Stiff Throttle Cable

[gearz]

My throttle is stiff and hard to push right after I start my X. After this it loosens up and acts normal. Once I turn it off the next time I start it up it is stiff again. I've checked out and lubricated the cable and everything seems fine but it didn't change anything. It didn't used to be this way. Any ideas on the problem?

 

[captTelescope]

I had a similar problem from when an amateur (who shall remain nameless) tried adjusting the throttle stop to lower the idle speed. That is the IAC's job. Anyway, it caused a catch in the throttle coming off idle, hot or cold. Once it was off idle, it was fine. Adjusting the stop so it didn't catch did the trick. Gunk buildup in the throttle body could also cause the same thing.

If your throttle is stiff through the whole travel, something must be binding.

 

[entinnovations]

Thats your problem, adjust your throttel stop.

 

[barnieman]

safety recall concering throttle body

gearz, you should replace your TB.
It is done for free by Ford, according to Safety Recall 00S58.

Here's a part of the letter about this:
The driver may experience an accelerator pedal that feels stuck at idle or unresponsive after the vehicle has been parked with the engine off. This may potentially contribute to an accident when the driver steps down on the accelerator pedal to overcome the stuck condition and the transmission is in a drive or reverse gear.

It applies to Explorers 1997 - 1998 with 4.0 SOHC engines, coming from the Louisville assembly plant july 29, 1996 through september 11, 1998, or coming from the st. louis assembly plant from may 29, 1996 through september 18, 1998.

 

[captTelescope]

I'm voting for BarnieMan. Free is better.

 

[gearz]

Thanks barnieman!

gearz, you should replace your TPS.
It is done for free by Ford, according to Safety Recall 00S58.

Here's a part of the letter about this:
The driver may experience an accelerator pedal that feels stuck at idle or unresponsive after the vehicle has been parked with the engine off. This may potentially contribute to an accident when the driver steps down on the accelerator pedal to overcome the stuck condition and the transmission is in a drive or reverse gear.

It applies to Explorers 1997 - 1998 with 4.0 SOHC engines, coming from the Louisville assembly plant july 29, 1996 through september 11, 1998, or coming from the st. louis assembly plant from may 29, 1996 through september 18, 1998.

Awesome advice. That's EXACTLY what the symptoms are. I could see where it could cause an accident if you were parked close to another car and just punched the accelerator to free it up. It's not that big a deal to just blip the throttle a little to unstick it while still in park but it's a pain to do. I'll make an appointment asap to get my tps replaced. Thanks again, knowledge is power!

 

[barnieman]

I talked about the throttle position sensor, but meant the Throttle Body (the sensor is attached on it). Ford Netherlands replaced mine a few months ago, and never had a problem with it nomore.

 

[gearz]

Throttle Body was dirty

I thought I'd post the resolution to my problem. I called my dealer to make an appointment to have the TPS replaced per the recall code. The service rep said that recall expired at 72,000 miles and I have just over 100,000. He did say he thought I had a sticky throttle body and suggested I clean it. I took it off and cleaned the inside with WD-40 and a rag. Before cleaning it did seem to be binding at the closed position. After I re-installed it it works perfectly, no binding up at all and very smooth action. Thanks everyone for the advice!