What causes the accelerator pedal to stop working?

[StJudah]

If the accelerator pedal stops working, it is likely due to a malfunction in the vehicle's throttle body. Replacing or cleaning the throttle body should resolve the issue. Here are some precautions to take when cleaning the throttle body. Choose a reliable cleaning agent: Do not use substitutes like carburetor cleaners. Instead, purchase a dedicated throttle body cleaner to prevent future corrosion of the throttle body. Select an appropriate cleaning location: Cover all open pipes to prevent dust or debris from entering. Avoid windy or excessively breezy areas to prevent sand and dust contamination. It is best to use a flexible screwdriver when loosening the throttle body screws. Prevent cleaning fluid from corroding other components: During cleaning, ensure the electronic components of the throttle body remain facing upward. Do not invert it, as cleaning fluid may enter the electronic parts, causing short circuits or corrosion.

[VonJaxson]

I've been driving for decades and have encountered many instances where the accelerator pedal suddenly stops working. The most common issues are aging and snapping of the throttle cable or the throttle valve getting stuck, especially in older cars that are prone to rust and dust accumulation. Fuel pump failures are also quite common; in such cases, the car might not start or have weak acceleration. A friend of mine had to replace the fuel pump to fix this. Another time, a clogged fuel filter caused insufficient fuel supply, making the car unresponsive when stepping on the gas. Don't overlook the fuses—check the relevant ones in the car's fuse box to see if they're blown. Accelerator system failure is a matter of driving safety; never push through it. Pull over safely, inspect the issue, or call for roadside assistance to get to a repair shop. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the throttle valve and replacing the fuel filter, can prevent minor issues from turning into major problems.

[Sebastian]

As a tech enthusiast, I'm particularly interested in automotive electronic systems. When the accelerator pedal stops working, it's usually due to an electronic throttle system failure. For instance, the throttle position sensor might be faulty or there could be an issue with the ECU control unit, preventing signals from reaching the engine management unit. Wiring shorts or loose connections are also common occurrences. When diagnosing the issue myself, I use an OBD2 scanner to read fault codes, which helps quickly pinpoint the problem. A blown fuse is even simpler to check - just look at the corresponding item in the fuse box and try replacing it. Modern vehicles might also experience brake switch linkage issues, where the throttle becomes ineffective when braking simultaneously. Remember to get it checked at a professional shop promptly to avoid safety hazards. Also, try to avoid parking in humid environments to reduce the risk of circuit corrosion.

[IkerMarie]

I believe that if the accelerator pedal fails, you should immediately pull over to the side of the road—safety comes first. This issue could be caused by a faulty fuel pump or a clogged fuel line, as the engine won't receive proper oil pressure and naturally won't accelerate. Blown fuses are common; you can check the car manual to locate them. For electronic models, it may also involve a damaged throttle sensor or ECU problems. Once this happens, don't drive—turn on the hazard lights and call a tow truck for repairs. Regular maintenance checks on the fuel system and wiring harness can prevent this; otherwise, delaying repairs could be even more dangerous.