Expert disagrees with Toyota pedal fix, says problem is electronic throttle system not gas pedal

Expert disagrees with Toyota pedal fix, says problem is electronic throttle system not gas pedal

Consumers across the nation are coming forward stating that they believe they were involved in accidents due to faulty parts in their Toyotas. Meanwhile, Toyota continues to address the recall in a simple manner, stating that accidents were rare and that not many vehicles are affected. Earlier this week, the auto giant announced that a piece the size of a penny, called a ‘shim’ would be used to repair faulty gas pedals. Toyota dealers across the nation state that once technicians are properly trained they will repair the sticky gas pedals and consumers will be safe again. One expert disagrees and says that the problem with Toyota isn’t mechanical but electronic and doesn’t believe the shim will repair the problem.

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A safety analyst, John Kane, spoke on CNN and said that after looking at 2,000 incidents involving Toyota recalled vehicles, he doesn’t believe the problem is with the gas pedal, but with the electronic throttle system. He said that he does not believe Toyota’s pedal fix addresses the core problem.

“These are completely computer-guided systems, and we all know that electronics fail. They do fail, and they will fail. The problem with Toyota is they haven't built enough fail-safe devices into their cars to ensure that drivers get control of the vehicle when a failure happens.”

John Kane’s assessment is in direct contrast to statements made by Toyota executives. During a previous press conference, a representative for Toyota stated that they could not find any indication of malfunctions in the electronic control unit

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has stated that though they have conducted several investigations into Toyota, they are going to look at the electronic system to see if that is the cause of the problem.

  More information: Press Release Canadian Class Action Lawsuit indicates Electronic Throttle Control System

Mechanic Matthew Lee holds a recalled Toyota gas pedal at a Toyota dealership in Palo Alto, Calif., Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

A Toyota mechanic installs a replacement part on a recalled Toyota pedal at a Toyota dealership in Palo Alto, Calif., Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

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