Toyota pedal replacements on the way--to factories, not consumers

Consumer Reports News: January 28, 2010 04:16 PM

The manufacturer that makes gas pedals for Toyota products built in North America announced today that is has identified how to fix the problem pedals. The company, CTS Corp., says it is ramping up production of improved pedal mechanisms to supply Toyota's factories so production of the recalled cars and trucks can resume.

The company says that the problem, which led to pedals that could be slow to return to an idle position or in some cases could even get stuck open, was caused by condensation. Replacement pedal assemblies will be on their way to Toyota's factories soon. The factories are not scheduled to be shut down until next week.

Once new cars are produced, Toyota could begin selling these new models while it works on a fix for existing cars owned by consumers or waiting to be sold at Toyota dealerships.

However, Toyota and CTS have not determined the repair for cars already on the road. According to trade publication Automotive News, CTS is considering making a sleeve that would go over the electronic pedal module, presumably to keep moisture out.

For more information on the Toyota recalls, see our unintended acceleration guide.

—Eric Evarts

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