How to Tell if You Have a Bad Accelerator Cable

Your accelerator, or gas pedal, is what sends the message to your engine about how much power you need at any given moment. As you press down on the accelerator with your foot, that motion needs to be converted into an equivalent amount of engine power, so that your vehicle can increase its speed.

While most modern vehicles use electronically generated signals to send this message, there are still many vehicles on the road that use an accelerator cable to connect the gas pedal and engine. The accelerator cable is a spring-loaded mechanical link between the gas pedal and the throttle body (or carburetor). It usually consists of:

• A central wire that moves back and forth as you depress and release the gas pedal
• A plastic inner liner to help the central wire slide easily
• A coiled or braided metal outer housing that protects the wire and liner, and is flexible enough to route between the gas pedal and the throttle body
• A plastic outer shell to protect all the other parts from damage and corrosion

The more you push down on the accelerator, the farther the accelerator cable moves the throttle body, and the greater the increase in the volume of fuel and air that enter the engine, producing the precise amount of power you need.

Does your car have an accelerator cable?

If your car was built before 2000, there’s a good chance it has an accelerator cable. If it was built after 2000, there’s a much lower possibility. The need for ever-increasing fuel economy and ever-decreasing emissions has placed the control of the acceleration function in the hands of your engine’s computer, eliminating any need for a physical cable.

Signs of a bad accelerator cable

If you do drive a car that has an accelerator cable, there are several ways you can tell whether it's failing. Let’s check them out, one by one:

Your accelerator pedal is not working properly: If you have a bad accelerator cable, it can definitely affect the way your gas pedal feels and operates. Some of these issues are:

• The pedal feels stiff or hard to depress
• The pedal sticks and does not release normally
• There is slack in the pedal’s movement
• There is a rough or abnormally low idle
• The engine stalls
• There is a delay in response when you push the pedal down
• There is hesitation or jerking when you try to accelerate

You have problems with your cruise control: In most cars with an accelerator cable, the cable also operates the cruise control system. If you notice your cruise control isn't maintaining a constant speed, has delays starting and stopping, jerks or has other strange sensations through the gas pedal when the cruise control is on, you could have a bad accelerator cable.

You see damage to your accelerator cable: If you know where your accelerator cable is, and what it looks like, you may be able to spot damage. The cable might be bent, stretched out of shape, hung up on another part of the engine, or have a damaged outer covering. These signs can be an indication of a bad accelerator cable, with possible internal damage, external damage, or both.

Other signs of a bad accelerator cable: Some less common, but still possible, signs of a bad accelerator cable include:

• Poor fuel economy
• Poor engine performance
• The check engine light comes on

Should you drive with a bad accelerator cable?

A problem with your accelerator cable can compromise your vehicle’s acceleration. At the first sign of a bad accelerator cable, call a mechanic for guidance on what to do next, and get the problem fixed immediately. If left unchecked, the accelerator cable could get stuck, putting you in serious danger.

Can you replace a bad accelerator cable yourself?

Unless you have specific experience in repairing, replacing and routing an accelerator cable, this is a job best left to a professional mechanic. Your accelerator cable must work flawlessly, for the safety of yourself and others. If a new accelerator cable is not installed correctly, there could be terrible consequences. Your mechanic knows the right repairs, and can fix yours professionally, and to the highest safety standards.