U.S. safety officials investigating if electrical interference causing sticky pedal problem
Posted February 3, 2010 5:57 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The problem with the recalled Toyotas may be more serious than the automaker claims.
According to a U.S. transportation official, the sticky accelerator at the centre of the sales suspension may actually be caused by an electrical problem.
In fact, safety officials in the U.S. are investigating whether electromagnetic interference from cells phones and radios may be the cause of the sudden acceleration.
The automaker, however, has insisted the two are not connected.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said “[…] we will work with the car manufacturers to make sure that the electronics are not the problem.”
And in Congress, Wednesday, LaHood stated owners of the recalled vehicles should stay off the roads, which caused a bit of panic.
He later modified that statement. “If you’re in doubt take it to the dealer – one of the ones that needs to be fixed – or at least have them look at it.”
Here in Canada, Transport Minister John Baird urged Canadians who own one of the recalled Toyotas to bring it to their dealers as soon as possible.
Baird added Transport Canada would be monitoring Toyota’s repair plan as it progresses.
Meantime, one Michigan woman said she saw her life flashing before her eyes when her Toyota suddenly accelerated.
“I was passing a school bus, I found myself going 90 miles an hour.”
Linda Price, on the other hand, was able to control her vehicle because of a news report she heard earlier.
“All my weight down on that break pedal and I just with all my strength just put it into neutral.”
