How to Replace a Car's Accelerator Cable

A frayed or broken accelerator cable can keep a car from operating properly. Without the accelerator assembly, the engine cannot open the butterflies and pump gas into the carburetor. Replacement of your car's accelerator cable can be a snap if you follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Remove the old accelerator cable from its attachment at the side of the carburetor. Detach the cable from the gas pedal extension bar, located near the bottom of the engine compartment on the driver's side.

2. Check your new cable for kinks or burrs that might damage the cable's protective plastic sleeve.

3. Begin the new cable's installation at the pedal extension bar. Be sure that the cable's shielding sits firmly in the cable guide stops before you tighten the tension screw on the end of the cable.

4. Run the cable up through the engine compartment. Use plastic zip-ties to keep the new cable clear of any moving parts.

5. Set the new cable's plastic shielding in the cable stops attached to the carburetor.

6. Use a pair of pliers to pull the cable through accelerator arm attachment on the carburetor. This cable needs to be pulled tight as the screw is attached so that the accelerator functions properly.

7. Tighten the screw that holds the cable with a screwdriver while keeping tension on the wire with a pair of pliers.

Tips & Warnings

• Detach the negative battery cable from the battery before beginning repairs to a car's engine.

• If you find it necessary to jack up your car, be sure to secure it on jack stands before climbing underneath.