Hi once again! More problems with my citroen ax, after recently getting a new clutch and exhaust fitted!
My problem is that as I was coming up the road this evening, my accelerator pedal stuck so I couldn't release it to slow down - I had to put my foot on the clutch to disengage. It only happened for a couple of seconds and then popped up again, thankfully, but it gave me quite a scare...
Can anyone give a hint as to what might have caused this - (I'm not sure if this is connected, but if I'm approaching a turn-in/junction in 1st gear and slip into neutral, the car seems to rev a bit before idling)
Thanks in advance for reading the post and for any hints before I get back into the thing again :-)
CMM
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This may have nothing to do with your problem, but I once had an AX GT with rubber mats, and if you did floor it, the bottom edge of the pedal would catch the front edge of the mat and stick fully open, resulting in frantic attempts to get a foot under the pedal to release it !
just 'cos I know what I'm saying doesn't mean I know what I'm talking about
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I once had this on a Mk3 Cortina, the engine earth strap had broken and the alternator and starter motor were earthing through the accelerator cable causing it to get very hot, which melted the plastic inner liner in the cable and jammed the cable up. If it's not something as simple as the mats, mentioned above, then check the engine to body earth strap.
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I checked the mat, and it's well clear of the pedals, although there are a few stones that need cleared out - I'm hoping maybe it was just a bit of stone that could have got caught in there for a second? In any case, I think I'll be a bit cleaner from now on!
Anyway, I'll get someone a bit more knowledgeable than me to check things like straps ;-) I'm likely to do more harm than good!
Many thanks to you both for your quick replies, it was much appreciated.
CMM
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Had exactly the same problem in a Talbot Solara years ago. It was a sticky INNER accelerator cable. When it was changed the differece was amazing as it was smooth and progressive. Must have saved loads in fuel. The old cable was 'opening out' at the end, and dry throughout.
Get a new INNER cable, take the old one out, and put a shot of oil in the outer cable and see if you can hold it up to get the oil inside much of its length. When you thread the new cable in grease it really well alone its whole length as you feed it in. Also oil any return springs. Adjust it and marvel at what smoothness and safety mean. The problem is a very slight progressive gain in stickiness over many months. If a friend drove your car, I bet they would comment on the heavy accelerator.
In an emergency I use to swith off. The engine vacuum seemed to return the peddle.
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Hi MW
I did notice the accelerator pedal was quite heavy, and sometimes when I am accelerating in a high gear it the car sort of accelerates a bit, then slips back to a slower speed for a second before accelerating again.
Unfortunately I wouldn't be anywhere near brave enough to try changing the cable myself, but it's great to be able to go to the mechanics with a bit of background information on the problem! They're not quite so keen to feed you duff information if you can discuss the problem with them first off...
Many Thanks for your help!
cmm
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I can't comment on the AX as I am not familiar with the set up. But it is a relitively simple car, so it may be very easy to do. A Haynes manual (Your local library have them) will show all. On my Solara, it was very easy, just like a bicycle, ie. one holding nut at the carb end which pinched the inner cable tight. Undo this and pull out cable. Thread new cable in, pull up slack and tighten pinch nut. Thats all. I think a new cable was about £3-4 many years ago. They really are similar to a bicycle brake cable. Greasing the inner cable is the key. A garage may not be too bothered with this messy part. A pity as it is crucial.
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