Stan Geiger

Innovation for the Sake of Innovation

Now comes Toyota.

The world's largest automaker has recalled millions of cars and shut down sales and production of millions more. The reason is sticking accelerators that have reportedly caused thousands of accidents and at least 20 deaths.

I guess the executives finally decided to let go of that lame-ass excuse about pedals getting stuck in floor mats and admit to a more serious problem.

Going back to the dawn of automobile time, acceleration of a car was a mechanical function. Push the pedal to manipulate the carb. But then some genius decided a computer could handle the job better.

Not long ago, I watched an episode of KOTV's noon show. A mechanic was on the show, taking questions from callers. A person called in about a car that just up and died. As I recall, the auto in question was a 2001 Chevy SUV. The caller suspected a bad fuel pump.

For many decades, a fuel pump was a mechanical device located on the engine block. It was a cheap part, and any moron with a wrench and 30 minutes to kill could replace one. I know. I've replaced one or two myself over the years. But it seems things have changed.

The mechanic explained the fuel pump on the auto in question is some kind of gadget located inside the freakin' gas tank. He said replacing one is "labor-intensive." Translation: Replacing a fuel pump these days isn't a job for a shade-tree mechanic, and it will cost you several hundred bucks to get it done.

Note to auto engineers: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

---