Skip to main content
vanagon.com
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
VanagonEuroVan
Subject:Accelerator Cable Question
From:Jeff Gilbert
Date:Thu, 30 Sep 1999 13:33:01 -0700

Hi List,

I recently noticed that the rubber boot on my accelerator cable (near
throttle) is torn up in a few places.  I was checking continuity on the
throttle switch and when I pushed it wide open, I noticed that the scruff
on the torn boot was catching  a piece of metal, causing the cable to bend
pretty drastically.   I tried this several times and it seemed to stick
about 75% of the time.  Sometimes slowly loosening itself, sometimes
staying stuck.

I haven't had a chance to have someone press the pedal while I watch the
cable and see if it happens in that scenario, but it seems to me that if it
was sticking during normal driving (ie the cable being pulled by pressing
the gas pedal as opposed to being pushed manually at the throttle),  I
would be experiencing some reduced performance (bent cable doesn't open
throttle all the way??), perhaps a bit of surging when the bent cable
straightens out, or maybe even some flooding if it stays stuck (or rich
mixture)?   Is my logic correct?

Wondering if this could be the culprit in my never ending running rich
delima.  Could this be screwing up the ECU and causing the Fuel Injection
to go haywire?

On the other hand,  if I'm driving 65 down the freeway, the cable would
probably always unstick itself, as its not THAT stuck.

I also noticed that the throttle switch doesn't click in the idle position
unless you physically push it back by hand..or at least open the throttle
wide and let it come back hard and fast.

And lastly, I found that the 'pin' that holds the back end of the
accelerator cable is actually a modified screw chopped down to fit the pin
hole.  Its not a perfect fit and I have some wiggle/looseness where the
cable is attached to the throttle.  Thanks PO.

I imagine I should replace the accelerator cable.  Haven't had a chance to
inspect how difficult that will be.  Anyone's experience??

All comments/suggestions greatly appreciated.

Jeff

87 Syncro.

Have something to add on this topic today? Revive this thread in the forum »