Sticky accelerator pedal/cable

[ns56]

Hello all, first post here... I was just lucky enough to pick up a low-miles 2004 Pilot EX, and so far I absolutely love it. It does however have a problem with an accelerator pedal that sticks a little when first pressed. Anybody else had this issue? Any suggestions on where/how to lube things up? Thanks!

[carguy07]

Sticky Throttle on 2003 EX Pilot?

http://www.piloteers.org/forums/atta...hard-press.pdf

[1YESfan]

That doesn't sound good. If you bought from a dealer I would bring it back and talk with them. If you bought it from a private seller, I would probably make an appointment with a Honda dealer. I'm assuming this is probably basic technolgy built into this year vehicle. Imo two things not to mess around with are acceleration and braking issues. Congrats and I hope you get it sorted out sooon. Be safe!

[2010exl]

There is a common problem that could cause a sticky pedal. You may need to clean the throttle body. It's pretty easy to do it your self.

With the engine OFF.....

Remove the air intake duct between the air filter and the throttle body. Look at the throttle body, you will see a round metal flap that opens when you press the accelerator pedal.

Get a 3/4" round wire brush, some gumout spray carb cleaner, and a rag. Prop the throttle wide open or have someone sit in the seat and hold the pedal to the floor.

Now use the spray and wire brush to clean the throttle opening and clean all the carbon that has build up. this built up carbon can cause the throttle blade to stick when you first press the pedal, then it POPS open when you press a little harder.

If you have a floor jack, raise one side of the Pilot a few inches before you do this so the carb cleaner runs out of the throttle opening and onto the rag you have placed below it.

When you are done, test the throttle pedal and see if it is better. Put it all back together and start it up.

Be aware you have flooded the engine with carb cleaner. If it doesnt start on the first try, try again with the throttle pedal pressed to the floor. Let go as soon as it starts. Holding the throttle open is a "clear flood" and cranks the engine without injecting fuel.

[ns56]

Awesome resource here, thanks to everyone for the tips and advice!

[yel911]

I haven't had this issue yet, but as 2010exl mentioned, is the fix. Our 98 Honda Accord did have this issue and the first time cost me $65 at Honda, the second time I fixed it. Good luck!!!

[bdac2k]

Originally Posted by 2010exl

There is a common problem that could cause a sticky pedal. You may need to clean the throttle body. It's pretty easy to do it your self.

With the engine OFF.....

Remove the air intake duct between the air filter and the throttle body. Look at the throttle body, you will see a round metal flap that opens when you press the accelerator pedal.

Get a 3/4" round wire brush, some gumout spray carb cleaner, and a rag. Prop the throttle wide open or have someone sit in the seat and hold the pedal to the floor.

Now use the spray and wire brush to clean the throttle opening and clean all the carbon that has build up. this built up carbon can cause the throttle blade to stick when you first press the pedal, then it POPS open when you press a little harder.

If you have a floor jack, raise one side of the Pilot a few inches before you do this so the carb cleaner runs out of the throttle opening and onto the rag you have placed below it.

When you are done, test the throttle pedal and see if it is better. Put it all back together and start it up.

Be aware you have flooded the engine with carb cleaner. If it doesnt start on the first try, try again with the throttle pedal pressed to the floor. Let go as soon as it starts. Holding the throttle open is a "clear flood" and cranks the engine without injecting fuel.

I can attest to this. I did this last summer on my 96' LX450 (Land Cruiser) with 240k+ miles with a sticky pedal. Worked like a charm.

Newer cars are drive-by-wire do not exhibit a sticky pedal because the signal is digital and there is no physical connection from the throttle to the accelerator.

[2010exl]

I agree, you wont feel the sticky pedal with drive by wire, but if it gets gummed up you may notice some other characteristics, like hesitation or a surge.

Even with drive by wire, you should still clean the throttle body, every 2 years when you change the air filter is a good time to do it.

This keeps the throttle blade easy to move, putting less stress on the throttle motor used in the drive by wire setup.