How to Replace a Throttle Return Spring

On many vehicles, a mechanical throttle cable connects the accelerator pedal to the throttle. When the driver steps on the accelerator, the cable pulls the throttle open to allow more air into the engine. The throttle return spring pushes the throttle closed when the driver lets off the gas.

A weak or failed throttle return spring will prevent the throttle from easily returning to its resting position. This can result in engine racing and unintended acceleration.

Part 1 of 1: Replacing the throttle return spring

Materials Needed

How to Replace a Throttle Return Spring 2

Step 1: Locate the throttle return spring. The throttle return spring is located on the side of the carburetor.

How to Replace a Throttle Return Spring 3

Step 2: Remove the air cleaner assembly. Remove the wing nut by hand, then remove the air cleaner and air cleaner assembly from the top of the carburetor.

How to Replace a Throttle Return Spring 4

Step 3: Disconnect the throttle return spring. Disconnect the throttle return spring by carefully unhooking it at both ends using needle nose pliers.

How to Replace a Throttle Return Spring 5

Step 4: Connect the new throttle return spring. Hook the new throttle return spring through one of the two eyelets. Then carefully stretch and pull it through the second eyelet using needle nose pliers.

How to Replace a Throttle Return Spring 6

Step 5: Install the air cleaner assembly. Install the air cleaner assembly on top of the carburetor and secure it with the wing nut.

That’s what it takes to replace the throttle return spring. If this seems like a job you’d prefer to leave to a professional, YourMechanic offers expert throttle return spring replacement at the location of your choice.


Next Step

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Theodore

17 years of experience
1794 reviews
Theodore
17 years of experience
Infiniti G35 V6-3.5L - Brake Rotor/Disc Replacement (Rear) - Issaquah, Washington
A friendly, professional and competent person. He arrived promptly, confirmed my prognosis, suggested additional repairs and went above and beyond by fixing a few minor issues without my asking. Great guy - highly recommend him.
Toyota RAV4 - Car is not starting - Bellevue, Washington
This is my first time choosing a mechanic through online, i usually go to my local mechanic, but due to budgeting, i was tried to go-online and do a research for very genuine repairers/recommendations. While browsing some of the blog, i came across yourmechanic. This is what i need an expectations from mechanic, exactly what it needs to replaced. Very very excellent in service and through yourmechanic i saved more than $$$..

Paul

24 years of experience
361 reviews
Paul
24 years of experience
Lexus ES350 V6-3.5L - Oil Change - Safety Harbor, Florida
On time, knowledgeable and provided good recommendations
Chevrolet Trailblazer - Car is not starting - Tampa, Florida
Friendly and knowledgeable.

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.

John

37 years of experience
565 reviews
John
37 years of experience
Jeep Grand Cherokee V6-3.6L - Check Engine Light is on - West Sacramento, California
Great! John showed up early, went right to work and had an answer for me right away.

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