Toyota Brake System Override

by admin on July 28, 2010

Toyota vehicles have been implemented with a new brake override system feature to allow the vehicle to cut power and enhance braking capability. This system will engage when certain conditions have been met with regards to the vehicle speed, throttle opening and brake pedal pressure applied.

In order to engage the system the accelerator must be pressed down and the driver must use their left foot to depress the brake pedal without lifting up on the gas pedal. When the condition engages the vehicles engine speed will be reduced to about half while the operator continues to press on the brake.

The brake system override fix helps Toyota owners feel safe that their vehicles will not have the ability to overpower the braking system under any conditions because this will disable the engine from making enough power.

Once the driver has adequately stopped or slowed down sufficiently, they’ll be able to resume driving as normal.

There doesn’t seem to be any indication from Toyota yet as to whether this override system will initiate a fault or trigger a dashboard warning indicator that the system had be engaged or is currently engaged.

For diagrams and drawings to illustrate how the brake system override software works with the vehicle, the Brake System Override pdf provides a good overview.

For more on this checkout the Toyota Newsroom article:

http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota-extends-brake-override-154194.aspx

{ 0 comments }

2011 Toyota Pricing and Model Changes

by admin on July 26, 2010

2011 Toyota Avalon

Here is a detailed breakdown of the 2011 Toyota models as it pertains to pricing, features / options and MSRP % changes.

Toyota announced pricing on many of the 2011 models including the following:

2011 Yaris – Camry – Camry Hybrid – Avalon


[click to continue…]

{ 0 comments }

Toyota And Tesla To Make Electric RAV4

July 20, 2010

oyota and Tesla have been discussing a partnership and the two companies have now signed an agreement to make an electric version of the Toyota RAV4. This will be the second generation EV RAV4, the first generation EV RAV4 being a limited production that was discontinued in 2003.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors Inc. [...]

Read the full article →

Toyota Acceleration Update – NHTSA Investigates Driver Error

July 14, 2010

It seems as though early tests are showing that the Toyota unintended acceleration could have indeed been caused by driver error. Recently the Wall Street Journal covered a story that stated the NHTSA believes that vehicles involved in accidents were due to the driver accidentally pressing the accelerator instead of the brakes.
These findings were based [...]

Read the full article →

Fireworks At Fairgrounds Park – Maryland Fireworks Show July 4th

June 29, 2010

Fairgrounds Park is hosting 4th of July fireworks.

When: July 4th
Come down on the 4th of July to get yourself a good seat for the Fairgrounds Park Fireworks show. The fireworks will begin around 9:30pm or so, but the entertainment starts at 6pm.
Some tips for a great night outside for the fireworks.
1. Bring [...]

Read the full article →

Toyota 2011 Sienna and Avalon – Top Pick For Safety From Insurance Institute

June 27, 2010

Toyota has another thing on their mind that is more important than the infamous “cars run forever” reputation. Safety.
This focus on safety has resulted in a Top Pick for safety from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), and it goes to the 2011 Toyota Sienna and Avalon.
Never before has a minivan [...]

Read the full article →

Toyota Do-it-Yourself – Printable Guides and How-To Tips

June 7, 2010

Most of us have the ability to make simple repairs like replacing a windshield wiper blade or an air filter, but how about a thermostat, a distributor cap or even a headlight. Some of these tasks may seem simple at first until you get started and find out that it wasn’t as easy as [...]

Read the full article →

Memorial Day – Come By And Kick Back With Us

May 27, 2010

Just in case you’re thinking that Monday might be a good day to pay a visit, we’ll be here.
You’ll be happy to know that Toyota is keeping the 0% deal through Memorial Day weekend so if you’d like to come see what it’s like to have a lazy boy in your Toyota Sienna, come on [...]

Read the full article →

Toyota Hilux Isn’t Scared Of A Volcano

May 3, 2010

The auto industry designs vehicles with certain jobs in mind. There are vehicles made to accommodate families, vehicles for fuel economy commutes, vehicles to transport goods, and then the best kind: vehicles that cause heart palpitations. These machines have at least one common denominator: The owner needs insurance coverage in case of an accident.
Enter [...]

Read the full article →

Introducing the ultra roomy, ultra plush 2011 Toyota Sienna

April 22, 2010

The ultimate Mom-and-Pop-Mobile the illustrious minivan may be one of the most unappreciated vehicles of all time.
Most people never thought they would be seen driving in what was considered the epitome of ego neutering. It is noteworthy, too, that the demographic that found the minivan a great way to transport kids and stuff around [...]

Read the full article →