Your Serene, Green Auto Repair Team and Small Business of the Year.
Written by Henry & Lisa Carter
Wow, not only Toyota drivers are concerned with unintended acceleration, all drivers are. This year's headlines have had some very interesting, if not down right alarming, stories about just that. As a life long technician I personally I have experienced this phenomenon more than once! Believe me it is scary!
Currently, most car manufactures are trying to reassure car owners that their vehicles are safe for them to drive. Toyota and Lexus appear to be the only vehicles affected right now.
The problems the Toyotas are experiencing are due to floor mats and sticking accelerator pedal assemblies. Does your car need this recall? Stop by Water Star Motors and we can check your V.I.N.# to see if your vehicle needs to go in for the recall.
Or look it up on Toyota’s web site.
http://www.toyota.com/recall/?srchid=K2279_p228906385
Can my car have this same problem? Many cars have floor mats that can get out of position and create problems. For example, they may get under the clutch or accelerator preventing the affected pedal to move all the way to the floor. Or the mat may lie heavily on top of the accelerator or catch a shoe heel at a critical moment.
All cars have a way of informing the engine that your foot is pushing the accelerator. The ways are; with linkage, a cable or an electronic sensor. All of these systems are subject to wear and tear due to age and environmental conditions. If these parts wear out, become dirty or get damaged there is a possibility they could stick or fail to work at all.
Fortunately, more often this causes a loss of power rather than unintended acceleration. Also, if the mat gets jammed under the clutch pedal it can cause the car not to start.
What if you experience a sticking accelerator pedal while driving?
Toyota’s web site explains what to do!:
Each circumstance may vary, and drivers must use their best judgment, but Toyota recommends taking the following actions:
• If you need to stop immediately, the vehicle can be controlled by stepping on the brake pedal with both feet using firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brake pedal as it will deplete the vacuum utilized for the power brake assist. • Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine. • If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF. This will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost. o If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly and steadily push the button for at least three seconds to turn off the engine. Do NOT tap the Engine Start/Stop button. o If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional key-ignition, turn the ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine. Do NOT remove the key from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel.
Concerned that this may happen to you? Bring your car in to Water Star Motors. We can inspect your throttle system and mats to help prevent this from happening to you.
