V8 Accelerator Cable

[prn31]

Not sure whether this is a problem or not but I find it very difficult to modulate the throttle on my Series 3 V8 Fairmont wagon. The engine runs smoothly enough and I don’t have any hesitation or misses but it seems that I can’t maintain a steady throttle and I have to push the accelerator pedal harder than I would like resulting in the auto kicking down a gear. I suspect that this isn’t helping my fuel economy around town, which is about 17L/100.
Has anyone else had this problem? Is it a just a matter of lubricating the cable or something else?

[b2tf]

Generally the cables themselves dont present much of a problem as its a fairly simple mechanism. If youre having issues with the car having to 'kick down' a gear I'd suggest that the problem may be a gearbox issue or something else.

[prn31]

Thanks b2tf. I don't have a gearbox issue. I just have a sensitive right foot. I suspect that that the cable is sticking slightly, or maybe they are a bit heavy to start with?

I do know that when diagnosing other issues I can't maintain a constant throttle position at say 1000rpm.

I suppose I should lubricate or adjust the cable - how do I go about that?

[mik]

sorry i don`t have an 8 (wish i did ), usually they are secured in a fairly simple matter, probably a single bolt through a bracket near the cable end, on my six that`s all it has from memory and then it`s is a matter of just moving the cable and sliding the ball on the end out of it`s holder, a bit of light machine oil allowed to run down the cable while working it in and out to the inner or a bit of wd 40 with the little spray pipe on the end might do the job, i do mine every couple of years, if it`s got to the stage where the cable is really hard to move in and out and the lube does`nt work it may be time for a new cable.

[Professor Farnsworth]

the throttle cable in my AU2 ghia v8 is the same, my AU3 is fine. It makes you take off a little brisker than you were intending. Also if it makes you feel better my peak hour economy in that car is 19.4L/100 lol!

[Murph-51]

I have the same problem in my series II XR8 manual!!
trying to just gently feather the throttle ever so lightly like around a round about or just throttling back on again gently, the throttle seems to stick a little at the start of its travel.
it's either full on, resulting in a big surge of power that you dont want, or nothing

[Peuty]

It is possible for the cable to bind in the sheath. Wouldn't hurt to replace it.

[Pinkbits]

I had a sticking cable in the T2 and used silicone spray to free it up.
Works a treat and a nice responsive pedal again.