WARNING

The suggestions given on this webpage are for emergency use only. In certain circumstances, using improvised parts to make car repairs can invalidate your car warranty. Do so only as a strictly temporary measure, and when driving conditions in your judgement make such repairs safe.

Linkage failure. A jammed or failed accelerator is often due to a simple linkage fault such as a jammed or disconnected rod or arm between the pedal and the carburettor or fuel injection throttle body. However the linkage could simply be jammed at the pedal by a worn carpet.

Cable fault. Many accelerators operate via a cable — and cables can snap along their length, break at one end or the inner cable can fray or rust and seize within the outer.

Carburettor/Throttle Body fault. An accelerator problem may actually be due to a fault at the carburettor/throttle body. The cable or linkage assembly at these areas may have become disconnected or jammed. The throttle return spring may have snapped. On variable-jet carburettors a jammed piston or needle, or a split diaphragm will also result in engine speed becoming uncontrollable.

Check the linkage by first removing all the carpeting and then operating the pedal. If the linkage has come apart due to a missing locking nut or pin, reassemble using tape, wire or an old nail to secure.

If the accelerator cable has broken at one end you may be able to reuse it. If the cable was secured by a nipple which has broken off, knot the cable and use a Mole grip to secure. Or thread a nut over the cable and hammer a smaller bolt into the nut.

If the cable has snapped along its length you will need a replacement. You can use wire or string maybe pulled through an open window. Or try connecting your choke cable (if manual) to the throttle.

If the cable is stiff or seized remove the inner cable, clean and lubricate it. Check it for broken strands and fraying which could be snagging on the outer. If the inner cannot be removed, undo the cable at both ends, oil it and work it back and forth by hand.

Carburettor & throttle body linkages which have seized can usually be freed with a little oil and by working them by hand. Check that all the rods are connected and replace any missing locking pins with wire or an old nail.

A broken throttle return spring can be replaced with a couple of elastic bands — if the revs still fail to drop rapidly on deceleration, increase the tension of the bands.