Why Does a Gas Pedal on a Car Get Stuck?
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Why It Happens
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The most common cause of a gas pedal sticking is that the butterfly valve, which is part of the throttle body, is caked with carbon. This causes the grease to become ineffective and the cabling sticks. The cabling within the throttle body can become bound if not greased properly. Low temperatures outside can also cause the throttle body to seize, which results in a lack of action from the cabling.
Another reason for a stuck pedal could be loose screws. The arm of the throttle has a screw on it. If this has come loose, it may jam against the throttle body. Usually there is a screw on the bottom of the throttle body. If this has come loose, and is sticking out, then the throttle cannot depress fully.
Uncommon, but another possible cause of the pedal sticking, is that the cruise control cable has broken, and has wedged the throttle into the wide open position.
What to Do
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Do not turn off the engine. This causes loss of power steering, and braking becomes tense. The first step to stopping your car is putting on your emergency lights. Put your car into neutral, and depress the brake lightly, aiming towards a safe spot off the road to brake. If your brake pedal has stuck, coast to a slow stop. Once stopped, apply the emergency brake and call for assistance.
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How to Clean
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The throttle body is part of the air intake manifold. As you put air into the manifold you get more power out of the engine. If your pedal is stuck you either let in too much air, or not enough. To clean the throttle body you must unscrew the air intake hose clamp. Pull out the hose. Then pull the throttle position sensor. Use a screwdriver to release the manifold. Once this is free, you can release the throttle body. You can then clean all buildup from the throttle body. Replace all components and test your gas pedal. Tighten each component according to the pressure stipulated in your owner's manual.
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