[Vwdiesel] Age, Diesel History, and Bonus TDI Tragedy

[William J Toensing]

Thank you, you answered one of my questions. The electric power steering is an electrical assist with manual connections. The TDI has Fly by Wire or FBW. You got over my head on how to modify car's computer, but one of my questions was not answered about Toyota's FBW. It a Prius starts to run away, what do you do besides say a quick prayer? I don't own one but have test driven one at a Toyota dealership. When you have your Toyota's key in your pocket, or the salesman's pocket, you push the start button & you are ready to go. If you want to stop it, you push the start button again. Some other cars besides Toyota are using the same system. So, the question is, how would you stop it in an emergency situation with run a way acceleration? Would pushing the start button as you would to stop the car work? Would putting the car in neutral work? There is a situation in San Diego where an off duty CHP (California Highway Patrol)officer driving with his family in a Lexus, experienced run-a-way acceleration, called 911 for help, hit speeds over 100MPH, 120 MPH I think, & the whole family was killed. Prior to this incident, Toyota was blaming unintended acceleration on floor mats but this incident since CHP officers are highly trained for emergencies & high speed driving but this incident caught Toyota's attention. I would think this experienced officer would have put the Lexus into neutral, but this apparently didn't work. The 911 tapes have been played over the air several times. The CHP officer was pushing on the brakes but couldn't overcome the engine's acceleration. Not a problem that I think I will have with any of my cars, but to know an emergency response ahead of time might save someone's life.
Bill Toensing, Nevada City, CA