What is the drive-by-wire problem?

[nuron]

I guess my dad's 99 Camry has this problem where the gas pedal would stick at times. I tried looking for a recall but I guess it's not one yet. Can you guys provide some info on this?

Also, in my '88 Camry there's a black and yellow ground (I guess?) wire that's connected to the battery tray. At the other end where it connects to the alternator (?), the jacket burst and all I see is copper. Hoping to replace the wire, I went to a junkyard but found the same thing on a junked Camry. Anyone know what this is? Thanks everybody .

[touringcamry]

It's not exactly drive by wire since the throttle is not electronic like some of the newer vehicles.

Get some throttle body cleaner or carb cleaner, make sure the can says safe for sensors, and clean out the throttle body, especially that part near the valve.

[Tom 2000]

The problem you describe where the gas pedal sticks is easily cured by some throttle body cleaner like touring Camry says. Go to an auto parts store, get a can (less than $5), and you can do this in 5 minutes or less once you're home.

It's a fairly common problem that happens on gen4s as I've cleaned it out a few times myself.

The drive-by-wire problem is different issue on newer cars.

Until not too many years ago, the throttle on most cars were controled by a cable that was connected to your accelerator (gas pedal). On newer cars, to simplify assembly, improve packaging, etc.. and consolidate electronics, the accelearator (gas pedal) no longer has a physical connection to the throttle body in the engine

Drive-by-wire means that you step on the accelerator, which tells the ECU how much the pedal moved. Then the ECU sends a signal to the throttle body, which in turn opens the throttle appropriately.

I finally had a chance to experience this first hand last month. I went to Japan and rented a new Toyota Noah equipped with drive-by-wire. Bascially, there's a slight lag from when you step on the gas until the engine picks up.

I don't like it at all, as the Noah isn't quick off the line as it is and the last thing you need is something else to delay the response.