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Should I Take Toyota's Software Update?
kiehlster writes "I'm a software developer, and I know that most software has bugs, but how much trust can we put in the many lines of code found in our automobiles? I have a 2009 Camry that is involved in both of the recent Toyota recalls. As part of the floor-mat issue, they're offering to install a software update that would cause 'the brake pedal to take precedence over the gas pedal if both were pressed,' or, as their latest notice states, 'would cut power to the engine if both pedals were pressed.' In the computer world, we're all taught to install firmware updates only if there is a real problem because a large percentage of firmware updates actually brick the hardware or cause other unforeseen consequences. On a base of 100 million lines of code, can I really trust a software update to work safely when it is delivered in a three-month development cycle? My driving habits don't cause the floor mat to slide much, so I see the update as overkill. What do you think? If it doesn't void the warranty, should I tell them to skip the update?"
When it comes to court, the defense would be "I dunno about that crap, I only drive the car, didn't know that there's this ... what? "Firm ware"? Didn't even know there's a computer in my car..."
What? It works any time someone has to go to court who was stupid enough to turn his computer into a spambot! Why shouldn't it work with cars?
We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
It's a self-correcting problem, at least - the poster may end up removing himself from the gene pool, though one hopes without inconveniencing anybody else.
Hail Eris, full of mischief...
E pluribus sanguinem
You'd think if not the first reaction, that would be the second reaction if the brakes didn't work. "OMG if only there was some way to disengage the engine from the wheels, why didn't anyone think of that?!?!?!" it's called neutral you dolts. That is as long as the Prius and the other cars aren't locked into drive by the computer. I haven't hear of that happening however.