weird pedal issues - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Ranger X · 05-27-2006, 11:13 PM

Hey guys, I'm having problems with my pedals. The tension of the gas pedal keeps changing...it seems to get progressively harder to push, then go back to normal. It'll be fine one day, then suddenly get stiffer about half way down, then more and more, until finally it's at the point where it requires a lot of force just to take off from a stop. After being like this for a little while it'll go back to being like it is now---super light and long pedal push, easy to modulate the throttle, yet responsive. It went through this cycle once about a month ago, and I thought it was just a fluke. But then it did it again last week. The brake pedal seems to be changing as well, although not as dramatically. Its change has more to do with how pushing the pedal effects how the car stops, not necessarily the tension of the pedal. It seems to be real easy to push at first, but it doesn't do much, then it gets a lot harder and stops the car hard. I know this sounds like normal progressive brakes, but it's not. I've been driving this car for a year and a half now and never has it felt like this. It's hard to describe, but it definitely has changed. Could it be that I just need my brake pads replaced? I did notice some grinding at low speeds. So, any help? Thanks in advance.

Edit: I should add, my car is a '99 with 1mz-fe, automatic.

marc780 · 05-27-2006, 11:30 PM

These are two different problems, not related to each other i dont think.
For the gas pedal, first try cleaning inside your throttle body with tbi cleaner or even carb cleaner. Sounds like the butterfly might be really dirty inside and sticking.

Your brakes might need to be bled, esp if the pedal seems soft. Or you may need a brake job too.
If the rotors or drums are chewed up this can effect your brake action so have good look at them; they might need to be turned or replaced.

Ranger X · 05-27-2006, 11:41 PM

Thanks, I'll do that. It's been a while since I've given it a good cleaning. And I took a roadtrip through the AZ desert a couple months ago. But if it's just the butterfly sticking, then why does it only change when I get out of the car and get back in? If it were sticking, then wouldn't it logically come "unstuck" while driving, not while sitting still? Makes no sense to me.

As far as the brakes go, I'm trying to decide whether I want to spend that much money on them or not. I'm probably going to sell it soon, and if I have a full brake job done, I don't know if I'll get my money back in the resale value. I think the rotors are fine...although, come to think of it, the car does pulse while braking at times. This could be due to my tires though...I took it into the shop a while back and they said I have a round walled tire. So even after having it balanced and aligned, the car shakes a lot while driving.

Edit: Also, this might be unrelated, but I have noticed for a long time now that the gas pedal makes "clicking" noises. It mostly does it when lightly pushing or releasing the pedal.

marc780 · 05-28-2006, 01:44 AM

When you put it that way - maybe the throttle cable is kinked/rusty/dirty inside its housing, and needs replacing or lubrication (use motorcylce cable product)?

Maim Menu · 05-28-2006, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger X

But if it's just the butterfly sticking, then why does it only change when I get out of the car and get back in?

Haha yeah, mine does that too. Sometimes I hop out to grab a coffee or something then when I get back in, the gas is mysteriously hard to push, or really soft. I clean the TB pretty often so I think it has to do with the cable, although a good TB cleaning will definitely help.