DRCC Freezing

** UPDATE **
I took the car to the dealership only to be told the following day that they couldn't find anything wrong with the vehicle and considering how windy it was, the problem was most likely caused from debris passing the sensor. They also advised not to use cruise control since the sensors only work when it is on. After what happened , I will no longer use cruise control. So guess what? The same thing happened today! I can't blame what happened on cruise control since I no longer use it and it wasn't windy (there goes THAT theory. I immediately went home and picked up my husband so he could be my witness. It did it again with him in the vehicle, with only the alarm sounding and seat belts retracting. Then it happened again with the alarm, seat belt AND the brakes! This time, there was a car behind me. Thankfully they were paying attention and weren't following too close. I definitely would have been rear ended. I took the car back to the dealership and gave them permission to keep my vehicle and drive it around ... we will see what happens. I will keep you all posted.

 

Radar is active at all times (in order for PCS to work), not just when the cruise control is on. The only way to deactivate it is to use the PCS on/off button. Dealer doesn't know what they're talking about.

 

Its possible the radar gizmo in the front grill needs to be adjusted.

But yes, turning PCS off should solve the problem.

 

It is possible that there are Yahoos running around with Radar Jammers on all the time.
That is a job for the FCC to capture them.
Only driving around with a spectrum analyzer and an expensive antenna looking forward and recording data all the time will tell if this is what is upsetting your car's system.

There have been cases of jerks with GPS Jammers. A few times a day an airport would report a degradation in the GPS signal. It was tracked down to one truck passing by the airport on the road close by.

 

No, I'm with you. It can be a very unsafe condition when this complicated system malfunctions.
I hope you make Toyota get to the bottom of this.

When I went shopping for my Gen3 I really wanted a level 5 with the ATP package but could not find one, at least in my price range. I was looking forward to hacking the LKA, Lane Keep Assist, so that I had a 2 axis autopilot in my car.

Is it true that Toyota no longer offers the LKA?
Was that because of serious problems?

 

I actually find myself using it periodically when I'm in the mood and just for the heck of it and it's MUCH faster when you skip the pre-support system. Just pull up as normal (side-mounted radar is active at all times, just like front radar for PCS), shift into reverse and hit the lower right hand button to make the green lines appear and pull into spot. No set up required. The only limiting factor is how fast you can go while reversing.

 

There is a freeway expansion joint on the interchange/ramp where this has occurred. The dealership thinks "that" could be setting off the system with it being interpreted as a hazard. They actually suggested that I take an alternate route and to complain to CalTrans. I told them to take my vehicle and one that is similar, and to drive interchange. If it happens to both vehicles, then it is the joint. If it only happens to mine, then it's my system. I can't risk driving if my system is going to interpret every freeway joint or city grate as a potential hazard. As it stands, I never know when my car might slam on the brakes and it makes me uneasy just driving it.

 

Your dealer is pretty dumb. I'd find a different dealership and hope they're not as dumb as this one.

Yes, that'd be the most appropriate control to determine which is the culprit.

 

Yes, you're right on both counts. I had forgotten they're sonar and the flat radar-compatible front emblem alone is $900.

 

What's the latest on comparative testing of two cars at your known problem areas?
I would love to be able to do site testing with a recording spectrum analyzer, if I lived in the area....

Are you saying that certain expansion joint always messes with the system?
Are you saying passing semi trucks are always a problem, or just certain trucks or at certain locations?
Could there be railroad communication antennas close by to the overpass? Other weird antennas in sight of the problem areas?
There's a small possibility that something is putting out illegal interference. But then, any car with this sort of system would also freak out in those areas.
I like trouble shooting!

But you know you need to find a dealer that has some experience with the ATP systems.
Did you talk to a regional rep? Toyota should at least point you to the dealer that knows the system.
The one you are dealing with sounds like they just want you out the door.

Good luck,

 

Sorry, just trying to help a little.

I wonder how common it is for ATP to go bonkers?
Maybe I'm glad I did not spend the extra for that option....

Good luck everyone with ATP problems. Keep us informed.

 

Not common at all, as is the case with random failures. ATP can fail just like any other components so what you see here are isolated cases. The vast majority of us have defect-free ATP.

 

The first time it happened, I accepted the possibility that, due to the windy conditions, debris blew past the PCS sensor triggering it to activate. The next few times, it was evident something else was the culprit and took the car to the dealership. They have had my vehicle since Thursday June 20th.

This is what has been accomplished:
They haven't driven my car or a comparable vehicle over the expansion joint ( who knows why)
I have been told to drive my car an alternate route
I have been told to shut off the PCS
They are still waiting for a "specialist" from Toyota

I understand how the system works but to suggest turning on the PCS only on extended road trips makes no sense. Are you telling me that there are no overpasses on a long road trip? To suggest that I turn the PCS off and on only "when I need it" defeats the purpose of why it was installed or why I was charged for it. I will keep you posted but as you can see, progress has been slow.

 

Isn't the PCS supposed to respond to big chunks of metal in the road? Seriously, no system is perfect and the manual does clearly state this can be a problem. Shutting it off at those locations you know to be a problem isn't REALLY a big deal.