Not sure if this is adjustable or something needs cleaned,but on my g/f's 2004 4.6 she just bought,the gas pedal seems to be hard to push down,and it's hard to tell when the engine is going to accelerate. Is there a fix for this or something she will just have to get used to?

 

Is that electric or a cable to the engine compartment? If cable, check to see if it has become frayed or unwound. That will make it hard to push and will make it hang up as well. Otherwise, start at the pivot and go until you find something out of whack or binding.

Great advice, huh?

 

just checked. it's electric...drive by wire? I just checked the pedal,seems to move freely. I drove it and the problem seems to be when you push the pedal down,there isn't a good feel when it will actually accelerate. Engine runs great and it drives great otherwise,just gives everybody whiplash from a stop if you don't guess right. lol

 

Is there a lot of free play before the engine revs? Maybe the pedal unit is worn, maybe something is out of place?

 

searching on some other sites,I found this TSB. Is there any way to tell if this has been done to her vehicle?

TSB
04-26-20 THROTTLE PEDAL RESPONSE ON TIP-IN

Publication Date: December 23, 2004

FORD: 2004-2005 Explorer
MERCURY: 2004-2005 Mountaineer


This article supersedes TSB 04-22-5 to update applications.

ISSUE:
Some 2004-2005 Explorer 4dr and Mountaineer vehicles built before 10/4/2004 with a 4.0L engine, or before 12/14/2004 with a 4.6L engine, may exhibit issues related to the throttle pedal response on tip-ins from a stop and on deceleration tip-ins.

ACTION:
Reprogram the powertrain control module (PCM) to the latest calibration level using WDS release B34.9, or B35.1 and higher. Calibration files may also be obtained at Motorcraft.

NOTE: THIS NEW CALIBRATION IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE B35 CD.



NOTE: THROTTLE PEDAL RESPONSE WITH ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) DIFFERS FROM RESPONSE WITH A THROTTLE CABLE. REPROGRAMMING THE PCM WILL IMPROVE, BUT MAY NOT ELIMINATE, THIS CONDITION.




WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
042620A 2004-2005 Explorer/Mountaineer: Check For Diagnostic Trouble Codes And Reprogram Powertrain Control Module 0.4 Hr.

DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
RECAL 04

 

A dealership should be able to check their database to see if that TSB has been performed. Dealers used to place stickers on the radiator core support when service bulletins were performed but I'm not sure if they still do or not. Maybe the calibration code in the PCM now provides that information for the dealers.

-Rod