Toyota “unintended acceleration” not due to electronics: NHTSA

February 10,2011

Toyota’s electronic systems, particularly its electronic throttle, have been cleared of fault in the unintended acceleration studies conducted the U.S. National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). After an extensive study by NHTSA, assisted NASA, they could not trigger the electronics into a full-throttle opening that could overpower the brakes.

The study concluded: “NASA found no flaws in the software code controlling the Toyota ETC system would cause UA. NASA also found that electromagnetic compatibility testingat exposure levels well above current certification standards did not produce an open throttle. NASA found no evidence that any failures of the ETC system had an effect on the performance of the braking system.”

NASA further states that there was a theoretical possibility that two faults could combine to produce UA, but only to produce very small throttle openings of less than 5 degrees. And simply releasing the accelerator pedal closes the throttle.

Previously-acknowledged faults such as sticky gas pedals or trapped floor mats were addressed by Toyota. Toyota’s share price rose dramatically after that finding was released. So what really caused this uproar over Toyota’s UA? Insert conspiracy theory here:__________

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