Slideshow
Toyota's Recalled Pedal Repair: How They Do It
Feb 4, 2010
- Image Credit: Sam Abuelsamid, Autoblog
LaFontaine Toyota in Dearborn, Michigan
We visited LaFontaine Toyota in Dearborn, Michigan to see how the Japanese automaker plans on fixing their vehicles for consumers.
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- Toyota Recall
- Image Credit: Reilly Brennan, AOL Autos
The half-a-billion dollar fix
Toyota sent metal shims of various sizes to all its dealers during the week of February 1, 2010.
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- Toyota Recall
- Image Credit: Sam Abuelsamid, Autoblog
Master Technican Doug Kropp
LaFontaine Toyota's Doug Kropp walked us through the installation process.
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- Toyota Recall
- Image Credit: Reilly Brennan, AOL Autos
Metal Shim Close Up
The shims are no bigger than a dime and come in 7 different thicknesses.
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- Toyota Recall
- Image Credit: Sam Abuelsamid, Autoblog
1. Identify the right part
The technician checks the pedal to see if it's one of the recalled pedal systems. If it's on the recall list, it should have the installation procedure.
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- Toyota Recall
- Image Credit: Reilly Brennan, AOL Autos
2. Remove the pedal from the vehicle
After identifying the pedal is a part of the recall, the technician removes it from the car. The pedal comes out by unplugging its wiring harness and removing two screws.
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- Toyota Recall
- Image Credit: Sam Abuelsamid, Autoblog
3. Measure
Next, the technician uses a feeler gauge to measure the distance of the space between the bottom of the pedal housing and the spring housing.
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- Toyota Recall
- Image Credit: Sam Abuelsamid, Autoblog
4. Installing the insert
Based on his measurements, the technician picks the right insert from the parts bin, then carefully slides it inside the pedal assembly.
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- Toyota Recall
- Image Credit: Sam Abuelsamid, Autoblog
5. Does it feel right?
The technician gives the pedal 5 pumps to see if the feel of the unit has been compromised.
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- Toyota Recall
- Image Credit: Sam Abuelsamid, Autoblog
6. Reinstall and check the vehicle
If it feels right, he puts it back in the vehicle. Next, the technician plugs in his mobile diagnosis unit and runs a complete software check of the car. If all systems are go, the customer gets his or her car back. The total time for this takes about 30 minutes according to estimates from LaFontaine Toyota.
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- Toyota Recall