation. With respect to sticking accelerator pedals, we failed to connect the dots between problems in Europe and problems in the United States because the European situation related primarily to right-hand-drive vehicles.

Toyota will increase its outreach to government agencies charged with protecting the safety of motorists and passengers. I have spoken with U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and given him my personal assurance that lines of communications with safety agencies and regulators will be kept open, that we will communicate more frequently and that we will be more vigilant in responding to those officials on all matters.

In recent years, much has been written about what we call "the Toyota Way" -- the values and principles at the heart of our company. Chief among these is our unwavering commitment to continuous improvement: going to the source of a problem and fixing it. While problems with our cars have been rare over the years, the issues that Toyota is addressing today are by far the most serious we have ever faced.

But great companies learn from their mistakes, and we know that we have to win back the trust of our customers by adhering to the very values on which that trust was first built. The hundreds of thousands of men and women at Toyota operations worldwide -- including the 172,000 team members and dealers in North America -- are among the best in the auto industry. Whatever problems have occurred within our company, the strength and commitment to fix them resides within our company as well.

You have my commitment that Toyota will revitalize the simple but powerful principle that has guided us for 50 years: Toyota will build the highest-quality, safest and most reliable automobiles in the world.

The writer is president of Toyota Motor Co.

Akio Toyoda explains what the company is doing to ensure they still plan to remain known for quality and longevity.

If you live in the Maryland, Pennsylvania or West Virginia area, then Younger Toyota can help you with your Toyota Recall.

Great information on how to tell if your 2010 Prius will be part of the recall which is a reflash of the Brake ECU.

I guess we will see what the real fix is later in the week.

This seems like it could be the cause, humidity and moisture could be the culprit here

Posted to: Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Corporate, Highlander, Matrix, RAV4, Sequoia, Toyota, Tundra

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 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  

2002 Denso introduced the first accelerator module with non-contact revolution sensor.

Two hall IC's - one which works as safety sensor.

There's also two types of pedal modules, resin rod type and iron rod type.

ELKHART, Ind. — CTS Corporation (NYSE: CTS) today provided comments on Toyota’s recent accelerator pedal recall. As previously announced by Toyota, the January 21 voluntary recall results from what Toyota described as “a rare set of conditions which may cause the accelerator pedal to become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position.” Toyota said this condition “is rare and occurs gradually over a period of time.”

As has been publicly stated by Toyota, we have no knowledge of any accidents or injuries that have resulted from this rare potential condition. Based on information that Toyota has provided us, we are aware of fewer than a dozen instances where this condition has occurred, and in no instance did the accelerator actually become stuck in a partially depressed condition.

As Toyota stated, this recall is different from and unrelated to the “sudden, unintended acceleration issue” which was the subject of the November 2009 Toyota recall. In the November recall, the pedals in Toyota models dated back to model year 2002. CTS became a pedal supplier in 2005. Accordingly, our products are not implicated by the November 2009 recall. The products we supply to Toyota, including the pedals covered by the recent recall, have been manufactured to Toyota’s design specifications.

Toyota is a small, but important, customer of CTS, representing approximately 3% of our annual sales. CTS has been actively working with Toyota for awhile to develop a new pedal to meet tougher specifications from Toyota. The newly designed pedal is now tested and parts are beginning to ship to some Toyota factories.

About CTS

CTS is a leading designer and manufacturer of electronic components and sensors and a provider of electronics manufacturing services (EMS) to OEMs in the automotive, communications, medical, defense and aerospace, industrial and computer markets. CTS manufactures products in North America, Europe and Asia. CTS' stock is traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "CTS.” To find out more, visit the CTS Web site at www.ctscorp.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, any financial or other guidance, statements that reflect our current expectations concerning future results and events and any other statements that are not based solely on historical fact. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof and are based on various assumptions as to future events, the occurrence of which necessarily are subject to uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are made subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those presented in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: changes in the economy generally and in respect to the businesses in which CTS operates, including those resulting from the current global financial and credit crisis; pricing pressures and reduction in demand for CTS’ products, especially if economic conditions do not recover or continue to worsen in CTS’ served markets, including but not limited to: the automotive, computer equipment or communications markets; disruption, uncertainty or volatility in the credit markets that could adversely impact the availability of credit already arranged by CTS and the availability and cost of credit in the future; the financial condition of our customers, including the ability of customers (especially those that may be highly leveraged and those with inadequate liquidity) to maintain their credit availability or ongoing viability; risks associated with CTS’ international operations, including trade and tariff barriers; currency fluctuations and their effects on our results of operations and financial position; changes in performance of equity and debt markets that could affect the valuation of the assets in CTS’ pension plans and the accounting for pension assets, liabilities and expenses; political and geopolitical risks; rapid technological change in the automotive, communications and computer industries; reliance on key customers; CTS’ ability to protect its intellectual property; and the outcome of the recent Toyota recall. For more detailed information on the risks and uncertainties associated with CTS’ business, see the reports CTS files with the SEC, available at http://www.ctscorp.com/investor_relations/investor.htm. CTS undertakes no obligation to publicly update its forward-looking statements to reflect new information or events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof, including market or industry changes.

Avis Budget Group Inc. said Wednesday that it is immediately removing about 20,000 Toyotas from its rental fleets.

Toyota get's pulled from fleet of rental cars

DETROIT -- CTS Corp, supplier of accelerator pedals used on eight vehicle models recalled by Toyota Motor Corp, said on Wednesday it is in talks with Toyota about a remedy for the problem.

Toyota recalled 2.3 million vehicles last Thursday because of accelerator pedals sticking and slow to return once a driver released pressure.

CTS spokesman Mitch Walorski said CTS was continuing to supply Toyota with pedals made at its plants in Streetsville, Ontario, Canada.

CTS shares were down 16.11% at US$7.24 in early afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

CTS, which has supplied Toyota with auto parts since 2005, has annual sales of about US$600-million. Toyota makes up about 3% of its sales and the pedals make up almost all of its business with Toyota, said Mr. Walorski.

Mr. Walorski said CTS is aware of eight incidents in which a pedal it made got stuck in a Toyota vehicle. None of those incidents led to an accident, injury, or a sudden burst of acceleration, he said.

CTS is based in Elkhart, Indiana.

© Thomson Reuters 2010

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CTS Corporation spokesman Mitch Walorski said he was aware of eight incidents in which a pedal got stuck in a Toyota... none resulted in accidents.

The halting of Toyota Motors Corp. sales and production on some of its most popular models across North America is the result of an outsourcing effort that produced faulty gas pedals that have proven a propensity to stick in certain isolated incidents.

While there were only five incidents reported in Canada, Toyota issued a directive late Tuesday to its dealers across North America to halt sales immediately on eight of its most popular brands. It will also idle six of its North American factories, including those in Woodstock and Cambridge, Ont.

At this point, the automaker does not know how long the sales freeze will continue, but has told dealers they expect production to be halted for at least two weeks.

The Japanese carmaker also said Wednesday it was weighing whether a recall would be necessary in Europe, as well.

At issue is the recent outsourcing of the company’s accelerator pedals and pedal assembly to CTS Corporation, an Elkhart, Indiana-based parts marker, after demand for Toyota’s vehicles outstripped the capacity of the part’s original Japanese manufacturer, Denso Corp.

The CTS-produced pedals have demonstrated a propensity for sticking when exposed to condensation, those briefed on the nature of recall have said.

“The whole problem started with the outsourcing of the pedal and the pedal assembly,” said Vito Polera, fleet manager at Toronto’s Northwest Toyota dealership. “When [Denso] couldn’t meet the demand, Toyota farmed out to CTS, which is the affected part.”

CTS manufactured the part in question at its facility in Mississauga, Ont.

Mr. Polera said all that is required of the recalled vehicles is to inspect whether the pedal is a CTS pedal, and if they are, they are being removed regardless of whether they are sticking, and replaced with Denso ones. “There are no more CTS pedals going in the cars,” Mr. Polera said.

However, the shortage of Denso pedals persists, which is why Toyota is halting the production and sales of the affected models so that it can use the parts presently in its plants to replace the parts on the vehicles already on the road.

“They’re being more proactive than reactive, which is a good sign,” Mr. Polera said, adding, however, he is concerned about the lasting impact the recall will have on the brand and his dealership’s sales this year. “It’s not a positive, that’s for sure. It will affect us,” he added.

The sticking pedals have not caused any fatalities in Canada, but have potentially been linked to 19 fatalities in the United States.

Toyota’s recall surrounding accelerator pedals has broadened in size and scope in recent days.

Last Thursday, it said it would add another 2.3 million vehicles to the recall, after already saying 4.2 million vehicles were being impacted by unintended acceleration relating to floor mats.

The vehicles in question include certain models of its RAV4, Matrix, and Avalon, which are produced in Canada, as well as its Camry, Highlander, Tundra, Sequoia, and Avalon, which are produced in the United States.

In Canada, 270,000 vehicles are impacted by the recall, but the lasting damage to Toyota’s reputation for safety is incalculable at this point.

“This unprecedented automotive decision indicates how serious a safety problem this is,” said Michelle Krebs, senior analyst at Edmunds.com, in an email.

“We’ve gone from floor mats to recalls for wear items to a full shutdown, and I can’t help but think that the company’s credibility is being called into question,” she added.

Toyota is the biggest car company in the world one of the biggest car retailers in Canada, selling 205,115 vehicles in this country last year. Toyota also builds more cars in Canada and sells more Canadian-built cars here than any other manufacturer, or roughly 20,000 a month.

Shares in Toyota Motor Corp. fell nearly 8% in early morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange to $80.12 a piece as of 10:41 a.m. EST.

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A dealer in Toronto Canada is stating the problem with the pedal is related to Toyota outsourcing to a company called CTS in Indiana.

news local-beat

Toyota Recall: A Sticky Situation

By MONICA BURKE

Updated 2:15 PM EST, Wed, Jan 27, 2010

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Toyota announced that they are recalling 2.3 million vehicles in the U.S. because of an accelerator defect. Yesterday they suspended the sales of eight models because of the problem with “sticky” pedals. 

As a three-time Toyota owner, I was concerned for my own safety and confused about what exactly the recall meant for consumers. As the driver of a 2007 Camry Solara coupe, I wasn’t sure what the announcement of “select Camry” models meant for me, especially when I received a letter about the recall. 

I contacted my dealer and explained my concerns to the service tech. He explained that although this is an isolated incident, I could bring my car to the dealer and they would check it out for me. 

At the dealership, the tech explained to me that the affected pedals, when pressed down do not come back up, or are slow to come back. What consumers should do if this happens is put the car in neutral, hit your brakes and pull over. Toyota will tow any cars that this happens to. He also explained that this is a very rare circumstance and Ardmore Toyota has yet to see any models that were affected by it.

The accelerator in my model was not affected by the recall, even though I received a letter that said that I could be affected. The dealer did a great job to tackle my questions as a Toyota owner. They also informed me that owners of models affected by the recall would receive a letter in the coming weeks that explains what they can do about the recall.    

First Published: Jan 27, 2010 1:26 PM EST

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This is the right way to handle a Toyota customer during this recall and always.