[druhoops]

http://www.infinitiq50.org/forum/problems-solutions/12410-steering-lockup-caution.html

There are a few posts out there (see above) of people getting concerned about sudden loss of Direct Adaptive Steering. So – I wanted to see what it really feels like.

Cautions: When you do this test you will not be able to re-start the car until you come to a complete stop and can press the brake pedal again to start. Note that with the engine off you still get pretty good brake response. And as I describe below, steering is not too difficult. You can do this test in any drive mode. You can do this test in neutral and in drive. If in drive, you may notice some shaking due to the backpressure in engine (engine off, but cylinders still moving). I recco doing it both in drive and neutral so you can simulate loss of all power and just loss of DAS.

First: find an empty parking lot. Roll your windows down so you can get a good sense of the sound of the steering clutch engaging.

Second: Drive about 10 mph (and push gear lever to neutral). Next, HOLD DOWN the start button. In about 3 seconds the engine will cut out and the steering wheel clutch will engage. You’ll hear it and may feel it in the steering wheel.

Third: Practice steering left and right. You will find it’s quite do-able. As you turn the wheel farther and farther you will feel a variation in steering effort needed to turn. But at no time is it overly challenging.

Fourth: Brake to a stop. Put gear lever in Park. Push brake and push start. You may hear the mechanical steering clutch release. Normal.

If you want, try at higher speeds or in a turn as conditions allow.

In my opinion, the Q50 with failed DAS is much easier to steer than some of my previous power steering cars with engine off (All my previous cars were manual and at one point or another I’ve had to push start a dead car = no power steering or brakes). It’s also MUCH easier to brake as I get numerous pushes of the brake pedal before the braking effort gets difficult.

In conclusion, I feel the Q50 is properly engineered for this failure mode and allows any driver to safely control the car should DAS fail.

 

[equetefue]

Ballsy

 

[CarolinaQ50]

OK Evil Kenevil you!!!

 

[MattJB]

Cool test, druhoops. Thanks for posting.
(The voices are telling me to try it)

 

[selzini]

Thanks, but I'll take your word for it.

 

[Klamalama]

Your research and test is much appreciated. I will try it at the appropriate time.

The situation is similar to when ABS first came out. That one also needed to be tested in an empty lot (snow covered), to learn how it felt.

 

[Q50Aggie]

No, thanks.

 

[brianch]

Thanks, but I'll take your word for it.

lol agreed! I'll just believe you on this one

Its like my cousin who came back from high gliding off cliffs. "Man its so much fun, you have to try it!"

uhh I believe you. I think i'll pass.

 

[druhoops]

Just thot I'd add a few more comments. First - this is not a big deal... you are in a parking lot going 10 mph. If you get nervous, push the emergency brake with your foot. That's what it's there for. Second - everyone needs to know how to shut this car down in an emergency (recall Toyota's unintended acceleration?). You can't just turn a key to shut the car down. So - I think practicing this at low speed in a parking lot will give you experience / confidence for any unexpected circumstances. But thanks, everyone, for your feedback.

 

[craig]

Curious and cool! I'm wondering if the ease of steering sans DAS is because Q50 doesn't have a solid steering column?

I'm also wondering if the car still having electric power will enable the small actuators on the steering rack to continue assisting???

 

[druhoops]

When you hold down the starter button to kill the engine - I'm pretty sure EVERYTHING shuts off.

 

[Razorburn26]

steering was possible but very un-assisted feeling. completely different then the time my steering locked up while taking off i now have more information for the service tech investigating. thank youfor the shutdown directions.