Toyota plans 3.8 million vehicle recal due to driver error

[D_Eclipse9916]

Give me a throttle cable anyday....

I'm right there with you - why use servo motors, 5lbs of wiring and fancy computers where a simple cable would suffice?

Oh wait, I remember now, it's because the government mandated traction control / stability control be included in all cars starting in 2012, with a gradual phase in starting in 2008 or 2009....... A critical part of that system is to limit engine power, and the cheapest, easiest way to do that is to modulate the throttle (as opposed to retarding ignition.) :vomit:

In my mind, automotive engine technology has become entirely too reliant on computers and sensors, making them prone to failure later on and creating a maintenance nightmare. Examples:

-Why does a motor need to have 2 or more coolant temperature sensors (my SHO has 2, DSM has 3 IIRC)? Wouldn't it make more sense to use one sensor to feed the engine computer AND the temperature gauge?

-Do the benefits of coil on plug ignition outweigh their replacement costs and seemingly early failure rates? A good coil pack can give you most of the spark control, more voltage and a much longer lifespan than COP.

Advancement of technology, first uses of the technology will be shitty until it gets perfected in which case itll be better than the technology it replaces.

Evo guys with over 600whp actually went back to DSM coil packs because their Coil on Plug had them breaking up in the higher rpms. In another 5 years im sure aftermarket coil on plugs will be MUCH better than any current coil packs.