How Long Does a Throttle Return Spring Last?

Not all vehicles on the road feature an electronic throttle control (ETC), which is also called drive-by-wire. For vehicles that don't offer this system, they have a throttle cable instead that is attached to the accelerator pedal, and runs right to the carburetor or throttle body. The way it works is quite simple - the driver presses down on the accelerator causing the cable to pull the butterfly valve, and this in turn allows for air to enter the engine. As you start to ease up on the accelerator pedal that valve begins to close and allow less air into the engine. In order for the valve to close it needs a spring, which is called the throttle return spring.

Like so many other parts in your car, this component is meant to last the lifetime of your vehicle, but it can start to wear, break, or become badly damaged over time. If it stops working properly, the valve won't be able to close properly, which means it can't go back to its "resting position". Should you notice issues with the throttle return spring, it's wise to have throttle return spring replaced by an experienced mechanic.

Here are some common signs to watch for that may signal the end of the throttle return spring’s lifespan:

  • As you ease up on the accelerator and start to slow down, if you notice that your RPMs stay high then there could be a problem with the throttle return spring.

  • Another symptom could be that your accelerator pedal doesn't go back when you release it. It could be that the spring has broken or has become damaged.

  • Pay close attention to your accelerator pedal. If you feel there is a loss of resistance when you push down on it, you need to have it looked at immediately.

The throttle return spring allows your butterfly valve to return to its resting position as you release the accelerator pedal. Should this part become worn, damaged, or broken, it won’t be able to return to its resting position. This will cause issues as you accelerate, and poses a considerable risk while driving.


Next Step

Schedule Throttle Return Spring Replacement

The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Throttle Return Spring Replacement. YourMechanic’s technicians bring the dealership to you by performing this job at your home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM. We currently cover over 2,000 cities and have 100k+ 5-star reviews... LEARN MORE

SEE PRICING & SCHEDULING

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Recent Throttle Return Spring Replacement reviews

Excellent Rating

(191,118)

Rating Summary
179,680
6,078
1,268
920
3,172
179,680
6,078
1,268
920
3,172

Joseph

21 years of experience
718 reviews
Joseph
21 years of experience
Chevrolet Impala V6-3.5L - Brake Pads Replacement (Rear) - Farmington, Utah
Joseph was great! The previous shop that had worked on my car had kept my wheel key (it was a specialized wheel key so he didn't have one with him), so we had to reschedule. However, he didn't seem put out or anything. He just rescheduled for the next day and had the job done quickly.
Chevrolet Cavalier - Oil/Fluid Leak - Bountiful, Utah
my experience was Very good. That's why I keep booking him as my mechanic.

Isai

28 years of experience
230 reviews
Isai
28 years of experience
Chevrolet Monte Carlo V8-5.0L - Throttle Return Spring - San Antonio, Texas
Isai was able to arrive a little earlier than scheduled which was great. My car is an older car and it uses a carburetor not fuel injection. Finding a mechanic that knows how to work on a car with a carburetor can be a real challenge. I found Isai to be very knowledgeable and through. He answered all my many questions. He is very friendly. I certainly would use him in the future.

Stacy

25 years of experience
511 reviews
Stacy
25 years of experience
Dodge Avenger L4-2.4L - Alternator - Atlanta, Georgia
Great service

Matt

16 years of experience
111 reviews
Matt
16 years of experience
Hyundai Tucson V6-2.7L - Loud squealing or squeaking is coming from timing belt - Phoenix, Arizona
So kind and explained everything really well. He's working on my car tomorrow and I'm so happy to have such a great mechanic! I've loved YourMechanic every time I've used it so far.

Need Help With Your Car?

Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair.

GET A QUOTE

Related articles

How to Replace a Throttle Return Spring
Replacing a failing throttle return spring is essential to keep driving safely. It requires needle nose pliers and some hand work.
How to Replace a Throttle Controller
The throttle controller uses data to open and close the throttle. Common signs of failure include poor performance, stalling, and and rough idling.
B2106 OBD-II Trouble Code: Throttle Position Input Out of Range High
B2106 trouble code means there's a range issue with the throttle position input in a 4WD system, caused by a damaged circuit in the 4WD system.

Related questions

Gas pedal does not respond very quickly, cruise control acts up too
What you are describing sounds to me like the transmission is not down shifting correctly instead of the engine causing the hesitation. I have found two recalls that may fix your problem. The first calls for the engine/transmission module to...
Engine shaking when idling
The light on the dashboard may be for the traction control system, which is affected by the drive by wire throttle body on your vehicle. Have a trained technician, such as those at YourMechanic, scan the vehicle for fault codes,...
Electronic throttle control not working
This may be a sign of a failing throttle position sensor. This sensor is usually located on the butterfly spindle or shaft so that it can directly monitor the position of the throttle. It relays the position of the throttle...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com