Are Toyotas susceptible to cosmic rays?

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.sltrib.com/business/ci_14706484

Safety » Radiation can cause computer faults in spacecraft and airplanes.

By Justin Hyde

Detroit Free Press
Updated: 03/19/2010 10:55:47 AM MDT

Washington » It may sound far-fetched, but federal regulators are studying whether sudden acceleration in Toyotas is linked to cosmic rays.

Radiation from space long has affected airplanes and spacecraft, and is known for triggering errors in computer systems, but has received scant attention in the auto industry.


Makers of electronics have known for decades about ?single-event upsets,? computer errors from radiation created when cosmic rays strike the atmosphere. With more than 3,000 complaints to U.S. regulators of random acceleration problems in Toyota models, several researchers say single-event upsets deserve a close look. (David Zalubowski / The Associated Press)


The questions show how deep regulators and automakers may have to dig to solve the mysteries of sudden acceleration. Toyota says it is fixing mechanical problems -- floor mats and sticky pedals -- that explain sudden acceleration in 13 models and 5.6 million vehicles.

But at least half of more than 1,500 recent complaints to regulators involve other models, raising questions whether Toyota has fixed its problem.

An anonymous tipster whose complaint prompted regulators to look at the radiation issue said the design of Toyota's microprocessors, memory chips and software could make them more vulnerable than those of other automakers.

"I think it could be a real issue with Toyota," said Sung Chung, who runs a California testing firm.

FULL story at link.

[Orrex]

1. Possibly

When I took three friends for a drive in my Camry, we came home endowed with superhuman powers.



(That's me on the left.)

[FarCenter]

2. The device or packaging material may also contain radioactive nuclides

Manufacturers are supposed to keep these contaminants to a low enough level. But residual impurities in the chips themselves can cause problems.

Are more Toyota's experiencing sudden unintended acceleration in Denver?

[Naturalist111]

3. I thought of this possibility 6 months ago....

If you find out any information about this please let me know. Thanks