Ilovemyfez

Hi everyone, new to the site.. looking good!

I searched for this but couldnt find it in a previous topic so thought id ask here!.. My 1.25 zetec-se fiesta has had a "sticky" throttle since ive had it. Ie the first " of travel is sticky and not smooth to depress, and this occurs further up the pedal too ...

I have tried cleaning the throttle body plate (around the edges of the plate and the tb itself) but that made no difference, also tried adjusting the throttle cable but it seemed fine before. Pulling the cable from within the car seems to give the same effect, its not smooth to pull. The throttle linkage seems to move freely however (i think thats the correct term, the yellow bit where the cable links round by the throttle body!!)... and the throttle body plate seems to move just fine too.

Would anyone have any ideas how I can sort this? It's really annoying me.

Many thanks!!

Duncan

It's Czech Mate

I've heard this is quite a common complaint, mine is a bit sticky too.

nthorpey

Quite a common thing, best way to fix is to replace the throttle cable completely. Only takes 5 mins and makes a world of difference. Before fitting the new cable make sure its lubed up with WD40 or PTFE spray to keep the moisture out

HTH

Ilovemyfez

Hi, thanks for your reply

Which bit should i lube up with wd40? i tried putting some on the throttle housing but guess it's not enough..

the tb plate seems to open/close freely so it must be the cable itself, how do i wd40 along the whole lot?

Also i couldnt figure out how to disconnect it from the pedal?!!

Many thanks!

nthorpey

When you get the new one it will become apparent, It just pushes over a slot into a hole on the pedal , easy with two people. When you get the new cable hang it vertically and spray WD down it until it drips out the other end to fully lube it

HTH

Ilovemyfez

oh ok, is it worth disconnecting the new one totally and trying to wd40 that all the way down before trying a new cable?

the only thing that scares me is that i cant see where it enters the footwell, through the bulkhead i guess, i think its under the coolant tank? dont need to remove this, do i??

the stickyness only occurs if pressing lightly on the pedal, if you stamp on it its fine....


p.s. i heard that you shouldnt lubricate cables like this as they become more prone to dirt etc?

nthorpey

Worth a go first i spose, the coolant tank will need to be moved but if i remember rightly it's only one bolt. Like i say will only take 5 - 10 mins.

The stickyness comes from the moisure getting inside the cable, the last one i did flushed loads of rusty oil out when i lubed not had any probs since though.

Ilovemyfez

is it poss to lube the cable without removing it from the car?

another quick q: should the throttle pedal sit lower than the rest, and be able to be lifted up?

thanks mate

nthorpey

Possible but not as easy.

normally does

Ilovemyfez

thanks, thats ok then

what would be causing it to stick for the first " of travel? i did try to clean around the throttle body, thought it may be that...

im going to have to try to disconnect the cable.

Ilovemyfez

i disconnected the cable and the cable moves freely, so its definitely the throttle body ...

will attempt to give it another clean, if not it will need replacing and thats expensive.

It's Czech Mate

It's deffo the TB and not the cable. My cable is a smooth as silk......