Gas Pedal Sticking Problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter fancyhit
  • Start date Start date
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fancyhit

I have a 2003 Santa Fe and the gas pedal is "sticking" as I depress it.
The dealership can not fix it and tells me it's normal. Does anyone
else notice this? I have never had a vehicle do this, so for me, it's
not normal. Thank you for any help you can give. I have tried looking
at the service site, but I can only get service updates, can't access
the manuals etc. They must only allow service techs to do so.
 
First, it'll help to know what engine you have. Second, I'd like to know
whether you're referring to a physical "sticking" issue (i.e. pedal stuck
up, down, or in the middle and doesn't or is difficult to move) or an
issue with the enging not reacting like you think it should to application
of the pedal, or some other issue. Be very specific and give as much
detail as possible about when it occurs, what specifically is occurring,
and what you feel/hear/see.
Third, I'd like to know what, if anything, the dealer has done to attempt
to change what your vehicle is doing.
 
My engine is the smaller 6 cyl. AWD. The dealer has referred to is as
a "binding" issue. According to him, it is not computer driven, but
cable driven and the problem is that the plastic is rubbing as the
pedal is depressed causing it to depress "not smoothly" is the only way
I can describe it. Does not stick and not move, just does not depress
smooth like all my other vechicles. Sort of causing jack rabbit starts
from a stop since you have to depress more than necessary. As for the
dealer, first they replaced the gas pedal assembly, next time they
"greased the heck out of it" as they told me, the last time, they
basically said "can't do any more, it's normal". They said they
checked a new Santa Fe and it works the same way. I am concerned,
first that if it's plastic, will it break? and second, is it really
normal and does everyone just not notice this? Thank you. Also, do
you know how I can get into the manuals online?
 
Well, the easiest way to determine if they're being straight with you is to
actually get in one or two new 2.7 Santa Fe's. Effectively, this will be
the same throttle setup you have. If they operate the same-- and I
haven't noticed this, either-- then the dealer is correct, and I wouldn't
expect any issues. I've never had to do anything with a throttle on a 2.7
Santa Fe ('01-'05). On the other hand, if the new vehicles don't have the
issue you describe, the dealer hasn't found and solved the issue, and you
have reason for concern. The jack rabbit starts already concern me, but I
haven't actually driven the vehicle to see how bad it is, either.

For the service manuals, go to www.hmaservice.com and register for an
account. If they don't get back to you in a timely manner, go back to the
site and go through the recover lost password procedure.
 
I had a similar problem in a 2001 Accent. Someone had backed out the
Idle Stop Screw to the point where the throttle linkage was not
resting on the idle screw but rather that the throttle plate was
binding in the throttle body and causing the initial sticking as you
describe. One full turn clockwise brought the throttle linkage in
contact with the idle screw, opened the throttle slightly and totally
eliminated the bnding. There was no perceptible change in idle speed
when I did this. Problem is completely gone.

Manny Balfour
Sayville, NY
[email protected]
 
Thank you to all for your suggestions. Manny, I will have my husband
check the the situation you mentioned. We were finally able to get
into the manuals online which are a tremendous help also, Hyundaitech.
Apparently they don't work with all browsers.
 
fancyhit said:
Thank you to all for your suggestions. Manny, I will have my husband
check the the situation you mentioned. We were finally able to get
into the manuals online which are a tremendous help also, Hyundaitech.
Apparently they don't work with all browsers.
Click to expand...
No, they only work with Internet Exploiter...er...I mean Explorer.
 
Apparently, my Santa Fe does not have an idle screw, so that suggestion
did not work. We are going to check with an alternate dealer to see if
they can fix the problem, since the original dealer won't do any more.
 
The idle screws on most modern cars are covered with a cap that needs
to be removed to access the screw. Look carefully where it should be,
namely, as a stop on the throttle linkage right on the throttle body.
I would bet it is there.
Apparently, my Santa Fe does not have an idle screw, so that suggestion
did not work. We are going to check with an alternate dealer to see if
they can fix the problem, since the original dealer won't do any more.
Click to expand...

Manny Balfour
Sayville, NY
[email protected]
 
Just bought a 2005 Santa Fe with a binding gas pedal (does not get stuck but feels really stiff when pushing with foot). The fix is simple.
First, the problem is not the actual pedal lever or spring assy; the problem is with the way the throttle cable runs under the hood.
Remove the large black plastic decorative soundproofing cover on top of the engine held on by six bolts and you will see the throttle cable sheath looped through three clip brackets. Push the cable sheath out of each clip and let the cable relax in a natural loop position. Now push on the pedal and it should be much smoother with no binding. This is because the clip bracket towards the rear (passenger side) of the engine is positioned too low and too far back causing excessive bending in the cable. Use pliers to bend the back clip up to where the cable is in its relaxed state. Reinsert the cable in the back clip first and then insert the cable into the two front clips. You should notice the clips engage the cable in a different position than before. Check pedal for freedom of movement once more before reinstalling engine cover.
Drive happy!
 
Helo all. I know this is an old thread but we are having the exact same problem. The mechanic said that there is a kink in the cable. They also cannot find a cable replacement. I have two questions do you think fixing the clips would solve our problem? And if not does anyone have a source to get a replacement cable?
 
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