Throttle Cable Replacement
When you press the accelerator pedal in your car, a cable which runs from the pedal to the throttle body, or carburetor, opens the throttle plate which allows air and fuel to enter the engine’s intake. When the pedal is released, it springs back up due to the throttle return spring. The throttle cable is exposed to the environmental elements under the hood, which may cause it to seize up or otherwise not move freely. If this happens, the cable can break and the throttle may stick or become unresponsive. If the throttle cable sticks in the open position, the engine will race. If the throttle cable seizes in the closed position, the accelerator pedal may be difficult to press or will not operate the throttle at all.
A binding or seized throttle control cable can cause your engine to race, putting you in a potentially dangerous situation or causing internal damage to your engine. | Newer vehicles equipped with drive-by-wire systems do not have a throttle control cable.
The vehicle hood is raised and supported. The engine trim cover is removed and the cable is disconnected from the throttle lever. | The defective throttle control cable is disconnected from the accelerator and removed from the fire wall. | The new throttle control cable is installed in reverse order through the firewall then connected to the throttle lever and accelerator pedal. | The throttle is tested to ensure it operates smoothly without binding. The engine trim cover is reinstalled. | The vehicle hood is closed and vehicle is road tested to ensure proper operation.
It may be possible to lubricate the throttle control cable if symptoms are noticed in the early stages. Otherwise, the throttle control cable does not require regular maintenance or servicing. If your throttle is binding or you suspect a throttle control cable problem is occurring, have one of our expert mechanics inspect and replace it.
The throttle control cable is vital to the operation of your engine’s fuel delivery. If it is not operating properly, you may experience difficulty controlling your throttle while in traffic. Have a faulty or seized throttle control cable replaced immediately.
