<VV> American cars - trans shifting, ECUs & runaway cars

[Charles Lee]

I figure people whose cars run away on them should simply shift into neutral 
?

That had to be re-thunk, after driving a friends 1995 Saturn (OBD-I with 75K 
miles) where the transmission seemed to shift from 1st to 3rd then 2nd, then 
back to 1st seemingly at random with no change in accelerator position - 
weird !
I could always shift to neutral and back to "reset" it too.

After getting estimates to fix the transmission from $500 to $1500, the 
battery started to discharge and die over the next few days, for another 
$300 repair.

Decided to replace the alternator which wasn't charging, and guess what 
The transmission problem cleared up too !

Apparently the computer-controlled transmission loses its mind when the 
voltage is low (as when battery loses voltage while driving, but before it 
doesn't have enough to run the engine) ?

Could Toyota's runaway problem be due to low voltage ?

Just wondering if it's a clue that has been investigated ?

It's also a good reason to drive a Corsa  4-speed !
Charlie

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gary Swiatowy" <gswiatowy at rochester.rr.com>
To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Sunday, May 30, 2010 5:02 PM
Subject: Re: <VV> American cars


> Yeah, I drive a Prius.
> Those who know me , know I am no tree hugging Liberal.
> I bought the car because I could get 50+ MPG out of it.
> Don't argue with me unless you can prove otherwise.
> I actually rented one for a week, took it on a trip and averaged 51.3 MPG,
> checking it with a calculator, and the on board computer.
>
> People locally whined about it, saying I could have bought a Cobalt for 
> half
> the price. (See my previous post about buying GM) No one was offering to 
> pay
> me to drive one. Besides, I don't fit in a Cobalt! But I fit in a Prius 
> just
> fine.
>
> Almost at 30,000 miles on the Prius.
> Do my own oil changes, and tire rotations.
> Ownership cost me no maintenance so far.
> It does need new tires though, and am ready to upgrade to the Goodyear
> Triple tread to cope with my climate in NY.
>
> They recommend a cabin filter about now, and have already bought one and
> have it on the shelf.
>
> No, it has not run away on me with uncontrolled acceleration.
> I did get a recall notice from Toyota regarding a modification of the gas
> pedal.
> I laugh as the pedal is almost 3 inches from the floor mat, so regard this
> as simply to placate those who do not know how to drive.
> This link is for those too stupid to know how to stop a car.
> http://priuschat.com/news/video-hilarious-how-to-stop-a-prius-documentary-ns
> fw
>
> Gary Swiatowy
>
>
> From: "henry kaczmarek" <kaczmarek at charter.net>
> Subject: Re: <VV> American cars
> I don't know about NOW, but in 1979 I purchased a new stripped down 1980
> Toyota corolla (no radio, no A/C, no glovebox door) for 4600.00  With the
> sales taxes and prep fees it was 5100. With the interest on the 4 year 
> loan
> it was 6100.
>
> Now it did throw 3 slave cylinders, and one positive battery cable, and 
> the
> salt air parking it next to the ocean for 3 years in Puerto Rico made me
> have to change the radiator with a used one after 5 years of 
> ownership,BUT.
> I owned the car until 1992 when I sold it for 500.00 to a friend because 
> it
> needed its 3rd clutch and pressure plate.  Then again, the car had TWO
> HUNDRED AND FORTY EIGHT THOUSAND MILES ON IT!!!!
>
> I never replaced the alternator, never changed the points module, never
> adjusted the carb. I used to set the timing by ear.  Changed cap rotor 
> plugs
>
> wires battery, Brakes, tires, and the rear axle bearings that mount in the
> tube.   That's it folks.
>
> THIRTEEN YEARS---never stranded me on the highway. I even pulled a 66 
> Monza
> loaded with engine and tranny parts from Hammond, LA to Gulf Shores, AL
> before I realized I'd never get to Buffalo doing it. Left it at my inlaws
> and came back to get the Monza with brother's 4WD.
>
> End of the day, I was choosing between it and a 1980 Chevy Citation. 
> Guess
>
> I made the right freakin' choice THAT time.
>
> Hank
>
>
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