Is a very stiff accelerator pedal normal?
 

Driving my sister's car I notice that the accelerator is REALLY stiff to push down. So much so when driving the car I have trouble getting it moving off the line unless I damn near break my toes on the thing. How stiff should this thing be? Is it just a cable I can lube?

RE: Is a very stiff accelerator pedal normal?
 

Hi Miatamon,

The accelerator pedal shouldn't be as stiff as you've described. Check the cable as well as linkage & throttle plate area. Something may be about to bind. Also check the inside of the throttle plate (with engine off) by removing the induction hose and inspecting with flash light, open the throttle plate by hand, by rotating the rotor-looking component where the accelerator cable is attached to. If too dirty inside the throttle body, I would try cleaning it with carburetor/fuel system cleaning spray (one that is safe for O2 sensor & catalytic converter) + a tooth brush. Also, check that there is nothing on the floor that is interfering with the pedal.

Good luck,


JPN

RE: Is a very stiff accelerator pedal normal?
 

Just a thought...

How are the electrical ground wires around your engine? Are any of them missing?

If the electric current (for starter motor) is searching for a ground, it will flow thru engine, thru throttle body, thru accelerator pedal cable, thru accelerator pedal, and finally to body ground.

When electric current flows thru accelerator pedal cable, it will cause it to weld/fuse to anything metal -- thus making it difficult to use your accelerator pedal.

RE: Is a very stiff accelerator pedal normal?
 

What an interesting possibility! I wouldn't have thought of that in a million years.

That said, I have a feeling that's not the cause. It does feel a lot like carpet is bunching up under the pedal, but it's not AFAIK. I'll check out the cable and throttle plate.

Thanks

RE: Is a very stiff accelerator pedal normal?
 

There is a valve/sensor inline on the cable make sure it didn't break and is coming apart.

RE: Is a very stiff accelerator pedal normal?
 

Is the valve related to the cruise somehow? What does it do?

RE: Is a very stiff accelerator pedal normal?
 

That valve/switch is a pedal position sensor used to compare to the TPS.