How newer gas pedals work
Q: When I press down the gas pedal of my 2 0 1 2 Toyota Camry, sometimes I get no response. I have to jiggle the pedal before the engine will respond. One articulate mechanic explained that there is no mechanical linkage between pedal and carburetor, and the problem must lie in the computer. He didn’t know how to fix it, however. This doesn’t happen very often, but when I need to accelerate this slight hesitation is annoying. — D.P., Bloomfield, Connecticut A:
Your car, and most other newer ones, are “drive-bywire.” There is no mechanical link between the throttle (no carb) and the throttle pedal. Instead, a sensor signals the movement of the gas pedal, and the computer sends a command to an electromechanical device to open the throttle plate. By default, the throttle will close if there is no signal from the gas pedal. The problem may lie with the gas pedal sensor, the throttle control device or in the computer. My guess is the gas pedal sensor.
Q: In a recent column you referred to the “5 5 mph speed limit, as was imposed during the Carter administration.” That is incorrect. It was imposed during the Nixon administration. I was there. — D.L., Chicago A:
Oops. During the Carter administration, I believe the restriction was a limit of 55 peanuts per package. You’ve got to trust me on this, I am not a crook.
Q: Some things have been bothering me for over a year now, so I thought I needed some professional help. A year ago in March my wife and I bought a brand-new Hyundai Sonata from a dealer. After negotiations we had to see the business office person. As we looked at the order and invoice we noticed charges for dealer handling, $3 0 3 , and $2 9 9 for VSP etching. None of these add-ons were on the sticker. We were told that all new vehicles come with these charges, and they can’t do anything about it. Is this for real or just another way to get more money from the buyer? —S.S., Woodstock, Illinois A:
Some charges are non-negotiable such as the destination fee. But other stuff is a way to make more money (would you like the combination meal with a drink?). Etching, for instance is not required. Fabric protection is not required. Locking lug nuts are not required. And so on.
You can ask that the charges be removed but expect a fight. You have the mother of all negotiation tools, your feet. Walk away from the deal and shop somewhere else.
Q: Apparently, I overfilled my gas tank on my Ford F2 5 0 . The check engine light has been on ever since — almost 1 ,0 0 0 miles. Are there any longterm consequences? — J.P., Lake Geneva, Wisconsin A:
The charcoal canister in the evaporative emissions system is likely saturated with liquid gasoline. It needs to be replaced. Your fuel economy may go down. Your car won’t pass a state emissions inspections test.
Q: Why is the cost of fuel reported to the third decimal point? I have never seen anything but a 9 in this position. Wouldn’t it be cheaper to manufacture pump readouts to the nearest penny? — K.S., Syracuse, New York A:
It may be a shortcut to round the figures, but someone will get shorted while someone else benefits. In the past, analog pumps reported the amount of fuel dispensed quite accurately. To approach perfect accuracy, the digital reading goes to one thousandth of a cent.
Bob Weber is a writer and mechanic who became an ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician in 1976. He maintains this status by seeking certification every five years. Weber’s work appears in professional trade magazines and other consumer publications. Send questions along with name and town to motormouth. tribune@gmail.com.