Toyota Fighting to Keep ECU Code Secret

Toyota’s source code for the ECU could hold the key to solving the sudden acceleration mystery. So it’s understandable that the attorneys involved with the case want to find out as much as possible, but the carmaker is currently working with its lawyers to limit the amount of information it has to disclose about the system, according to the Wall Street Journal.

We will remind you first that the carmaking giant made a bit of a bad name for itself with the unintended acceleration problem that was reported in some of its vehicles. Originally, the problem was linked to either the inadequate floor mats, poorly designed pedals and even driver's error.

Plaintiffs' attorneys believe the code might contain evidence that could bolster their cases, but Toyota is working hard to prevent anyone from getting familiar with its “crown jewel”, as the automaker puts it. Any viewing will have to be done in conditions normally reserved to Pentagon secrets, involving implicated people having to submit to palm and iris scans.

In addition to that, software-related info would also have to wear RFID (radio frequency identification) tags to prevent any of it ‘leaking’ out. Toyota originally wanted to limit access to the code, but attorney Donald Slavik says this is like performing a safety demonstration by taking a car's "fender and throwing it against a wall...What we're going to be doing is something akin to crash testing a car. You need the whole car."

This story has the makings of a great spy movie!