[Shop-talk] Toyota Pedal Brouhaha

[Mullen, Tim (IS)]

Gerald Brazil wrote:
>
> If you just turn the key off you loose power steering and brakes.....

No, if you turn off the key and put it in NEUTRAL, you lose power
steering and brakes.

If you turn off the key and LEAVE IT IN GEAR, the engine will continue
to turn over (the transmission will drive the engine), and you will
continue to have hydraulic power steering (not electrical), and power
bakes - the engine will be pulling vacuum.  Even if it doesn't continue
to have vacuum, the power brakes should be good for 4 or 5 operations.

If you don't think this is correct, find an empty road and give it a try


Arvid Jedlicka wrote:
> I discussed this with my wife and we concluded that the chance of
locking up
> the steering wheel needed to be considered. We had put it at the end
of the
> list. Attempt to shift to neutral then attempt to slow with the brakes
then
> attempt to turn of the key.

On every car I've ever driven that had a locking steering column, there
is an "Off" position, and then a "Locked" position.  Most have required
a lever to be pushed, the key to be pushed in an extra amount, or a
quarter turn of the key to go from "Off" to "Locked" positions.  It is
very simple to turn off a key and not lock the steering - but most
people just automatically have learned to "do the extra step" that you
don't even notice it.  All you have to do is to think about it, and turn
the key ONE CLICK and no more.

I have done it.
I taught my kids to do it when they were learning to drive.
I've made my wife do it.
All so they would know what to expect if they ever had to do it in an
emergency.

Again, if this is something you don't feel comfortable about, go find an
empty road (or parking lot) and try it once.

Tim Mullen

Chantilly, VA