Should I Take Toyota's Software Update? 750
kiehlster writes "I'm a software developer, and I know that most software has bugs, but how much trust can we put in the many lines of code found in our automobiles? I have a 2009 Camry that is involved in both of the recent Toyota recalls. As part of the floor-mat issue, they're offering to install a software update that would cause 'the brake pedal to take precedence over the gas pedal if both were pressed,' or, as their latest notice states, 'would cut power to the engine if both pedals were pressed.' In the computer world, we're all taught to install firmware updates only if there is a real problem because a large percentage of firmware updates actually brick the hardware or cause other unforeseen consequences. On a base of 100 million lines of code, can I really trust a software update to work safely when it is delivered in a three-month development cycle? My driving habits don't cause the floor mat to slide much, so I see the update as overkill. What do you think? If it doesn't void the warranty, should I tell them to skip the update?"
Their new slogan (Score:3, Funny)
The car in front is a Toyota because the accelerator pedal is stuck down
Safety First (Score:5, Funny)
Yes, but make sure you drive the Toyota round a large sandbox for a few days first...maybe you live near a sandy beach or golf course with large bunkers. At a pinch, do your kids have a playpit in the garden? Cat litter tray?
I wouldn't do it (Score:5, Funny)
There's the chance that the update may turn off any jailbreaks you've already got working. Worst case scenario is that it detects a jailbreak and bricks your car, like you said.
I'd stick with the white hat hackers who are providing jailbreaking instructions and forgo any manufacturer updates.
The worst that can happen is that your car becomes susceptible to the sudden acceleration "problem" and you lose control and wipe out a family or farmer's market. But you're inside the car so you'll be fine.
Plus, you'd have to go down to the dealership and they're going to ask you if you've had any problems and a huge rigmarole just to end up with essentially the same performance you've had all along.
Too many risks and too few benefits. I'd say no.
Re:If it bricks, it's their fault. (Score:3, Funny)
What if he's modded out the car -- body kit, $5,000 rims, playstation monitors on the window blinds, booming stereo and sub bolted to the trunk. I mean, it's a Camry, and if a car is meant to be tricked out, it's that perennial family sedan. :-)
Take the subway - or campaign for one to exist. (Score:3, Funny)
He is looking at it wrong... (Score:5, Funny)
> ''the brake pedal to take precedence over the gas pedal if both were pressed' or, as their latest notice states, 'would cut power to the engine if both pedals were pressed.'
Hint: this is a feature, not a bug. And even if you're reviewing very closely, it's not something that it takes three months to avoid messing up. if(X&&Y) Z=Y;
When the two pedals work at the same time, it can result in pretty horrible accidents. Unless your driving style uses both pedals at the same time in a way that increases your safety (in which case you're James Bond and you don't ask slashdot questions), just take the update.
Re:Umm... yes (Score:3, Funny)
You want us to believe you leave your parents basement voluntarily?
Re:If it bricks, it's their fault. (Score:3, Funny)
Then he is a tasteless idiot?
Re:You're looking at it wrong. (Score:5, Funny)
Heh. Yeah, that’s about the same response that I have.
The current firmware has a known bug which randomly transforms your car into a flying brick, with you trapped inside, moving at freeway speeds.
Updating the firmware involves the risk that your car will be transformed into a stationary brick, with you nowhere around, and with your dealer on the hook to get it fixed.
Let me see... how long does the cost vs. benefit analysis take on this one?
Re:You're looking at it wrong. (Score:1, Funny)
> I would RUN to my dealer to get the new code
Why run when you can dr... carry on.
Re:There is nothing wrong with your toyota (Score:2, Funny)
Your dad's friend has a friend who's daughter had a problem with her car...
Did I ever tell you about my friend, who knows a guy that went on vacation in the islands for a few days, and when he got back found a photo on his camera of his toothbrush sticking handle-out of a black man's butt? It's true, I swear!
Re:You're looking at it wrong. (Score:4, Funny)
There's a tool to write the code.
Is there a tool to write the tool that writes the code ?
And then, there's the tool who writes the tool that writes the tool that writes the code.
Re:Jane, you ignorant slut... (Score:5, Funny)
I believe, truely and honestly, that the submitter thinks that he's expected to go to www.toyota.com, click on 'support,' 'downloads,' 'firmware,' 'by make and model,' and download a binary file which goes onto a USB key.
I believe that the submitter then thinks there will be instructions like 'pop the cover on the fuse panel, and insert the USB key containing the firmware upgrade in the USB slot. Start the car while holding both the 'rear window defroster' and 'left turn signal' down. The car will start in firmware upgrade mode and automatically start upgrading the firmware. DO NOT POWER OFF THE CAR DURING THIS TIME.'
Re:You're looking at it wrong. (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Their new slogan (Score:3, Funny)
Re:You're looking at it wrong. (Score:3, Funny)
Is there a tool to write the tool that writes the code ?
If you're using Mathematica, that would be Stephen Wolfram