3 ms·

I don't know if it works that way any more. Nowadays with CVT or with PDK it seems to me that you're merely making a "suggestion" to put the transmission into

I don't know if it works that way any more. Nowadays with CVT or with PDK it seems to me that you're merely making a "suggestion" to put the transmission into Neutral. If the transmission software is borked, you're screwed? But I'm not sure, maybe there is some fail safe override that occurs when you physically move the transmission control stalk into the neutral position? I'd say that you could always turn the engine off. But Toyota made a mockery of that. Q: Who knew that you needed to press and hold the OFF button for a full five seconds before the car decided to comply? A: Not everyone knew --- people died!

toss1 7y ago
Agree, I'm not happy with the electronics just taking it as a suggestion to go to N or shut off engine while rolling. Sure, it's got risks, but it is a key element of driver control. At least with my Mazda, I couldn't get a manual transmission, but the thing will go to N while rolling (haven't yet tried Off). And yes, even with lots of experience, I'm not sure I'd figure out to hold the OFF button for 5 full seconds in a unintended acceleration scenario -- that's damn deadly!!
blattimwind 7y ago
> Nowadays with CVT or with PDK it seems to me that you're merely making a "suggestion" to put the transmission into Neutral. If the transmission software is borked, you're screwed? Nice thing about a standard transmission is that unless the linkage breaks you can always pull it out of gear, even under load. > I'd say that you could always turn the engine off. You can't necessarily turn a Diesel off [1], and I would not be surprised if modern very-high compression gasoline engines are able to pull the same runaway off. [1] Big Diesel generators have countermeasures for runaway, but cars don't.