Switches may cause fires in Toyotas

Toyota announced Wednesday that is recalling more than 7.43 million cars in the largest vehicle recall since the 1990s.

The problem is that driver's side window switches may catch fire. 161 fires have been reported and nine people have been hurt.

The recall affects several Toyota models manufactured between 2005 and 2010.

A Grand Rapids area mechanic explained the problem using a 2007 Rav4 as an example. Allen Schwinkendorf of Verburg's Automotive said that unless your window switch is sticking and unless you've sprayed lubricant in it, you probably won't have a problem.
    
Schwinkendorf said it's easy to remove the power window panel.

"Pretty simple to disassemble and get out of the car," he said.

The problem, he said, is grease.

"Didn't have enough lubricant in these to begin with," he explained.

The grease on the switch was not evenly applied during production, Schwinkendorf said, which causes too much friction. Most times, Toyota customers complained the switch would stick.

And sometimes, either customers or repair shops would spray off-the-shelf greases, which actually makes the problem worse.

"Mechanic in the can very rarely works," he said. "You have something electrical, it's not to smart to go spraying propellants from an aerosol can. This is what can happen."

As Schwinkendorf showed, the inspection process is simple enough. The panel is taken out and re-greased -- a process many Toyota mechanics will find themselves doing in the months ahead.

Drivers whose vehicle is on the recall list will get a letter in the mail later this month advising they take it into a dealership for inspection and any needed repairs.

Affected models according to the AP:

Recalled in North America (2.47 million vehicles):

• Yaris
• Corolla
• Matrix
• Camry
• RAV4
• Highlander
• Tundra
• Sequoia and Scion models xB and xD

Recalled in Japan (460,000 vehicles):

• Vitz
• Belta
• Ractis
• Ist
• Auris
• Corolla Lumion.

Recalled in Europe (1.39 million vehicles):

• Yaris
• Corolla
• Auris
• Camry
• Rav-4