Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Cut It Out: Toyota's recalled pedal modification remedy detailed step-by-step]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/cut-it-out-toyotas-recalled-pedal-modification-remedy-detailed/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/cut-it-out-toyotas-recalled-pedal-modification-remedy-detailed/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/cut-it-out-toyotas-recalled-pedal-modification-remedy-detailed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Toyota/Lexus gas pedal recall modification - click above for gallery

Late last month, Toyota announced that it would begin its biggest recall action ever, summoning 3.8 million cars and trucks back to its dealers to combat "pedal entrapment" by cutting down the accelerator pedals of customer cars to avoid them getting hung-up on floormats, resulting in "unintended acceleration." Although Toyota plans to eventually substitute redesigned units for the shaved pedals (beginning in April), for the moment, it's shaved pedals or nothing.

Up until now, we didn't know what went into the modification process or how the finished pedal looks, as Toyota has worked hard to keep this process confidential. However, thanks to an anonymous Autoblog reader who happens to work in service at a Lexus franchise, we now have a much better idea of what goes into the process. Our source reveals that he's only witnessed the alteration carried out on a ES350, not the IS or any other Toyota model, but we imagine the process is quite similar for other vehicles.

In any case, the procedure is surprisingly involved, with the automaker providing the following tools to every dealership: A cutter, an electric sanding wheel, a gauge to measure how much of the pedal is to be removed and a smaller foam block to go under the carpet. Lexus is disbursing people from its area offices to train dealer technicians on the process, and Toyota is undoubtedly doing the same.

We'll let our source take it from here:
"We will have to remove the gas pedal from the vehicle and place it on a vise. Using the gauge, we are to mark the amount to be removed and cut it off. After this, we take the sanding wheel and angle the edges to make a smooth contoured surface that both looks nice and will not stick to the floor carpet or floor mat.

Also included in the repair is to replace a foam block under the floor carpet with a smaller one to lower the height of the floor slightly behind the gas pedal. What was explained to us is the foam block is glued to the bottom of the floor carpet from the factory. The block will need to be removed by heating the top side of the floor carpet with a hair dryer - not a heat gun. This is to prevent burning of the floor carpet.
(Click through to the jump for the rest of the process and more details)


Gallery: Toyota/Lexus gas pedal recall modification

Continue reading Cut It Out: Toyota's recalled pedal modification remedy detailed step-by-step

Cut It Out: Toyota's recalled pedal modification remedy detailed step-by-step originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AvalonCamryIS 250IS 350IS250IS350LExus ES350Lexus IS 250Lexus IS 350LexusEs350LexusIs250LexusIs350NHTSApedal entrapmentpedal recallPedalEntrapmentPedalRecallPriusrecallTacomaToyota AvalonToyota CamryToyota pedalToyota Priustoyota recallToyota TacomaToyota TundraToyotaAvalonToyotaCamryToyotaPedalToyotaPriusToyotaRecallToyotaTacomaToyotaTundraTundraunintended accelerationUnintendedAccelerationFri, 18 Dec 2009 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Toyota to recall 3.8M vehicles to reshape and replace pedals]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/breaking-toyota-to-recall-3-8m-vehicles-to-reshape-and-replace/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/breaking-toyota-to-recall-3-8m-vehicles-to-reshape-and-replace/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/breaking-toyota-to-recall-3-8m-vehicles-to-reshape-and-replace/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Toyota has announced that it will recall some 3.8 million cars and trucks to reshape and/or replace their accelerator pedals. The action is the result of fears that loose floormats may cause the accelerator pedal to stick, increasing the risk of an accident. The recall will be the largest in the Japanese automaker's history, and it will cover a wide range of vehicles from the 2004 model year through 2010 - a complete list is available after the jump. The move comes after an earlier action where Toyota announced it would recall 3.8 million vehicles to only swap floor mats.

Working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Toyota will effect the recall by sending letters to owners of its Avalon, Camry, and Lexus ES 350 models by year's end. Five other models, including the Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, and Lexus IS 250/IS 350 will receive similar notices sometime in 2010.

The plan includes training dealer service representatives to reshape gas pedals, and Toyota will develop and ship redesigned gas pedals beginning in April. Those customers who have elected to have their pedals initially reshaped will still be able to have the pedal replaced when the updated unit becomes available. Vehicles fitted with Toyota or Lexus-made all-weather floor mats will also receive a new set of redesigned front mats.

Interestingly, Toyota will also install a a brake override system that will turn off the engine if both the accelerator and the brake are depressed simultaneously. According to Automotive News, this update will occur on "involved Camry, Avalon, and Lexus ES 350, IS 350 and IS 250 models 'as an extra measure of confidence.'" This action appears to be limited to vehicles that employ Toyota's push-button start system, but interestingly its hybrid-only Prius has apparently been excluded.

For its part, Toyota says the cost of the action will come entirely from its dedicated recall fund, a $5.6 billion dollar stash, and therefore, the recall will have "no effect" on its business. The news come on the heels of yesterday's announcement that Toyota will recall 2000-2003 Tundra pickups over frame rust issues.

A complete list of vehicles covered under the action and both NHTSA and Toyota's official press releases are available after the jump.

[Sources: Reuters; Automotive News; NHTSA; Toyota]

Continue reading BREAKING: Toyota to recall 3.8M vehicles to reshape and replace pedals

BREAKING: Toyota to recall 3.8M vehicles to reshape and replace pedals originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreakingnewsCamryfloor matfloormatfloormat recallFloormatRecallfloormatsfloormats recallFloormatsRecallLexus ISLexus IS 250Lexus IS 350Lexus IS250Lexus IS350LexusIsLexusIs250LexusIs350PriustoyotaToyota AvalonToyota CamryToyota PriusToyota TacomaToyota TundraToyotaAvalonToyotaCamryToyotaPriusToyotaTacomaToyotaTundratoyta recallToytaRecallWed, 25 Nov 2009 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago 2009: Lexus expands F-sport parts to includes GS, IS convertible and IS AWD]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-lexus-expands-f-sport-parts-to-includes-gs-is-con/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-lexus-expands-f-sport-parts-to-includes-gs-is-con/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-lexus-expands-f-sport-parts-to-includes-gs-is-con/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lexus F-Sport vehicles and accessories

Lexus wasn't doing much in the Windy City this week, so it used the opportunity to release a new line of F-Sport accessories for the GS, IS AWD and upcoming IS C.

Thankfully, Lexus is keeping the majority of its F-Sport items focused on performance, beginning with 18- or 19-inch wheels and six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes, each equipped with stainless steel lines and uprated brake pads. Bilstein shocks, lowering springs, sway bars, a chassis brace, clutch set, short shifter kit, intake and stainless steel exhaust round out the performance options, while a carbon fiber engine cover, shift knob and floor mats appease the dress-up crowd.

When installed by an authorized dealer, the TRD-developed performance parts carry a 12-month warranty on their own or for the balance of the new car warranty. We're looking forward to getting some seat time in a fully-kitted IS 350 equipped with all the F-Sport goodies, so stay tuned for a thorough review. Make the jump for a listing of all the F-Sport parts.

Gallery: Lexus F-Sport Accessories

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Lexus expands F-sport parts to includes GS, IS convertible and IS AWD

Chicago 2009: Lexus expands F-sport parts to includes GS, IS convertible and IS AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f-sportis cIsClexuslexus gslexus is 250lexus is 350lexus is cLexusGsLexusIs250LexusIs350LexusIsCtrdWed, 11 Feb 2009 19:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Lexus unveils IS 250 Sports Concept in Sydney]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/12/lexus-unveils-is-250-sports-concept-in-sydney/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/12/lexus-unveils-is-250-sports-concept-in-sydney/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/12/lexus-unveils-is-250-sports-concept-in-sydney/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Lexus IS 250 Sports Concept

At the ongoing Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, the same show where Australian sportscar-maker Elfin took the wraps off its new Type 5 Clubman, Lexus unveiled a new version of its IS 250 sports sedan called the Sports Concept.

So what, you ask is the Lexus IS 250 Sports Concept? Think of it as IS F-light, but not quite as light on substance as appearance packages from its German rivals (think Audi S-line or Mercedes AMG sport packages). The show car has been outfitted with 19" wheels hiding cross-drilled two-piece rotors clamped by six-pot calipers up front and four-pots in the rear, painted trademark Lexus F blue. It also sports Billstein shocks and springs; sway bars and chassis braces; an enlarged air intake and cat-back exhaust; a new clutch and short-shift kit; a carbon fiber engine cover and an assortment of spoilers and skirts.

In short, what we're looking at is an IS F, only without the 5-liter V8. The revised breathing systems squeeze out a modest 1.5 percent increase in output from the 2.5-liter V6 for a total of about 213hp. The add-ons are currently being considered for the Australian market, but we're sure there are plenty of fans of the IS F on this side of the globe who don't need to hit 60 in the fours and wouldn't mind a more affordable alternative given the current economic climate.

Gallery: Lexus IS 250 Sports Concept


[Source: Lexus]

Lexus unveils IS 250 Sports Concept in Sydney originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaisis 250is 250 sports conceptIs250Is250SportsConceptlexuslexus australialexus islexus is 250lexus is 250 sports conceptlexus is flexus sports conceptLexusAustraliaLexusIsLexusIs250LexusIs250SportsConceptLexusIsFLexusSportsConceptsydneySun, 12 Oct 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Updated 2009 Lexus IS images arrive on web]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/03/updated-2009-lexus-is-images-arrive-on-web/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/03/updated-2009-lexus-is-images-arrive-on-web/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/03/updated-2009-lexus-is-images-arrive-on-web/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view gallery of the 2009 Lexus IS

While work is reportedly be done on developing a cabrio version of the Lexus IS and a lighter-weight version of the fire breathing IS-F, the IS 250 and 350 need some attention too. They're receiving mild updates for the 2009 model year, images of which have found their way onto the web. Though not expected to officially bow until the Paris Motor Show in October, the '09 IS will be sporting an ever so slightly revised front end, new side mirrors with turn signal indicators, redesigned taillamps with integrated L-shaped reverse lights and a new wheel design. In true Lexus tradition, the exterior changes are about as minimal as they get and require close comparison with an '08 model to appreciate. We can see that the front bumper, lower air intakes and fog lights have been softened, but that's about it. While we don't know anything official about mechanical changes, Carscoop reports that a revised electronic stability control system will be part of the '09 package. Check out all the pics in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Lexus IS


[Source: Carscoop]

Updated 2009 Lexus IS images arrive on web originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 lexus is2009LexusIsisis 250is 350Is250Is350lexus islexus is 250lexus is 350LexusIsLexusIs250LexusIs350Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:58:00 EST