Why Does A Car Have a High Idle

Download The Toyota Idle PDF For Full Analysis

Some of the strange behavior we experience with our vehicles can be explained by the systems that operate according to temperature, speed, and other variables.

For example, when you start your vehicle in the morning you may notice that while it’s cold engine idles a bit higher. This is all calibrated by the engine management system which takes inputs from multiple sensors to determine the point in which temperature has reached acceptable levels.

Idle Warms Up Fluid To Protect

The transmission, for example, has a lot of moving parts in it and relies on the fluid to minimize wear and engage smoothly. As the engine warms up, the fluid warms up to the temperature in which it operates as designed.

In some vehicles, and idle air control (IAC) slightly opens and closes the throttle blades to produce the target RPM.

Why Cars Can Experience An Idle Surge or High Idle

Modern technology in today’s automobiles can cause engine rpm to increase slightly without warning, but don’t panic. There’s a reason for this and once you understand why, you won’t be surprised when it happens.

Here are a few examples of these common occurrences from the experts at Toyota:

Cold start idle-up

An increase in engine idle speed normally occurs just after a cold start on the first drive of the day. This high idle speed is a normal condition of a cold engine. The engine idle speed will reduce as the engine warms up.

Transmission shift

When accelerating while driving at a slow to moderate speed, the driver may experience a slight pause, as the transmission downshifts to a lower gear, followed by a notable increase in engine rpm as the vehicle accelerates.

Catalytic converter protection

On some manual transmission models, the engine control computer may keep the engine rpm above idle as the driver shifts between fifth and sixth gears at highway speeds. This momentary rpm increase is designed to enhance the life of the catalytic converter.

Air conditioning idle-up

On vehicles with an engine-driven A/C compressor, the engine idle rpm will increase slightly as the compressor cycles on. This is done to reduce the chance of an engine stall condition due to the increased load being place on it by the operation of the A/C compressor.

Power steering idle-up

On vehicles with engine-driven hydraulic power steering, the driver will note a slight increase in engine idle rpm when the steering wheel is turned while stopped or at low speeds. This is a normal operating condition and is done to reduce the chance of an engine stall due the increased load placed on it by the operation of the power steering pump.

[source: Toyota Newsroom]

iQ Defines Premium Micro-Subcompact

Meeting the needs of a new trendsetting generation of urban drivers, the iQ succeeds at taking big ideas and concentrating them into a small package. Made possible by intelligent and functional packaging, the iQ is a small car that offers the functionality and comfort that drivers expect from a car twice its size.

The iQ’s profile, defined by a strong and high beltline, glides from the large, stout headlamps, up the A-pillar, across the roof and wraps around the rear, emphasizing the iQ’s geometric shape. Side mirrors with integrated turn signals accent the clean design.

The rear emphasizes the vehicle’s modern style. Trapezoidal lines run toward the wheels, from the hatch to the bumper’s rear diffuser-like accent, creating a substantial presence. With a 78.7-inch wheelbase and a unique suspension design – consisting of MacPherson struts up front, and a torsion beam rear suspension – the three-door hatchback can deftly maneuver through city traffic. In addition, its overall length of only 120.1-inches, width of 66.1-inches, and short front and rear overhangs create a confident stance that still allows the iQ to fit into virtually any urban parking scenario.

Engineering innovations like a compact air-conditioning unit, inverted front-mounted differential, and electronic power-steering system with compact steering column, all amount to significant decreases in front-end length. In addition, the iQ is equipped with a flat gas tank housed beneath the floor that reduces rear overhang.

The iQ’s functional “3+1” seating equates to the world’s smallest four-passenger vehicle. With the driver’s and front-passenger’s seats being slightly off set, this innovative seating arrangement allows for one adult behind the front passenger and a child, small package, or pet behind the driver. A first for Scion, extra-slim front seat backs are utilized to provide rear passengers with ample legroom. The rear seats are extremely versatile, featuring a 50/50 split and the ability to fold flat, creating enough storage to accommodate up to two golf bags.

The iQ is small in size but large on safety. Active safety features include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Traction Control (TRAC).

The iQ will come standard with 10 SRS airbags, including the world’s first rear-window curtain airbag. Other airbags include driver- and front-passenger airbags; driver- and front-passenger seat-mounted side airbags; side curtain airbags; driver- and front-passenger knee airbags; and a Scion-first driver seat-cushion airbag.

The 2011 iQ is equipped with a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces over 90 horsepower and features the latest dual VVT-i, which allows it to be impressively efficient, providing a broader powerband yet requiring less fuel and generating fewer emissions.

The iQ’s engine is combined with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that helps deliver smooth acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency. The iQ will be rated as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II), and it is expected to achieve a combined fuel economy in the high 30s, comparable to similar vehicles that feature less passenger and cargo capacity.

The iQ comes standard with a six-speaker audio system and is available with multiple audio head units for various degrees of audiophiles. All iQs will be outfitted with USB and auxiliary ports, allowing personal devices to be easily integrated into the car. Steering-wheel-mounted controls command the audio system to adjust volume and shuffle through music sources such as CD, AM/FM, auxiliary input, or a library from your iPod® or other USB device.

[source: Toyota Newsroom]

Thanks to everyone who came out for the Pure Scion Show! – we hope you enjoyed the event.

Please let us know if you have any pictures you’d like to share and we’ll add them to the blog.

The 2011 Toyota Tundra gets some upgrades for the new 2011 model year. One upgrade is the trailer sway control that operates as one might expect when towing a trailer.

By having the capability of applying the brakes to individual wheels, the trailer will be brought back under control.

Lane Assist

Many vehicles these days are integrating some form of lane safety that will keep the vehicle from accidentally veering into the next lane, or worse yet, into oncoming traffic.  

Mercedes has a safety system called Lane Assist that activates the brakes on the other side of the vehicle.  This will pull the vehicle over slightly until it’s back under control.

[source: http://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2010/07/19/2011-tundra-trailer-sway-control/]

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

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

2011 Sienna – RAV4

2011 Land Cruiser – Sequoia

2011 Tundra 2 Wheel Drive

2011 Tundra 4 Wheel Drive

2011 Scion xD

2011 Toyota Model Arrival

The 2011 models will begin to arrive at dealerships nationwide in August, except for the RAV4 which is due to arrive in September.

In addition to the pricing announcements, Toyota is also releasing information about the brake technology it’s integrating into the 2011 Toyota models.

Brake Override Technology

Toyota has begun to incorporate a brake system override functionality that is independent of the recall remedy and will provide owners an extra measure of confidence in Toyota vehicle safety.

More information on this brake override system is detailed on a page which explains the process and conditions that initiate this sequence of operations.

RAV4 Model changes for 2011

The RAV4 gets an optional Base Plus Extra Value Package which includes:

Moonroof
6 CD audio system
Color keyed door handles
Upgraded interior fabric
Roof rails (luggage rack)
Privacy glass (tinted windows)
17 inch alloy wheels
Tonneau cover (2 row models)
Daytime running lights

2011 Scion xD feature changes

The other vehicle model with significant changes is the 2011 Scion xD that gets both interior and exterior improvements. These include:

New honeycomb style grille
Rear color keyed spoiler (matches vehicle color)
Vehicle ride height is adjusted, and shocks are enhanced
Interior fabric armrests is upgraded

Pricing on 2011 Toyota models

Pricing is based on Toyota figures and doesn’t include delivery, processing, handling and distribution costs that range depending on the final destination and location of the dealership.

First Edition RAV4 - Source: Wikipedia

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors Inc. will be delivering a fleet of vehicles sometime this year so Toyota can begin testing them. Toyota will also work with Tesla on manufacturing processes and the partnership to deliver electric vehicles by 2012 will be well underway.

This type of partnership puts Toyota and Tesla at an advantage because each company can bring specific engineering values when collaborating and allow the relationship to potentially grow into other vehicle models as well as Toyota’s market in Japan.

Tesla Motors will need to grow substantially to support the demand for this one partnership, let alone their own vehicles – the Tesla Roadster. This is great news for Tesla, and should translate into more jobs here in the US should they keep the bulk of the manufacturing here in the US.

For the rest of this press release – follow this link to go to the Toyota Newsroom

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 on the data recorders analyzed by NHTSA, which showed that there were no signs of the brake pedal being engaged. In addition, this data has only been reviewed and interpreted by NHTSA and has not been reviewed by Toyota.

The 1989 government-sponsored study investigating the Audi 5000 where there were cases of sudden unintended acceleration. The cause was determined to be driver error.

However, Toyota has indicated that the electronic data recorder is not reliable enough to provide concrete data that would eliminate any possibility of software glitches or other types of conditions that could lead to an uncontrollable vehicle situation.

There have been many cases where paramedics have stated that accidents are often caused when a driver presses down on the wrong pedal. So if this ends up being driver error then what will happen to all the vehicles that have had their gas pedal modified with the shim? Most likely, this modification will be fine considering a corresponding software update was applied.

The issue with the floor mats as well as the space between the gas in the brake pedal could be in some way interfering at times with normal operation so Toyota will likely remedy that situation with an improved design so that the issue can be closed.

On July 8, 2010 two and announced that they would be opening several quality field offices across the United States Canada. These locations will be responsible for collecting field data as well as helping manage new problems with as they arise so that Toyota can act quickly to resolve them.

From pressroom.toyota.com …

“Everyone at Toyota is working aggressively to understand what our customers are experiencing and to respond quickly to their needs by enhancing our information gathering capabilities,” said Dino Triantafyllos, Vice President, Quality Division, Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing (TEMA). “The expansion of our Product Quality Field Offices initiative is one example of the significant changes we are making across our North American operations to help ensure that we are a quality-focused and responsive organization.”

Photos by Clearly Ambitious on Flickr

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 a couple blankets. You will need them to sit on, or to cover up with if it happens to rain or gets a little cold.

2. Grab a cooler and some refreshments. Non-alcoholic beverages are permitted.

3. Bug repellent – It’s a good idea to pack some just incase you need it.

4. Flashlight – Once the show starts it’s going to be dark on the grounds so having a flashlight to get around is handy.

5. Camera – Always nice to have memories of family summer events

6. Meeting Spot – If you go with young kids it’s always good to pick a spot that is easy to remember how to get to incase you get split up.

7. Garbage bag – Keep a plastic grocery bag or something similar to keep your area clean when you leave.

8. Binoculars – If you are really into fireworks, take some binoculars with you and see what they look like up close.

9. Lawn chairs – These are optional and depending how far you have to walk you may just want to bring blankets.

10. Backpack – If you are going to be walking a fair distance you may consider packing your things in a backpack to make traveling on foot easier, and so you can have both hands free to hold a flashlight and a childs hand.

For more information, and other locations that are having fireworks in the Maryland and Washington DC area checkout:
DC Fireworks

And if you want to see a 4th of July Parade prior to the fireworks, you can see a listing of them here at About.com as well.
4th of July Parades – Maryland, VA, DC

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 been a recipient of the Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Sienna is the first to claim this title with the highest available marks in rollover, front, side, and rear impact tests. The independent non-profit IIHS is funded by insurance companies to provide these tests and reports.

Toyota Recall Recovery

Toyota recall recovery means rebuilding the process in which urgent issues get handled. The commitment to ensure the owners safety is by far the issue that most people are concerned with. The time to rebuild Toyota needs to happen now, and it is evident in the recent recognition Toyota has been getting.

Toyota Recall updates in the media, TV and newspapers has slowed but one slip and they’ll be back to reopen the wounds the brand has over these issues. More reason why Toyota will work to employ standards above the minimum and go the extra step for their loyal owners.

Safety Recognition

Safety awards are one thing, but what really matters is that Toyota customers feel safe driving them. This is why the company has made drastic changes to improve the way it handles issues, and communication was one barrier that didn’t need to be causing complications in the handling of these matters.

The culture of a Japanese owned company regardless of the production facilities here in the US, needed to go through some changes so that proper handling of matters would occur at the speed required for the safety of Toyota drivers.

Toyota Reputation for Safety

It’s not easy to rebuild a reputation, especially after being so convoluted as this crisis was. From floor mats, to sticky pedals to brake issues, Toyota is covering all possible flaws with their cars and eliminating potential issues so that confidence can be restored. It will take time, but knowing that the severity of everything could jeopardize the future of the company, all stages of production must be analyzed.

Toyota’s #1 Focus Is Safety

The Toyota owners will likely be pleased to know that such changes in the production and engineering are being made to improve the safety, and address the concerns made by its owners. In today’s world, we see things happening in realtime with Twitter, Facebook and other types of communication tools so Toyota must be ready to engage with the public on their terms and this is the direction the company will go to improve the Toyota experience in not only the driving aspect but in being proud to own a Toyota.