ASCO Motors advise its loyal customers and the general public of certain Toyota models that may be affected by global Special Service Campaigns which have recently appeared in the international media and reported locally.
As the authorised Toyota distributor in Fiji, Asco Motors is committed to providing the necessary actions in order to limit any further confusion or uncertainty in this regard.
Responding to questions sent by this newspaper, the company says there are two Special Service Campaigns concerned:
* The Fuel Suction Plate/Charcoal Canister presented in certain Toyota Corolla/Auris, Prius, Prius PHV, SAI and Lexus CT200h, HS 205h models; and
* Curtain Shield Airbag in Toyota Prius, Prius PHV and Lexus CT200h models manufactured between 2008 and 2015. It should be noted that not all vehicles in this range are affected.
* Charcoal Canister – Description of defect:
The subject vehicles are equipped with a fuel evaporative emission control unit (canister) assembled to the fuel tank. There is a possibility that a crack could develop on the edge of the resin channel for the emission gas flow because of an improper shape of the channel edge at that location. In this condition, the crack could expand over time, and eventually fuel may leak from the crack when the vehicle has a full tank of fuel. Fuel or fuel vapour in the presence of an ignition source could increase the risk of a vehicle fire.
* Curtain Airbag – Description of defect:
The subject vehicles are equipped with curtain shield airbags located in the left and right side roof rails. Each curtain shield airbag uses a “hybrid” type inflator which contains compressed gas in one chamber of the inflator and propellant in another; these chambers are welded together. Some inflators could have a minute crack in the weld area. If the crack propagates over time, the welded portion could separate. This has been observed when the vehicle is parked and unoccupied for a period of time. If an inflator separates, compressed gas escapes, which results in partial inflation of the curtain shield airbag, and, in limited circumstances, one or both sections of the inflator could enter the interior of the vehicle. If an occupant is present in the vehicle, there is an increased risk of injury.
For vehicles sold out of the Asco Motors network, the company says they are fully aware of the affected vehicles and would be in contact with these customers in due course.
“Once parts become available Asco Motors will contact affected vehicle owners to advise them to make an appointment and bring in their vehicles.
“For all other registered Toyota vehicles, Asco Motors are liaising with the relevant local authorities to identify the details of these vehicles which may be affected in the above campaigns.
“Details will be provided to the manufacturer to confirm whether these vehicles are affected or not and the relevant actions to be taken by Asco Motors.
“Once these details are confirmed, Asco Motors will provide clarity on the required measures to be taken for these vehicles,” it said.