Toyota's Pedal FIX (with Vid)
02-05-2010, 07:50 PM
#1
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Toyota's Pedal FIX (with Vid)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDIXQfB5BTE
So, basically it looks like Toyota Dealers are installing a small "Shim" inside the pedal mechanism to Increase the tension to the return springs of the Pedal itself.
Apparently their mechanism has a twin return spring (one inside the other) as a safety if one return spring fails, this area of the Pedal mechanism is sealed, so the FIX is to install the SHIM behind the pivoting area. The single shim used can vary depending on the plastic Pedal mechanism itself, Dealers have a range from 1.8 to 2.2 mil thick.
What concerns me is this FIX a long term fix??
Toyota are basically leaving the original springs in the Pedal Assembly that were engineered to return the pedal at a certain force, to now alter this force by installing a SHIM.
What happens to the original springs "properties" over time and age??..are they strong enough to last??..
Owners will also notice a slight pressure difference when using the Pedal, and it should return in a slightly quicker/stronger action.
It is obviously the cheapest and quickest procedure for Toyota rather than making a Brand new and stronger spring-ed Pedal Assemblies which will be done on the new car production line.
So, basically it looks like Toyota Dealers are installing a small "Shim" inside the pedal mechanism to Increase the tension to the return springs of the Pedal itself.
Apparently their mechanism has a twin return spring (one inside the other) as a safety if one return spring fails, this area of the Pedal mechanism is sealed, so the FIX is to install the SHIM behind the pivoting area. The single shim used can vary depending on the plastic Pedal mechanism itself, Dealers have a range from 1.8 to 2.2 mil thick.
What concerns me is this FIX a long term fix??
Toyota are basically leaving the original springs in the Pedal Assembly that were engineered to return the pedal at a certain force, to now alter this force by installing a SHIM.
What happens to the original springs "properties" over time and age??..are they strong enough to last??..
Owners will also notice a slight pressure difference when using the Pedal, and it should return in a slightly quicker/stronger action.
It is obviously the cheapest and quickest procedure for Toyota rather than making a Brand new and stronger spring-ed Pedal Assemblies which will be done on the new car production line.
02-05-2010, 08:02 PM
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More seriously though, none of this is surprising me at all. When I was dealing with them at all levels trying to get someone to accept responsibility for destroying my transmission on my Corolla, I got a pretty big insight into how little effort Toyota puts towards it's customers post-purchase. Their "most reliable cars" perception has served them well, but it has also lulled them into a lack of structure or action needed for something of this nature. Addressing customer concerns beyond a basic dealer level isn't something they are prepared to deal with, simply because they generally haven't had to. Ramp up the volume suddenly with a news report and this mess is what you get.
02-05-2010, 08:05 PM
#4
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Having another look, why do they take the back cover plate off??
The SHIM is installed outside the pedal box area, so what is to stop the shim from working loose or even falling out on the floor over time?? (see 1.24)
Or am I looking at it incorrectly??
The SHIM is installed outside the pedal box area, so what is to stop the shim from working loose or even falling out on the floor over time?? (see 1.24)
Or am I looking at it incorrectly??
02-05-2010, 08:15 PM
#6
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Expert disagrees with Toyota pedal fix, says problem is electronic throttle system not gas pedal
http://www.examiner.com/x-12837-US-H...-not-gas-pedal
http://www.examiner.com/x-12837-US-H...-not-gas-pedal
02-05-2010, 08:27 PM
#7
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MMmm the more I read into this the more I am concerned about Toyota's FIX.
Because they have virtually now admitted that THE issue is Only related to the Accelerator Pedal, and that is ONLY to do with the Strength of the two Pedal Return Springs.
I just also hope they are not taking the CHEAP and Easy way out, it is far cheaper to install a 5 cent SHIM..plus Dealer Time, then to replace a Complete Throttle Body or PCM/ECU..
I really hope for Toyota's sake they have this correct, because if they don't, BOY it will be catastrophic for them....any more accidents or deaths.
Because they have virtually now admitted that THE issue is Only related to the Accelerator Pedal, and that is ONLY to do with the Strength of the two Pedal Return Springs.
I just also hope they are not taking the CHEAP and Easy way out, it is far cheaper to install a 5 cent SHIM..plus Dealer Time, then to replace a Complete Throttle Body or PCM/ECU..
I really hope for Toyota's sake they have this correct, because if they don't, BOY it will be catastrophic for them....any more accidents or deaths.
02-05-2010, 08:33 PM
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Talk about bad press...
These are completely computer-guided systems, and we all know that electronics fail. They do fail, and they will fail. The problem with Toyota is they haven't built enough fail-safe devices into their cars to ensure that drivers get control of the vehicle when a failure happens.
02-05-2010, 08:40 PM
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Wow, the followup with the disappointment was very disappointing! I expected some explanation, not just that he thought it was electronic!
I see no reason why this fix would fail. It is indeed simpler, cheaper, and faster than redesigning a new interface but if all that is needed is a few mm to add clearance of something, then that is all that is needed.
That said, Im not too educated on the issue in the first place - People were flooring it and the pedal would get stuck?
That used to happen to me in the 8! I learned my floor-mat kept popping over the gas pedal when I had it pushed all the way down and quickly removed the mat, lol.
I see no reason why this fix would fail. It is indeed simpler, cheaper, and faster than redesigning a new interface but if all that is needed is a few mm to add clearance of something, then that is all that is needed.
That said, Im not too educated on the issue in the first place - People were flooring it and the pedal would get stuck?
That used to happen to me in the 8! I learned my floor-mat kept popping over the gas pedal when I had it pushed all the way down and quickly removed the mat, lol.
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