Sticky gas pedal

[bigruffa]

03 Access Cab TRD, 17K miles

Gas pedal sticks for a moment when accelerating. Just a moment of resistance then the pedal works as normal. No accelerating problems, just an annoying stick at times.

I cleaned the throttle body with tb cleaner. That didn't fix the problem.

Someone told me to spray the cleaner into TB while someone else gives the engine gas. Since the cleaner directions said to just clean it with the engine off I didn't follow my friends directions.

Any ideas? Spray it in while throttling engine? Or start t-shooting something else.

[DJ]

The gas pedal doesn't directly work the throttle butterfly. It's a "throttle by wire" system in which the gas pedal works a position sensor that is connected to the engine control computer, which uses a servo motor to control the throttle butterfly.

I suggest checking the throttle pedal itself or the cable that connects the gas pedal to the sensor.

[bigruffa]

Originally Posted by DJ

The gas pedal doesn't directly work the throttle butterfly. It's a "throttle by wire" system in which the gas pedal works a position sensor that is connected to the engine control computer, which uses a servo motor to control the throttle butterfly.

I suggest checking the throttle pedal itself or the cable that connects the gas pedal to the sensor.

I just looked at the gas pedal itself. Yep, exactly what you expained...just a peice of plastic with wires coming out of it. What exactly should I be looking for when I check the throttle pedal and the cable that connects ped to sensor? That plastic pedal just sticks at times...I have a feeling its just the operation of the plastic mechanism inside the pedal where something gets caught up for a moment. Can that be spayed or lubbed with anything? Lithium grease or something? Bad idea to be putting that on it?

I suppose replacing the throttle pedal would be the best bet...but I don't want the dealor touching it. Things always seem "different" when they get their hands on it!

[Bbbutch]

See if you can spray a little lube into both ends of the throttle cable housing. While you are there check for any wire frays on the cable. If you find any you need a new cable.
Operate the throttle position sensor with your fingers to see if the problem is there.
Spray some lube on the pivot of the gas pedal mount.
Make sure your floor mat is not jammed up behind the gas pedal.

Also! Don't clean your throttle body with the engine running. It will throw a check engine light since the MAF sensor is not in place and sensing airflow.

[Rlockyer]

Originally Posted by Bbbutch

See if you can spray a little lube into both ends of the throttle cable housing.

There's no cable on the '03. It's 100% electronic. There is no mechanical connection through the firewall.
If it's sticking, the ONLY thing it can be is the fit at the pivot point above the pedal itself.

Whatever you do, don't spray TB cleaner in while the engine is running. You'll hose your ECU settings if you disconnect the intake and try to run it without the MAF in the loop, you may damage the MAF if you try to spray it in the top of the air cleaner (and you'd have to bypass the catalyst sheet mounted to the lid).
Many people have reported O2 sensors going out shortly after "overzealous" application of TB cleaner on an engine that is NOT running.

[bigruffa]

Originally Posted by Rlockyer

If it's sticking, the ONLY thing it can be is the fit at the pivot point above the pedal itself.

Many people have reported O2 sensors going out shortly after "overzealous" application of TB cleaner on an engine that is NOT running.

Interesting! Exellent advice. I had suspected that it could only be that pivot point above the pedal, because there is nothing but the plastic pedal, a little box including the pivot point and a some wires coming out! Unreal actually...never seen a 100% electronic pedal.

So, can I spray a little lube on the plastic pivot point? I was thinking something like White Lithium Grease, instead of something more liquid that may interfere with electronics.

Also, on the TB note....when I sprayed the TB with cleaner, the liquid seemed to instantly run back into the engine indicating a decline from front to back of the TB. Which means some TB cleaner is getting in no matter what unless you soak a rag and use the rag to clean. Hopefully I have no problems! For others...easy on the cleaner because unless i'm mistaken it runs right back into the TB!