sticky gas pedal (not toyota)

[jdeare]

In the morning or after not being driven for a while, the gas pedal on my Buick seems to be stuck in place a bit. Once I get the pedal moving the first time, it's fine for as long as I'm driving.

I'm assuming it just needs like WD-40 or something. I can't seem to get my head in there enough to see what's going on though.

Any drawbacks to just spraying some lube up in there?

 

[Nyquist]

Don't spray lube. Use throttle body cleaner. I bet you have some carbon/gunk in there.

 

[cchase]

I'm assuming you think the problem is where the cable (assuming it's not a DBW) goes through the firewall.

If that's the case, there's probably little risk in spraying some lubricant up there and exercising the throttle (engine off) a few times. Otherwise, follow the cable up to the throttle body and make sure there are no kinks or grime. Also check the throttle return spring, if equipped.

 

[benjamming]

The butterfly valve in the throttle body probably needs cleaning. That was the issue on our '02 Accord & is quite common on many vehicles.

 

[andyd]

Could be either, though a hairy cable would stick more than less.

 

[jdeare]

Thanks guys! I honestly don't know what it is, although I was assuming it was right at the firewall and possibly caused by all the moisture from winter. I will check everything mentioned though. I'm pretty sure it is not DBW.

 

[AcuraTech]

Most likely a sticky throttle plate. Somewhat common with GM. Cleaning the throttle body out with throttle body cleaner will most likely alleviate the issue.

 

[mechtech2]

It won't hurt to lube the pedal pivots.
Check the cable for binding, kinking, and wear through.
But like mentioned, this is most likely a TB that is dirty.
Clean it out with solvent and a rag - do a nice job dinner plate clean on both sides. This will have other benefits, and is well worth doing even if it is not the whole problem.

 

[Kestas]

Disconnect the cable at the throttle, then at the pedal, to hopefully bracket the sticking issue.

Up North it's not unusual to have the environment get into the cable and start seizing it on an older car. If it needs lube, use a silicone grease. Also, the cable can get kinked from manhandling under the hood during repair. Sometimes they get frayed.