Car pedal covers

How to detect the accelerator pedal failure

You will need a multimeter to check the component performance. You should switch it into resistance mode and connect to the corresponding terminals of the tested component. When you switch the pedal, the resistance should change smoothly. Sharp changes in the measured values ​​indicate that the part needs to be replaced. Since the unit design may vary depending on the car brand and model, the order of connecting the tester probes should be specified in your car technical documents.

A more comprehensive examination of the accelerator pedal is possible at a service station using special diagnostic equipment.

You may identify that the accelerator pedal has to be checked by the following symptoms:

• The «Check Engine» indicator lights up on the instrument panel;

• loss of vehicle power;
• backlash;
• unstable engine RPMs, slow increase of engine RPMs;
• no response of the car when the pedal is depressed;
• increased RPMs while idling.

Causes of the accelerator pedal failure

Generally, the component failures are caused by wear of the potentiometer contact paths or wear of the slider. The unstable contact results in a change the sensors resistance, which causes the ECU to receive inaccurate signals. Similar effects may result from the formation of deposits on the contacting elements surfaces.

Complete inoperability of the gas pedal often occurs due to broken wiring or a short circuit. Usually these faults result from insufficiently reliable linking of connectors: poor contact promotes voltage drops and causes the destruction of the wiring insulation.

Rough driving style, especially the habit of pressing the accelerator pedal sharply and as far as it can go, results in premature wear of the unit bushes and return spring. This promotes the appearance of backlash and the component’s increased free travel.

The pedal lining clips can be damaged because of careless mounting. It happens that the bolts are improperly selected during the cabin tuning, in particular, at the installation of aluminum pads instead of the standard ones. In such a case, the unit operates, but the pedal travel is limited by the excessive length of the fasteners, which causes the vehicle dynamic characteristics to deteriorate.

Repair of the accelerator pedal

The unit repair is possible only in case of minor damages, for instance, if the pad has cracked. In this case, it is advisable to buy a special kit consisting of clutch pedal linings, accelerator pedal linings and brake pedal linings. If possible, give preference to parts with special rubber inserts that help to fix the driver's feet on their surface more securely.

Defective wiring and worn out bushes are subject to replacement as well. In case of more serious malfunctions, installation of a new pedal is required.

Replacement of the accelerator pedal

You can replace the component by yourself. For this, perform the steps in the following order:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal from the battery.
2. Release the clips and disconnect the terminal block from the sensor.
3. Unscrew the fastening nuts and remove the unit from the studs.
4. Install a new part tightening the fasteners with the torque specified in your car technical documents.