1999 - Gas pedal gets stuck sometimes!

Hello all. 99 Prerunner 2.7 automatic.

My gas pedal gets stuck sometimes. It doesnt seem to want to go down when pressed. Sometimes, I have to press it a little hard for it to finally go down which often results in a strong launch of the vehicle. Issue only seems to happen when its cold outside. And it only seems to be the initial pressing of the gas pedal....once its pressed, it seems fine and is normal all the way through. Im thinking that the cold weather is making metal stick together somewhere which is causing my gas pedal to not press down easily on the first press on a green light. I peeled out a few times when it rained last week because I had to press down somewhat hard on my gas pedal. Is there a joint on gas pedal bar that can be greased or oiled? Thanks

 

Sounds like you need to lube some linkage.

 

^^

I would examine the throttle cable and throttle body. If you live near the shore, your TB spring/return mechanism might be kinda stubborn.

 

Do I lube the whole linkage? I was thinking my problem was somewhere near the gas pedal.....like a joint somewhere on the metal bar the gas pedal is connected to.

 

Trace the issue. Try to move the throttle body valve by hand. If it's sticky, you probably found the issue. Spray the spring down with lube. If the valve opens with no abnormal resistance, then try to grease your cable and step on the gas pedal a bunch to help the lube be delivered throughout all parts of the cable. If there is still an issue, then it is probably the gas pedal assembly that needs some attention. To address this, you might have to remove the entire pedal assembly.
Generally, you want to start with easier and simpler procedures, then work your way down the list. I feel that tending to the valve and cable are both easier than dealing with the pedal.

 

Unhook your throttle cable from the throttle body and see if pedal is still hard to push.Also check where your throttle pivots on inside of firewall.

 

Thanks for the replies. Ill try what you guys suggested. What type of greese or lube do I use. Any suggestions.

 

I would use lithium grease from a spray can, wd-40 type sprays don't stay where you spray them very long.

 

I have the same problem, it's been getting worse on colder mornings. Guess it's time to lube some linkage...

 

I once talked to a motorcycle mechanic that swore up and down that lithium grease is the devil. He kept trying to engrain into my head that lithium grease (especially in cables) attracts every single speck of dirt in the universe and makes the cable 10x than before.
He was saying for the first couple of weeks it will be heaven. Especially for a clutch cable. Then dirt will get in there and make you want to chop your left hand off from the agony.

He recommended graphite instead.

 

I agree with^ graphite is better than lithium as far as attracting dirt.

 

Dri Slide is a option and a very good graphite and Moly lube in a drying solvent. The stuff I use on areas that need lube and can attract grit and dirt if anything else is used. Have used it on sticky control cables, small to ex large hinges, door hinge bushings, keyed lock mechanisms, guns, ect. Bottle comes with a long thin metal application tube and a cap for that. That bottle will last you a long time. Local gun shops should have that.
http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1247

 

Check your ground straps within the engine compartment .
Your truck was made in 1999 . Chances are the ground straps are corroded where they mount to the body and motor . Its not a common occurance but it does happen
I have seen throttle cables turn into vehicle ground straps and actually melt

 

Clean the throttle body...............
Sounds like you have a ridge of gunk where're throttle blade rests.
See this to often not to suggest doing first.
Your idle may rise almost 1000 rpm after cleaning if its real dirty.

 

Finally getting around to trying to fix this issue. Where do I get that graphite grease you guys speak of? Can graphite grease be purchased at autoparts store? Deos graphite grease attract dirt?

Earlier I tried moving the throttle body valve by hand and it didnt seem to stick. It was smooth. I noticed that there are two cables going to the throttle body valve. Which cable is connected to the gas pedal? I believe the other cable is for power steering? I also noticed that these cables have a black jacket on them. Are these black jackets removable or do I just apply grease where the cable is visible?

I also plan to check the gas pedal itself as well as where the throttle cable pivots into the firewall as you guys suggested. I also forgot to ask, which cable is the one going to the gas pedal? There are two cables going to the throttle body valve. thanks

 

Graphite is not a grease, which is why it's so preferable. It does not attract dirt because it's nor wet at all. It is a very fine powder that pours like a liquid, so watch out. I think a high price is like $4 for a small tube.

Two cables go to the throttle body - cruise control, and the gas pedal. If you look carefully you will be able to trace the thin cable over the engine bay into the cruise control module bolted on the passenger fender. The thicker cable is for the gas pedal and can be traced to the firewall.
You cannot remove the black sleeves that the cables are housed in. Don't try. You will ruin the cable.
Unhook the gas pedal cable and try your best to pour the graphite powder down the sleeve. Have someone else repeatedly step on the gas pedal while you put the cable back out.

 

I had the same problem on my 2000 prerunner.....greased it and it is so much better....only sticks sometimes now

 

Since you are going to be by the footpedals checking piviot points,, you will see your thottle pedal and cable. Trace that cable out to your throttle body. You could disconnect the cable at both ends and push-pull it thru the sleeve to get a feel. It should be almost silky smooth. Any heavy drag thru the full range of motion might indicate the cable is worn or is in need of cable lube.

 

+1, A tell of this is rough idle as well