How can there be ANY runaway Prius'es if they have brake override?

[alokeprasad]

Other threads have pointed out that Prius's already have a brake override function (engine power is cut if both pedals are pressed).

So, the only possibilities that allow runaway Prius (for ANY reason, carpet, sticky pedals, or whatever) are:

1. the override system is malfunctioning or
2. the brake pedal was never pressed (despite what the driver thinks)

It should be easy to determine 1. and no one has claimed that the override was defective. That would leave only 2. as the explanation.

[paulsha911]

The CHP officer reported that he could smell the burning brake pads, and that it was an indication to him at the time that the driver was trying pretty hard to stop the car.

[alokeprasad]

Then the override system failed. It either is a persistent problem, in which case it will be easy to test the vehicle, or an intermittent problem (a tougher case to solve).

The EDR data will be a big help in understanding this.

[TheSpoils]

How does the CHP (with all due respect) know the difference in smell from the brake, engine, exhaust or antifreeze overflow, which are all possible smell producers in a high speed event?

[Creaky]

Here's a thought to consider:

Perhaps he tried to engage the emergency brake which produced the burnt brake pad smell.

Which sets of brakes does the emergency pedal link into, the front or the back?

Whichever, all that needs to be checked is if all 4 sets of pads, front and back are burnt.

If not, then he attempted to slow down with the emergency brakes which aren't tied into any electronic means of control.

Anyhow, forensics should be able to show when the brake pedal and gas pedals were depressed.

I for one am interested in hearing the outcome of this one.

[Fuel Miser]

Originally Posted by TheSpoils

How does the CHP (with all due respect) know the difference in smell from the brake, engine, exhaust or antifreeze overflow, which are all possible smell producers in a high speed event?

I'm not sure about you, but I can easily tell the difference. All it takes is an experience. Each of these components let off a very distinct smell, that once you've smelled it, and been told what it was, you can then identify it in the future.

Coolant produces a sweet smell, hot exhaust sulfer smell, and brakes are just nasty pungent, you can almost taste it.

[alokeprasad]

Do we all agree with my premise? On vehicles with brake override, either the override system failed or the driver did not apply the brakes.

Makes it easier to investigate the failures (the focus would be the brake override system).

[pjksr02]

Here's a stupid question: Has anyone tried to hit their brakes while still depressing their gas pedal?

I have. The engine still accelerates! I was surprised. There is no "lock out" override on my 2010 Prius. Try it! (I was going up a hill at about 40mpg when I tried this.)

That said, shifting into neutral does work, and solves this potential problem...

[brad_rules_man]

It seems to have failed. I REALLY feel that if he had pushed and held the power button, or shifted into neutral or even reverse.. then the car would have went into neutral and coasted.

Sad really.

[ScottG10]

Or, Stikes could have been riding the brakes in an effort to overheat them and lend credibility to his claims. This inturn would support his case to get something free from Toyota. Or, maybe he just thrives on attention.
I know thats harsh but his story is very suspicious.