Here’s The Problem With The Gear Selector That Might Have Led To Anton Yelchin's Death
It’s been previously stated by the NHTSA that this electronic shifter - manufactured by German firm ZF - is responsible for hundreds of crashes. As explained and demonstrated by The Fast Lane Car in the video above, the problem stems from the fact that the shifter returns to the centre position after every selection. Unlike many automatic gearbox selectors, it doesn’t have a park button either.
A rollaway incident involving a Jeep Grand Cherokee fitted with one of the problematic shifters claimed the life of Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin, after he was pinned between the unsecured vehicle and a pillar on his driveway. Cars with the shifter were actually recalled by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) back in April to have new software installed that applies the parking brake if the car’s still in neutral when the door is opened. It’s currently unknown if Yelchin’s car had been given the new software, although given the nature of the tragic accident, we’d assume not.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
So, driving a manual can save your life ?
I KNEW I HAD A GOOD REASON TO SAY THAT MANUAL GEARBOXES ARE BETTER!
Take that automatic ! ahah !
Well then again, manual drivers tend to be smarter than others
well, if you leave your car in neutral and expect it stays there it is your fault as well. Although I think it is seriously strange that the shifter moves back to a position. But before exiting a car I always make sure in which gear it is. If it is in neutral it tend to roll manual or not.
Downshift can save your life in case of brake failure.
It’s also an excellent theft deterrent.
http://www.autoblog.com/2016/10/20/carjacking-attempt-foiled-by-pesky-manual-transmission/
Thats why we love manuals.
This is why a mechanical selection is always best, none of this nonsense occurs
For some reason I find that very easy and straight forward to operate. Then again I haven’t used one so.
I agree, and it probably is easy. I don’t find it as a design flaw. It’s more like some people’s brains flaws… -.-
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Tell you what the problem is, it’s that dumb Americans don’t use the handbrake. If Anton put on the e-brake, then the brilliant young actor would still be around!
Don’t forget manuals, either.
In case you didn’t know…this isn’t just happening in the states.. Everyone needs a lesson
Gotta jump in on this! Im a technician, so i constantly pull these types of cars in. The issue i see is people dont want to take an extra second to simply slow down when shifting gears, or looking at the selector! At the same time…im use to the old style selectors aswell. I prefer manual transmissions, or if an auto, a selector which stays in the gear u choose.
It doesn’t seem any more complicated or hard to use than BMW’s shifters. Sure, there’s no park button but it shouldn’t be that hard to figure out.
That Dodge sound tho
I hope that fiat/chrysler goes back to mechanical parts. I absolutely hate the stupid knob in my grandfather’s new truck. Auto truck should be on the column.
FCA did replace those shifters in late 2015 to the traditional shifters for the 2016 year onwards.