Questions and Answers
Sticky Gas Pedal
Q. Dear Mr. Ciulla, I have a question about my 1999 Honda Accord EX. Every time I park the car for several hours, once I start the engine I can't push the gas pedal right away. I feel gas pedal stick. If I let the engine run for a while (above two minutes) the problem is gone.
I called the Honda dealer service this morning and they told me this is typical Honda part problem, a butterfly something (Sorry, I only heard the word butterfly) needs to be cleaned and it costs $98.00. I don't feel this is big problem for me since I only have to wait about two minutes once I start the engine. But I really want to get your opinion or suggestion about this.
I appreciate all your help!
MingA. The diagnosis the dealer gave you is the correct one. What happens is the gum and varnish that collects inside the intake manifold causes the throttle butterfly to stick. This is a common problem on all cars. The $98.00 they want to fix it is reasonable.
But this is something you can easily do yourself. All you need is a screwdriver, some carburetor cleaner and some rags or paper towels.
First remove the large black intake hose off at the intake manifold. Then look inside and you will bee the throttle butterfly. What you need to do is open it about half way and spray it with the carburetor cleaner. Clean it real good, don't be stingy with the cleaner. When the butterfly and surrounding area are clean, mop up the excess with the paper towels. Let it air dry for a while and then put the hose back on and start it up. It will be a little ratty and smoke will come out the exhaust, but that will stop shortly.
That's all there is to it. Takes about 30 minutes and you saved yourself a hundred bucks.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
