Toyota Gas Pedal Fix Simulated: Friction Reduced, But By Too Much?

Paul Niedermeyer
by Paul Niedermeyer

Update: a portal to all of TTAC’s articles on the subject of Toyota gas pedals is here:

We’ve taken it apart, explained Toyota’s intended fix, and now we’ve replicated the “fix” to see what effect it has. It works, but does it work too well?

In the photo above, the two friction teeth are shown in their operating position before the “fix”. One can easily see their pivot axle sticking out to both sides, in a lighter gray color, just where the friction unit protruded from the housing. The other end of this friction unit is the retainer for the return spring, and this is what creates the pressure on the friction teeth.

The second picture (above) shows the other end of this unit. The round end in the middle of the unit is where the coil spring is retained. The gap as shown in this picture is where the metal spacer would go. It would change the fulcrum angle, and the amount of pressure that the spring would exert on the friction teeth.

In the third picture (above) we have inserted a 1/8″ thick screwdriver shank to simulate a spacer in this area. We don’t know yet what thickness the Toyota space will have, so this is an arbitrary guess to see the effect. The amount of friction was substantially reduced by this increase in the gap, and the change in the fulcrum angle of the friction bar unit. We were not able to actually install the unit in a car to see how it would feel, but the change in feel was very noticeable to the hand.

As we’ve explained in the prior post, the balance of friction to the control spring is what creates a stable, yet safe pedal assembly. By reducing the friction, the pedal will feel “less stable”, and it might be more difficult to maintain a steady throttle opening. The perceived pressure felt by the foot will also be greater. The degree of this affect will of course depend on the thickness of the spacer Toyota specifies.

Undoubtedly, this fix will profoundly reduce the likelihood or possibility of the pedal being stuck or slow to return. But the trade off may not be immaterial. Undoubtedly, Toyota’s intended degree of friction will be compromised by this fix, to one degree or another. And drivers may find the fix unpleasant or uncomfortable, also to some degree or another. Clearly, this fix is a band aid to fix the intrinsic limitations of this design. We will be taking a closer look at the Denso pedal next to see how their design is different.

Update: The final article in this series compares the two pedals (CTS and Denso), and makes a recommendation. Link here.

Paul Niedermeyer
Paul Niedermeyer

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  • Downessr Downessr on May 03, 2010

    Does anyone know if this fix affects accelleration? My 2009 5 speed manual(not fixed) was much quicker than my 2010 5 speed manual.

    • The7 The7 on May 03, 2010

      Don't think it will affect the deceleration at all. What are the mileage on your 2009 and 2010 models?

  • Downessr Downessr on May 03, 2010

    The 2009 had 28k on it. The 2010 has 1700. The pickup in the higher gears is no way near the old one(which was unfortunately totaled in an accident).

    • The7 The7 on May 04, 2010

      The 2010 one with 1700 is still in run-in condition. Will become more powerful after 5000.

  • Joe This is called a man in the middle attack and has been around for years. You can fall for this in a Starbucks as easily as when you’re charging your car. Nothing new here…
  • AZFelix Hilux technical, preferably with a swivel mount.
  • ToolGuy This is the kind of thing you get when you give people faster internet.
  • ToolGuy North America is already the greatest country on the planet, and I have learned to be careful about what I wish for in terms of making changes. I mean, if Greenland wants to buy JDM vehicles, isn't that for the Danes to decide?
  • ToolGuy Once again my home did not catch on fire and my fire extinguisher(s) stayed in the closet, unused. I guess I threw my money away on fire extinguishers.(And by fire extinguishers I mean nuclear missiles.)
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