Currently reading: Toyota's US 'cosmic ray' inquiry
Federal investigators launch study into effect of cosmic rays

US federal regulators are reportedly studying whether the recent sudden acceleration issues in Toyotas are linked to 'cosmic rays'.

Radiation from space is known to regularly affected airplanes and spacecraft, triggering errors in computer systems.

The phenomenon can trigger software crashes, leaving no trace of a problem. Wheras radio waves can be blocked, cosmic rays cannot.

A Toyota official in the US said its engines were "robust against this type of interference".

Robert Cullen

Follow us on FacebookSee all the latest Toyota reviews, news and video

Join the debate

Comments
10
Add a comment…
never buy a clio 14 April 2010

Re: Toyota's US 'cosmic ray' inquiry

I was reading an article about car design, can't remember where but possibly a rival website where Chris Harris disappeared to after Autocar. They do test these things strangely, and apparently they're told as designers that your design will be responsible for deaths. This guy was working on an ECU that could be affected by radio waves (I think), that would then cause the car not to start should it stall. The designer then wondered what would happen if said person was on a level crossing, so then restarted his work..

The guy also said that car design is about the most difficult profession on Earth as you have to create a car that will do over 100,000 miles and not break, ride smoothly over horrendous surfaces, be capable of stopping and starting in temperatures varying from -50 to +50, keep occupants safe, be driven over both short and long distances, contain a highly flammable fluid AND, not cost too much to build or purchase!!

Uncle Mellow 14 April 2010

Re: Toyota's US 'cosmic ray' inquiry

Squonk61 wrote:
In other news, Kia Piccantos spontaneously combust within 500 yards of a crop circle

You're out of touch . It's Tata Nanos that are spontaneously combusting , but no recall so far.

ordinary bloke 14 April 2010

Re: Toyota's US 'cosmic ray' inquiry

Autocar wrote:
US federal regulators are reportedly studying whether the recent sudden acceleration issues in Toyotas are linked to 'cosmic rays'
The US Federal Regulators are so intent on blaming Toyota and punishing them for the recall problems that this is sure to put the cat among the pidgeons. Toyota can hardly be blamed for "cosmic ray" activity.