QuestionQUESTION: 1996 Chrysler Sebring convertible 2.5 (V6) it looks like our throttle cable is fraying? Strange question, at that is what we think the cable is, what happened on the way home is when we pressed on the gas the tack would rev up and then would get stuck and then release. Check the throttle cable thinking that it was sticking because it was dirty (200059 miles) and one of the two cables was frayed? Does this sound right, what is the other cable, and if we drive and the cable brakes what happens? I think that that part was a recall and we had it repaired a many years ago, would you know if we are still able to have it repaired as a recall since it was recalled part that is doing the same thing. any help you can give is appreciated.
Thank you Cathy
ANSWER: Hi Cathy,
If the cable breaks it would likely slow down on its own because the spring is built-in to the throttle body and requires a functional cable to keep it open. It is a good possibility that the fraying is impeding the action of the cable as to present a resistance to the spring-action that attempts to close the throttle. The second cable is operated by the cruise controller when you bring that capability into play.
Another possibility is that the throttle valve itself is sticking due to a build-up of crud. You could remove the air intake tube at the throttle body and open the throttle by hand rotating the lever that the cables operate. You can spray some WD-40 on the pivot shaft where it rotates on either end and while you are there use a soft cloth/q-tips to clean the throat, a small air passageway on the side of the throat, and both sides of the 'butterfly' plate that constitutes the valve mechanism. Sometimes that crud can hang up the action and at least make for poor idling.
I can't predict whether you can get the replacement cable for free, but give it a try! And if you want to 'push' it ask for the name and number of the regional service manual if the local dealer won't do it and that will indicate your seriousness.
Roland
PS Sorry for the delay but I just found your question in the 'pool' to which it had been sent by the other expert, Kevin. Please 'rate' my answer, and where you see the question about 'volunteer of the month' please consider a 'yes' answer if this response has been helpful. Thanks
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QUESTION: Roland, thank you for the response, I did remember that there was a recall on the throttle cable on the 1996 Sebring, so I thought that I would take a chance and call customer service to see if they would be able to help me. The customer service rep stated that this is an ongoing repair and that if it is the same part that is damage now that it would be repaired under the recall. Here is how the recall reads it was recall B22 Vehicle speed control - the throttle control cable can fray causing the throttle to bind or stick – remedy – dealers will replace the throttle cable assembly. Would you know how we can tell it the cable that is frayed is the throttle cable and or if it is the cruise control cable? They are both linked into the same holder so when you press on the holder by hand both cables move. Or would you know if the whole piece is part of this vehicle speed control and would have been replaced with the recall. Would love it if it could be repaired as part of the recall. If it is the cruise control cable that is frayed and not part of the recall would you know if we could just disconnect that part, and would it harm anything. She has been a great car and I just can’t let her go, hoping that we can get a few more good miles out of her.
Thank you Cathy
AnswerHi Kathy,
The throttle cable and the cruise control cables are independent of one another, except that they both attach to the same lever on the throttle body. The cables are mounted in tandem at a bracket on the the throttle body that receives them side-by-side through a slotted opening. The inner cable is the cruise cable and you will see if you trace it that it goes to a module nearby in the engine compartment which is the cruise controller. The outer cable is the throttle cable and it goes to the firewall and into the cabin to the brake pedal. You can possibly observe which cable is frayed at the throttle body. It may be that the cable is simply dirty and needs to be cleaned and lubricated with WD-40, is an alternative possibility.
Replacing either cable is not a big job, maybe a half hour tops, so whether you can get it for free or not is not a major factor in the overall range of possible future repairs that the vehicle might need. If anyone in the house is an amateur mechanic I can xerox copy and send the page(s) that describe how to do it yourself if Chrysler won't pay. It may depend on whether the recall was specific to just the throttle cable, or did it also include coverate for a frayed cruise cable.
Roland
PS Thanks for the rating and kind remarks.
