DETROIT — Toyota dealers, who have started to repair defective gas pedals in millions of U.S. vehicles, are extending hours, making house calls and offering other services as they try to repair the damage to Toyota's reputation.
Toyota Motor Corp. recalled eight models Jan. 21 and stopped selling them five days later because their accelerator pedals could get stuck in a depressed position. Toyota is sending dealers a piece of steel about the size of a postage stamp that can be inserted into the accelerator mechanism and eliminate the friction that causes the problem.
Jim White Toyota, a dealership in Toledo, Ohio, received about 350 steel pieces, or shims, and began repairs Wednesday morning. By midafternoon about 25 cars were fixed, said Terry Treter, service manager.