My golf cart accelerator pedal is sticking

My golf cart’s accelerator pedal just won’t come back up. The pedial is in a stuck position! I need some solid advice to fix this ASAP please.

Response

It sound like you may need to adjust your throttle return sping to fix this problem.

Solution	Users Who Found Success	Approx. Cost (USD)	Approx. Time Needed (Minutes)
Lubricating the Contact Board, Wiper, and Pedal Group	2	$5 – $10	15 – 30
Checking the Governor Spring	1	$0 – $20	30 – 45
Inspecting the Throttle Return Spring	1	$0 – $15	20 – 35
Cleaning the V-Glide Contacts	1	$0 – $10	15 – 30
Checking for Obstructions	1	$0	10 – 20
Reattaching the Spring	1	$0	10 – 20

What I Did: Liberally applied lubricant to the pedal’s contact board, wiper, and pedal group.
Outcome: The pedal’s movement became smoother and the sticking issue was resolved.
Personal Experience: The pedal felt like new after a good lubrication job.
Estimated Cost: $5 – $10
Time Needed: 15 – 30 minutes
Detailed Steps:
1. Safety First: Disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical hazards.
2. Access the Components: Open the pedal box to access the contact board, wiper, and pedal group.
3. Clean Before Lubricating: Wipe off any dirt or grime from these parts.
4. Apply Lubricant: Use a quality lubricant like WD40, spraying it evenly on the contact board, wiper, and pedal group.
5. Work the Pedal: Press the pedal several times to distribute the lubricant evenly.
6. Test Drive: Reconnect the battery and test the pedal’s responsiveness.
Expert Tip: Use a non-conductive lubricant to prevent any electrical issues. Regular maintenance can prevent such problems in the future.

What I Did: Inspected and adjusted the governor spring for proper tension.
Outcome: Improved pedal responsiveness and resolved sticking issue.
Personal Experience: Adjusting the spring tension made a noticeable difference in pedal feel.
Estimated Cost: $0 – $20
Time Needed: 30 – 45 minutes
Detailed Steps:
1. Locate the Governor Spring: Find the governor spring near the engine or under the seat, depending on your golf cart model.
2. Inspect for Damage: Check if the spring is loose, broken, or out of place.
3. Adjust or Replace: Adjust the tension if loose or replace the spring if damaged.
4. Test the Pedal: Ensure the pedal returns smoothly after adjustment.
Expert Tip: Regularly check the governor spring during routine maintenance to avoid future issues.

What I Did: Checked and replaced the throttle return spring next to the pedal.
Outcome: The pedal returned to its position smoothly after replacement.
Personal Experience: A new spring restored the pedal’s original functionality.
Estimated Cost: $0 – $15
Time Needed: 20 – 35 minutes
Detailed Steps:
1. Access the Pedal Assembly: Open the area around the pedal to reach the throttle return spring.
2. Examine the Spring: Look for signs of wear, damage, or dislocation.
3. Replace if Necessary: If the spring is damaged, replace it with a new one.
4. Reassemble and Test: Put everything back together and test the pedal’s movement.
Expert Tip: A well-functioning return spring is crucial for pedal responsiveness. Check it regularly.

What I Did: Disassembled and cleaned the contacts in the V-glide assembly.
Outcome: Resolved the sticking issue and improved electrical contact.
Personal Experience: Cleaning the contacts significantly improved pedal smoothness.
Estimated Cost: $0 – $10
Time Needed: 15 – 30 minutes
Detailed Steps:
1. Disassemble the V-Glide: Carefully take apart the V-glide assembly.
2. Clean the Contacts: Use a contact cleaner or a fine sandpaper to clean the contacts.
3. Reassemble: Put the V-glide back together carefully.
4. Test for Smoothness: Ensure the pedal moves freely without sticking.
Expert Tip: Regular cleaning of the V-glide contacts can prevent many electrical and mechanical issues.

What I Did: Inspected the pedal mechanism for any foreign objects or debris.
Outcome: Removing obstructions allowed the pedal to move freely.
Personal Experience: Found a small stone that was causing the issue.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 10 – 20 minutes
Detailed Steps:
1. Inspect the Pedal Area: Look around and under the pedal for any obstructions.
2. Remove Debris: Carefully remove any foreign objects found.
3. Test the Pedal: Press the pedal to ensure it moves smoothly.
Expert Tip: Regularly cleaning the pedal area can prevent unexpected sticking issues.

What I Did: Found the dislodged spring and reattached it to its proper place.
Outcome: The pedal returned to normal operation after the spring was reattached.
Personal Experience: A simple fix that made a big difference.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 10 – 20 minutes
Detailed Steps:
1. Locate the Dislodged Spring: Identify where the spring has come loose.
2. Reattach the Spring: Securely reattach the spring to its designated spot.
3. Secure with Zip Ties: Use zip ties for additional security, if necessary.
4. Test the Pedal: Ensure the pedal now returns to its neutral position smoothly.
Expert Tip: Regular checks can prevent springs from becoming loose or dislodged.

Regular Maintenance: Regularly check and maintain the pedal assembly to prevent sticking issues.
Use the Right Tools: Always use the appropriate tools for disassembly and reassembly to avoid damaging delicate parts.
Seek Professional Help: If you’re unsure about any step, it’s better to consult with a professional mechanic.

Temperature Effects: Extreme temperatures can affect the lubricant’s effectiveness. Consider this if you’re in a very hot or cold climate.
Alternative Lubricants: In case WD40 is not available, silicone-based lubricants can also be effective.