What are the symptoms of an electronic accelerator pedal failure?
3 Answers
When the accelerator pedal is damaged, it usually results in no response when accelerating, or very slow acceleration, and unstable idle speed. Oxygen Sensor: When the oxygen sensor fails, the ECU cannot obtain this information and thus does not know whether the amount of fuel injected is correct. An improper air-fuel ratio can lead to reduced engine power and increased emissions. Wheel Speed Sensor: Its main function is to collect the vehicle's speed to determine if there are signs of skidding. Therefore, a dedicated sensor is used to collect the wheel speed, usually installed on the hub of each wheel. Once the sensor fails, the ABS will become ineffective. Coolant Temperature Sensor: When the coolant temperature sensor fails, it often displays the temperature signal of a hot engine during a cold start. The ECU cannot receive the correct signal and can only supply a leaner air-fuel mixture to the engine. As a result, the engine may have difficulty starting when cold and may also experience unstable idle speed and insufficient acceleration power. Electronic Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor: When this sensor fails, the ECU cannot detect the throttle position signal and cannot obtain the correct position of the accelerator pedal. This can lead to a lack of engine acceleration power or even a complete inability to accelerate. Intake Pressure Sensor: As the name suggests, the intake pressure sensor detects a series of resistance and pressure changes corresponding to different engine speeds and loads, converting them into voltage signals for the ECU to adjust fuel injection and ignition timing. It is usually installed near the throttle body. If it fails, it can cause difficulties in ignition, unstable idle speed, and insufficient acceleration power.
The symptoms of an electronic throttle pedal malfunction sound quite straightforward. I just experienced one where the car responded sluggishly when pressing the accelerator—it felt like stepping on cotton, with no acceleration at all. Sometimes, the pedal became stiff, offering no feedback, and the erratic looseness and tightness were downright unsettling. The engine warning light on the dashboard might also flicker yellow, signaling an issue with the electronic control system. The worst was when sudden acceleration failure occurred on the highway, scaring me into pulling over immediately. Such faults usually stem from aging sensors or poor wiring connections—never attempt DIY repairs. It’s much safer to get it checked at a repair shop, as it directly impacts driving safety. Regularly inspecting wiring for dust is also a handy preventive tip—don’t wait until trouble strikes to panic.
As a veteran driver with ten years of experience, electronic throttle failure is quite common in reality. The main symptoms include no response when pressing the accelerator pedal, the car not moving at all, or the engine tachometer jumping wildly while the speed remains unchanged. This kind of malfunction is particularly dangerous. I once experienced throttle failure when starting from a red light and almost got rear-ended by the car behind. It can also cause unintended acceleration, making the car suddenly lurch forward. The dashboard often displays fault codes, such as P0120, which indicates an electronic system error. If the car is old or frequently used in humid environments, the sensors are prone to corrosion, leading to signal interruption. My advice is to immediately turn on the hazard lights and stop the car slowly if this happens, then take it to a professional repair shop. Never ignore any abnormal sounds or vibrations—safety comes first.
