Accelerator Pedal and Linkage

The throttle is controlled by an accelerator cable (9A758) and a pedal assembly. The accelerator pedal should travel smoothly from the idle to the wide-open throttle positions. Hesitation on return and/or prevention of return to the idle position must not occur. Surrounding components such as wiring, hoses, sound insulator and floor covering must not contact the sliding inner member of the cable or the accelerator pedal assembly.

Engine speed is controlled by two sensors that are attached to the accelerator pedal (no cables are used on the 7.3L diesel engine). The first sensor, which maintains idle speed, is the idle validation switch. The second sensor is the accelerator pedal position sensor which operates in a manner similar to a throttle position sensor. As the accelerator pedal travels through its range of operation, the two sensors send signals to the powertrain control module (PCM) (12A650) to indicate the amount of fuel delivery that is required for the demand. The accelerator pedal should travel smoothly from the idle to the wide-open throttle positions. Hesitation on return and/or prevention of return to the idle position should not occur. Surrounding components such as wiring, hoses, sound insulator and floor covering must not contact the accelerator pedal assembly.

On vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control cable is also attached to the accelerator control system assembly. For further information concerning the speed control system, refer to Section 10-03.