By AARON MUELLER
Niles Daily Star

Toyota dealerships in Michiana have received the necessary parts to repair sticky accelerator pedals in recalled Toyota models.

The problem plaguing the massive recall? Service Manager Rick Vargo at Gates Toyota in South Bend said the repair only requires installing a tiny metal shim, a process that he says takes an hour or less.

Other models need to have the accelerator pedal modified, which takes more than two hours.
“We’ve seen a lot of cars,” Vargo said. “We serviced over 50 yesterday.”

Both Gates Toyota and Jordan Toyota in Mishawaka received shipments of the shims Wednesday. After service workers watched a training video, they have been working nonstop.
Gates Toyota has extended its hours past 7 p.m. to service the influx of vehicles. Vargo said the dealership is considering staying open as late as 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday to make the repairs as quickly as possible.

Vargo doesn’t believe the recall will affect sales at the dealership.

“Customers are very loyal to their brand,” he said. “The whole thing has been blown out of proportion a little bit.”

Vargo said if someone experiences a sticky pedal, she should brake hard but not pump the brakes, put the car into neutral and guide it to the side of the road.

Representatives at Jordan Toyota could not be reached before press time.