Oct. 2, 2009 – Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. recalled millions of cars this week due to a potential problem with the floor mats.
Toyota illustration of potential floor mat problem that prompted the recall
THE RECALL involves the following model years and cars:
2007-2010
Camry
2005-2010
Avalon
2004-2009
Prius
2005-2010
Tacoma
2007-2010
Tundra
According to information from Toyota, there is a potential for an
accelerator pedal to get stuck in the full open position due to an unsecured or
incompatible driver's floor mat.A stuck
open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it
difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or
death.
Should the vehicle continue to accelerate rapidly after
releasing the accelerator pedal, this could be an indication of floor mat
interference.If this occurs, Toyota recommends the
driver take the following actions:
First, if it is possible and safe to do so, pull back the
floor mat and dislodge it from the accelerator pedal; then pull over and stop
the vehicle.
If the floor mat cannot be dislodged, then firmly and
steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet. Do NOT pump the brake pedal
repeatedly as this will increase the effort required to slow the vehicle.
Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N)
position and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road
and turn off the engine.
If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine
OFF, or to ACC. This will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but
the power assist to these systems will be lost.
-If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop
button, firmly and steadily push the button for at least three seconds to turn
off the engine. Do NOT tap the Engine Start/Stop button.
-If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional
key-ignition, turn the ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine.
Do NOT remove the key from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel.
Owners with questions
or concerns, are asked to contact the ToyotaCustomerExperienceCenter
(1 800 331-4331) or consult the information posted on their website.
Video News
Dr Clarke's winning Video from the 2009 Flu Prevention PSA Contest
Should I go to the ER?
FLU SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 flu are: fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, according to the CDC. Some people have reported vomiting and diarrhea and other people may have symptoms without fever. Consult your doctor, particularly if you are in a high risk group for complications from the flu. Below are warning signs (adults and children) that need immediate medical attention.
Emergency Warning Signs:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish or gray skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Severe or persistent vomiting
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
CDC info for: Pregnant Women and Parents with Infants
