As with the NHTSA investigators, Toyota's scrutiny of the alleged problem found nothing wrong with the incriminated Prius. Although admitting the investigation is still ongoing, Toyota says "there are strong indications that the driver's account of the event is inconsistent with the findings of the preliminary analysis."
According to the carmaker, the investigation, which tried to recreate the March 8 event in both the runaway Prius and another Prius model, the accelerator pedal was tested and found to be working normally with no mechanical binding or friction.
In addition, the carpeted floor mat, although of the correct type, was found not to be secured in place, but it did not interfere with the accelerator pedal.
Even if it did, says Toyota, the pushbutton power switch worked normally and would have stopped the car, should "Mr. Sikes (the driver of the runaway Prius) had depressed it for 3 seconds as the 911 operator advised." In the end, the shift lever was found to be working properly and neutral could have been selected, says Toyota.
Electronically, there were no diagnostic trouble codes found, nor any other lights on the dashboard indicated any problems.
To put an end to a press statement which, truth be told, becomes more and more fervent against Mr. Sikes as the finding are unveiled, Toyota says "these findings suggest that there should be further examination of Mr. Sikes account of the events of March 8."
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