Having pinpointed the issue that could potentially cause accelerator pedals to stick in a partially open position in approximately 2.3 million recalled Toyota-branded vehicles in North America and another 1.8 million in Europe, the Japanese automaker has announced a fix for the problem.
According to Toyota, the sticking throttle issue involves a friction device in the pedal designed to provide the proper "feel" by adding resistance and making the pedal steady and stable.
That device includes a jagged shoe that rubs against an adjoining surface during normal pedal operation. Toyota said that the problem concerns the materials used on the device, as over time, these surfaces begin to stick causing the throttle to remain in a partially open position.
The company's solution is rather simple as it involves the installation of a precision-cut steel reinforcement bar into the assembly thus reducing the surface tension between the friction shoe and the adjoining surface.
Toyota says it's confident that with this reinforcement in place, the excess friction that can cause the pedal to stick is eliminated.
The company announced that it will start repairs in the U.S. this week with Toyota dealers working extended hours to complete the recall campaign with some even said to stay open 24 hours a day.
As for Europe, first shipments of parts required for the fix will begin arriving next week.
And while we've explained this before, we've guess it won't hurt anyone if we stress the fact that there are two different recalls over Toyota's accelerator problems - even though some vehicles are affected by both.
Here's how Toyota describes the two different (but related) issues:
Sticking Pedal Accelerator Recall: The condition can occur in rare instances, over time, under certain environmental conditions - there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to idle position.
Potential Floor Mat Interference with Accelerator Pedal Recall: This condition is the potential for an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat to interfere with or entrap the accelerator pedal and cause it to get stuck in the wide open position.
Toyota has determined that this condition can occur in vehicles in which the driver's side floor mat is not compatible with the vehicle and/or is not properly secured.
