Here's a breakdown of troubleshooting and potential repairs:
1. Clean the Throttle Body (Important First Step, but Often Not the Solution):
* Disconnect the battery negative terminal. Safety first!
* Locate the throttle body. It's usually on the intake manifold, connected to the engine.
* Remove the air intake tube. This gives you access to the throttle body.
* Spray throttle body cleaner (following the can's instructions carefully) into the throttle body, paying attention to the throttle plate itself. Use a clean rag or shop towels to wipe away any debris.
* Reconnect the air intake tube and the battery.
* Start the car and let it idle for a few minutes. This allows the engine to relearn its idle settings.
If the pedal is *still* stiff after this, proceed to the following:
2. Inspect the Pedal Assembly and Linkage:
* Examine the gas pedal itself: Look for any signs of binding, rust, or damage. There might be debris lodged under or around the pedal. Try lubricating the pedal pivot points with a *dry* lubricant like graphite (avoid WD-40; it attracts dirt).
* Trace the linkage: Follow the linkage from the pedal to the throttle cable. Look for any kinks, bends, rust, or binding points in the cable or its housing. This linkage might have a return spring; make sure it's not broken or stuck.
* Check the throttle cable: Ensure the cable is moving freely within its housing. Lubricating the cable with a dry lubricant can help, but excessive lubrication can attract dirt.
3. Possible Causes and Repairs (requiring more mechanical skill):
* Broken or seized return spring: The return spring pulls the throttle cable back to the idle position. If it's broken or seized, the pedal will be difficult to return. Replacement is usually necessary.
* Worn or damaged throttle cable: A worn cable might bind or be difficult to pull. Replacement is typically required.
* Binding in the throttle body linkage: The linkage connecting the throttle cable to the throttle plate might be stiff or binding. This often requires cleaning and lubrication, or potentially replacement of the linkage components.
* Vacuum leaks: While less likely to cause a *hard* pedal, a major vacuum leak can affect throttle response and contribute to a feeling of resistance. Check all vacuum lines for cracks or leaks.
Important Considerations:
* Safety: If you're not comfortable working on your car's mechanical systems, it's best to take it to a qualified mechanic. Improper repairs can be dangerous.
* Professional Help: If you've checked all the accessible components and the pedal is still stiff, it's time to seek professional help. The problem might be more complex than a simple cleaning or lubrication.
Cleaning the throttle body is a good starting point, but a stiff gas pedal almost always indicates a problem with the pedal assembly or the linkage itself, not just the throttle body. Thorough inspection and potentially replacement of worn or damaged parts is necessary for a lasting solution.
