Check your Throttle Cable!!!

[crunchie_frog]

I'll start with the pictures so you can see for yourself the failure and then imagine what might could happen.

You can see the compressed spring in the first photo caused by the cracked plastic sleeve pieces in the second photo preventing the spring from relaxing. Of course, the compressed spring caused the throttle to stick open!!!!! Fortunately, there was no accident, only panic, adrenaline and increased heart rate.

My guess is that the plastic sleeve failed due to its location near the engine and being exposed to prolonged high temperatures. The vehicle was a 2000 5.0 Mountaineer with 210K miles and was on its way back from a cross country trip and was 2 miles from its final destination. I have done a cursory check of this plastic piece on two similar vehicles I have but I am going to give them a closer look this weekend. We have repaired this one for now with a "new" throttle cable I pulled from a 2000 5.0 with relatively low miles with no cracks in the sleeve.

I am going to call Ford today and see if they care, I have my doubts. That is why I am sharing this, I would encourage you all to do a thorough inspection of the plastic sleeve and make sure you do not see any cracks.

 

[Turdle]

Hi Crunchy, I got your PM.

It looks to me like the retainer portion of the cable which pushes thru the bracket has broken and come a little loose. I might be wrong but the pic looks like the mount is at an angle. If this happens, the plastic plunger gets into a bind and might break like yours did. This can turn a good day into a scary situation as I am sure you are aware.

I would advise everyone reading this to take a look at their throttle cable , maybe even apply some silicone lube to make things operate smoothly. pay attention also to the cruise control cable, as it could fail and cause the same issue.

It's no fun to floor your ride and let off only to have it keep accelerating. If this does happen to you push the brakes as hard as you can , turn off the ignition key--and hang on! do not shift into neutral!!

 

[crunchie_frog]

Thanks for the diagnosis, yes, the retainer was damaged, not sure when that happened and yes, it could cause it to be at and angle putting more pressure on the plastic sleeve. I bought this used and I never noticed the retainer piece being damaged but that is worth checking as well obviously. I had never previously done any work on the throttle cable and I am puzzled by the damage on the retainer piece as well as the cracks on the plastic sleeve. Engine has never overheated since I have had it but who knows previously. For what it is worth, I called Ford and they had no interest in seeing the failed part(s).