Hi, my car's gas pedal becomes hard to push. A repair tech told me I need to exchage a cable. Is it right?

Question

My car: 110,000 miles and 5 years old. A repair tech suggested me to replace a cable from the pedal to engine, which would cost me around $200 for parts and labor. Would this solution solve the problem clearly? Thanks for your comment.

Answer 1

I would remove the cable from the throttle body and inspect it. There is a metal sleeve that wraps around it. If that sleeve has broken or worn and is chafing against the cable that could account for the resistence, and could lead to a snapped cable in the middle of nowhere. If it is just "crap" in the cable sheathing, PB Blaster is the right tool for the job. Just inspect that end piece.

Answer 2

I work at a car dealership and although I can not ANSWER if that is the right thing for your car, I will give you some helpful advice... First, take your car to a dealership with its own service department, like if you drive a chevy go to a chevy dealership. Technicians at "general" mechanic shops are not ALWAYS knowledgeable in ALL brands of cars. A service writer can diagnose the problem and give you an estimate of how much it will be. Also, there may be a RECALL on this item, general mechanics will not know of these, if there is a recall you may be able to get it fixed for free. At 110k miles I doubt you have a warranty but if you bought extended coverage, the service writer at a dealership will be able to check on this for you as well. Hope this helps at least a lil bit.

Answer 3

I would try lubing the cable first....go to a local bike shop (Honda, etc) in the parts department, they sell a gizmo that clamps around the cable (the INNER cable). It has a hole that you can shoot some cable lube/WD-40 into, and watch for it to come out the other end of the cable.
With your mileage, the cable might be frayed, which you will need to change it (you don't want it breaking on you, do you?)
Personally, I think the estimate to change it is kinda steep. You might try looking around independent shops, or even an independent (non-dealership) bike shop.

Answer 4

Yes it could fix your problem,provided the linkage to your throttle body isn't the culprit. If you look under your hood and can see the linkage to the throttle body,try to turn it by hand. If it does then it's definitely the cable.
You could try lubing the cable with a good penetrant like PB BLASTER

Answer 5

quite probably....however I would try a penetrating lubricant before I spent 200 bux

Answer 6

Sound right