WATERTOWN DEALERSHIP FIXING RECALLED TOYOTAS

Watertown's Waite Toyota has the parts, the people and now the training to handle the Japanese car company's largest recall to date.

Technicians are now fixing in earnest the faulty CTS-brand gas pedal that prompted a recall of about 2.3 million Toyota Motor Corp. vehicles bought in the U.S.

On Friday, Barry L. Waite, the dealership's owner, said he and two technicians attended a class earlier in the week taught by the car company on how to fix the pedal and floor mats.

The recall was announced Jan. 21 after Toyota said the gas pedal on eight models can wear and become stuck in the accelerated position. The dealership already has received a shipment of the metal shims that will be installed free of charge to remedy the faulty pedal.

A September recall also identified floor mats — a staple for some Northern New York drivers — that can become lodged under the pedal, causing it to stick. A shorter pedal is being installed in Prius and Camry models to prevent pedals from sticking on floor mats.

Mr. Waite said he has not received any complaints about faulty pedals. He has, however, identified 40 vehicles on the lot, or about three-fifths of his new-vehicle inventory, that will have to have the shim installed.

"We have not had one person see or experience this problem," Mr. Waite said. "This is something that happens over a long time, and we're talking years. If anyone is concerned that they think their vehicle has an issue, they can always call to set up an appointment."

The dealership owner said he plans to extend service hours on Saturdays to accommodate the demand he's expecting.

Mr. Waite said Toyota will send letters to owners of the affected vehicles that will inform them of the process they should take to have the CTS pedals fixed. Car owners should schedule an appointment for repairs after they've received the letter, Mr. Waite said.

"We've had quite a few calls, and most of the customers have been really understanding," he said. "This is a case were Toyota is being very proactive about the situation. Even if customers are not having any problems and they're concerned, they can always call and talk to me personally."

Mr. Waite said vehicles experiencing problems have first priority, followed by ones identified by Toyota that need the shim. When those customers are taken care of, he will fix the fleet sitting in the dealership's lot. A ban on the sale of affected models also has been lifted.

He said the dealership will not move the cars from the lot until the faulty mechanisms are fixed.

Car owners who have thick or loose floor mats in certain models identified by Toyota should remove them immediately, he said.

"This about us taking care of the customers first," he said.

Mr. Waite's family began selling Studebakers in 1929 and switched to Toyotas in the mid-1960s. He said he's still confident the brand attached to his surname can deliver a quality product.

"Oh definitely," he said. "There's no doubt in my mind."

Toyota owners who need to schedule a repair should block off a two- to three-hour slot from their day. The service department is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Appointments can be made by calling 788-6022.