Car Accelerator cable

How to detect the accelerator pedal cable failure

The component inspection can be carried out without professional help. First, you have to remove the air filter and ask your assistant to depress the accelerator pedal. When the pedal is depressed all the way down, the throttle should be completely opened.

Then you should inspect the cable. Corrosion and cracks of the protective sheath, breakage of steel cable wires or their stretching indicate that the component requires replacement.

You may identify that the accelerator pedal cable needs to be diagnosed by the following symptoms:

• the car continues to accelerate even after you release the pedal;
• engine revs up too slowly;
• when you depress the pedal, you feel jerks and increased resistance.

Causes of the accelerator pedal cable failure

Often the cable improper performance results from its stretching. In such case, it is enough to adjust the tension correctly to restore its performance. But if the cable wires are stretched excessively and some are broken, the component needs to be replaced.

Many part malfunctions result from disintegrity of the protective sheath due to mechanical damage and ingress of dirt and moisture inside the part. Accumulated deposits and corrosion prevent the free travel of the cable inside the sheath and can result in its jamming. Besides, in cold seasons  it can freeze due to water ingress.

A fairly common throttle cable fault is its chafing. It frequently occurs due to a lack of lubricant or its non-compliance with the vehicle technical requirements. Please note that it is advised to sometimes lubricate only cables with a metal sheath, as a plastic one can be disrupted  under the influence of aggressive chemicals.

Repair of the accelerator pedal cable

The accelerator pedal cable repair involves its adjustment. To adjust its tension, follow the procedure below:

1. Remove the air filter pipe going to the throttle.
2. Ask your assistant to depress the accelerator pedal as far as it goes and hold it in this position while adjusting.
3. Unscrew the adjusting nuts.
4. Correct the position of the protective cover with respect to the cable stopper, as indicated in the car technical documents.
5. Tighten the adjustment nuts.
6. Check the distance between the protective cover and the stopper and make sure that the throttle is completely opened when the pedal is depressed all the way.

Replacement of the accelerator pedal cable

To replace the component  on your own, follow this order of steps:

1. Using a screwdriver pry the locking plate and remove it.
2. Take out the cable end from the grooves.
3. Loosen the adjustment nut and remove the cable from the bracket.
4. With the help of a screwdriver, disconnect the part from the accelerator pedal.
5. Pull the cable into the cabin.
6. Install a new one in its place by performing the steps in the reverse order.

The procedure for replacing the part may vary depending on the car brand and model. Before starting the replacement, carefully study your vehicle technical documents.