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Software Bug Stalls Prius Hybrid Cars

Discussion in 'Auto News' started by 1337Rolla, Oct 14, 2005.

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    1337Rolla oh my

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    Software Bug Stalls Prius Hybrid Cars

    [img2=left]http://TRDforums.com/assets/newsimages/prius.jpg[/img2]Toyota plans to notify buyers of its Prius hybrid that the car could potentially stall out while driving due to a software bug in the Electronic Control Module (ECM). The problem affects approximately 75,000 cars, although only 33 official complaints have been lodged thus far.
    Due to the bug, the Prius' gasoline engine could stall out while driving between 35 and 65 miles per hour. However, the car's electric engine would take over, enabling a driver to safely reach the side of the road. Upon stopping, the gasoline engine would properly restart, Toyota says.
    Aside from the complaints made to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Toyota has connected about 416 incidents to the software error and decided to contact customers about the defect. No injuries or accidents have been attributed to the bug, the company says.
    Customers will receive a notice later this month instructed them to take their Prius to a dealer for the free software upgrade that resolves the problem. Aside from the bug in the ECM, Toyota will also fix a mechanical problem that can lead to stalling as well.
    "This remedy should address most of the incidents," Toyota said on its Web site.
    The Prius has become a hot seller this past year as gasoline prices continue to soar. September sales were up 90 percent from 2004, and Toyota expects to sell upwards of 200,000 Prius hybrids next year alone. With its gas and electric engine working in unison, the Prius can average close to 50 miles per gallon and never needs a charge.
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    1337Rolla, Oct 14, 2005
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    turbo4age Love to Hate me

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    thats incredible.... toyota is paving the way in hybrid technology and this is the only credible "problem" to date? it actually deserves an applause!
    turbo4age, Oct 14, 2005
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    7MGTTEConcept MK3 #2? maybe..

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    doesnt sound like that bad of a problem...gasoline motor stalls out and electric picks right up to allow ya to pull over...not too shabby....
    7MGTTEConcept, Oct 14, 2005
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    zze130 New Member

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    at least it has a backup motor but toyota is still up front with their recalls unlike some company that might be bankrupt soon.
    zze130, Oct 14, 2005
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    statik New Member

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    Yeah they're doing a good job. One thing that doesn't sit well with me is having to take your car in for a software upgrade. sheesh
    statik, Oct 15, 2005
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    teevee247 Well-Known Member

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    as long as its not running windows :p but yah, if this is the only *major* problem they are having with hybrid technology, they are doing great!
    teevee247, Oct 15, 2005
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    statik New Member

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    God please no! :sad: I saw one at the gas station today and it wasn't getting gas. hah, anyway, the screen in the center console looks slick.
    statik, Oct 15, 2005
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    zze130 New Member

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    maybe toyota should start sending the software via cd/dvd and just have the owner pop it into the system.

    the dreaded blue screen is bad. hahaha. windows will now terminate.
    zze130, Oct 15, 2005
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    vortex Well-Known Member

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    im still seriously thinkin about getting one of the hybrids .... they're badass
    vortex, Oct 17, 2005
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    zze130 New Member

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    im thinking bout them too. a lots of torque compare to a regular gas engine.
    zze130, Oct 17, 2005
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    statik New Member

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    Definatley farther away from performance than a corolla. But still a good car. Right now it would actually cost me more money to drive a hybrid. The finance payment would offset any gas savings. When they come down in cost I may re-consider. I like the desert tan color. The body styling is slick.
    statik, Oct 17, 2005
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