How to Replace a Car Throttle Cable

Many modern vehicles use an electronically controlled throttle system, affectionately referred to as “drive-by-wire.” However, there are still vehicles on the road equipped with traditional, mechanical throttle cables, otherwise known as accelerator cables.

A mechanical throttle cable is used to link the accelerator pedal to the engine throttle plate. When the driver pushes down on the pedal, the cable pulls the throttle open, allowing air to enter the engine.

Most of the time, a throttle cable will last the life of the vehicle. In some instances however, the cable may need to be replaced due to being stretched, snapped or bent.

Part 1 of 3: Locate the throttle cable

In order to safely and efficiently replace your throttle cable you need a couple of basic tools:

locating the throttle cable

Step 1: Locate the throttle cable. One end of the throttle cable is located in the engine compartment, attached to the throttle body.

The other end is on the driver’s side floor, attached to the accelerator pedal.

Part 2 of 3: Remove the throttle cable

disconnecting the throttle cable at the throttle body

Step 1: Disconnect the throttle cable at the throttle body. This is usually done by either pushing the throttle bracket forward and sliding the cable out through a slotted hole, or by prying off a small retaining clip using a screwdriver.

disconnecting the throttle cable from the retaining bracket

Step 2: Disconnect the throttle cable from the retaining bracket. Disconnect the throttle cable from the bracket that holds it to the intake manifold by pressing on the tabs and wiggling it out.

Alternately, it may have a small retaining clip that must be pried off using a screwdriver.

pulling the throttle cable though the firewall

Step 3: Pull the throttle cable through the firewall. Pull the new cable from the engine compartment into the interior.

disconnecting the throttle cable from the accelerator pedal

Step 4: Disconnecting the throttle cable from the accelerator pedal. Typically, the throttle cable is disconnected from the accelerator pedal by lifting up on the pedal and sliding the cable through the slotted hole.

Part 3 of 3: Install the new cable

pushing the new switch through the firewall

Step 1: Push the new cable through the firewall. Push the new cable through the firewall and into the engine compartment.

hooking the new cable up to the accelerator pedal

Step 2: Hook the new cable up to the accelerator pedal. Slide the new cable through the slotted hole in the accelerator pedal.

reconnecting throttle cable to retaining bracket

Step 3: Reconnect the throttle cable to the retaining bracket. Re-connect the throttle cable to the bracket by pressing on the tabs and wiggling it it, or by sliding it into place and securing it with the retaining clip.

reconnecting throttle cable at the throttle body

Step 4: Reconnect the throttle cable at the throttle body. Reconnect the throttle cable by either pushing the throttle bracket forward and sliding the cable out through a slotted hole, or by sliding it into place and securing it with the retaining clip.

That’s it - you should now have a perfectly functioning throttle cable. If for whatever reason, you don’t feel like tackling this job yourself, the team at YourMechanic offers expert throttle cable replacement service (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/accelerator-cable-replacement).


Next Step

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Recent Throttle Cable Repair reviews

Excellent Rating

(9)

Rating Summary
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Jonathan

36 years of experience
522 reviews
Jonathan
36 years of experience
Lincoln Town Car V8-4.6L - Accelerator Cable - Tampa, Florida
He was right on time for his appointment and finished the job in a very reasonable time at a very reasonable price I would Definitely Use him again Was very pleased with the work. Edward K ISOSoNDI
Scion tC - Brake Pads Replacement (Front) - Saint Petersburg, Florida
Jonathan is knowledgeable and very experienced mechanic. I am 110% satisfied with the job performed. Fast, accurate, great communication - What else do you need. Easy, Five stars service...

Jeremy

21 years of experience
802 reviews
Jeremy
21 years of experience
Pontiac Vibe L4-1.8L - Car Starter Repair - Boynton Beach, Florida
Earlier than time specified which was excellent. Kind and knowledgeable. Will definitely use this service again and hopefully have Jeremy do the work.
Hyundai Elantra - Car is not starting - Lake Worth, Florida
My experience was professional and courteous timely and efficient

Danny

12 years of experience
269 reviews
Danny
12 years of experience
BMW 540i V8-4.0L - Accelerator Cable - Trenton, New Jersey
Did a solid job and was great to work with. Room for improvement: stick to scheduled appointment. My appointment was rescheduled 3 times.

Raymond

38 years of experience
613 reviews
Raymond
38 years of experience
Dodge Dakota V6-3.9L - Accelerator Cable - Las Vegas, Nevada
Great work.

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