Sticking accelerator

[scottydl]

Upon initial startup (anytime after the engine has been shut off), my first tap of the accelerator requires a little extra foot power. It seems to stick in place until I knock it loose that first time, and then it's fine. I'm not sure what is causing it or what I can do about it. I seem to remember someone else having this issue awhile back, but I couldn't find the thread. Ideas?

[erw38]

My first guess would be a throttle body cleaning. Very easy to do, but when I did it I had to move the overflow tank to get access to the TB.

[stevensolds]

Oh boy, sticky gas pedal. Not good at all.

[scottydl]

Well it only slightly sticks while in resting position, so it's not like it get stuck at WOT while I'm driving. I know I've heard of this problem, I just don't remember where. erw, my throttle body was supposedly cleaned a few months back with my fuel injectors, so that shouldn't be the problem... good suggestion tho.

[erw38]

Then you might want to inspect and lubricate the accelerator peddle (the part that goes trough to firewall or the floor or wherever it goes). My previous car did the same thing. It seemed to stick more when it was colder outside (might just have been more noticable). Other than lubing it, I give up

just found what might be the cure

try inspecting the TB linkage to see if any rust is on it and if so grease it some

I think its the metal wire that sits right by the throttle body.

www.mustangforums.com/m_316085/tm.htm

www.diynet.com/diy/ab_auto_fuel_system/article/0,2021,DIY_13679_3117399,00.html

[stevensolds]

that would suck if it happened at WOT lol. id be like noooooooooooooooooooo

[Letitroll98]

My pedal sticks too. To the FLOOR when I stick my foot in it, whoooo hooooo! Ya know, it doesn't seem to go back until I stop shoving my foot in it. ;D Is there something wrong with my linkage?

[erw38]

Letitroll98 said:

Is there something wrong with my linkage?

Houston we have a problem! I don't think that you can spray that linkage with grease, because it might leak out your ears. ;D

[omegaic]

Some WD40 down the accelerator cable from the TB should help. Make sure you get the gas pedal, not the cruise control.

[OldsMike]

scottydl said:

Upon initial startup (anytime after the engine has been shut off), my first tap of the accelerator requires a little extra foot power. It seems to stick in place until I knock it loose that first time, and then it's fine. I'm not sure what is causing it or what I can do about it. I seem to remember someone else having this issue awhile back, but I couldn't find the thread. Ideas?

I used to work for Teleflex as a Engineer in Throttle system cables. These were throttle, cruise and shifter cables. The wires are stainless steel and the end fittings, at least the ones we made, were highly engineered injection molded fittings. Nothing to rust and quite durable. If one of the wire strands do break, it will roll up inside the conduit and you will have a high effort when pressing the pedal, all of the time. I think what you are describing is a high initial effort to push the pedal when newly started and it then works properly. This is a problem with the cruise mechanism and is common with GM products. Changing the cruise may/may not cure the problem. My 99' has the same problem and I think I might try to swap out the cruise until I find one that works properly. Good luck!