Many people complain that their car accelerates on its own while in the city areas or on highways which is highly dangerous and increases accidents.
Why is My Car Accelerating on Its Own? A car accelerating on its own is due to faulty cruise control, the opening of the throttle butterfly, interference of floor mats, dust and debris on the gas pedal, leakage in vacuum hoses and seals, stuck idle control valves, dirty MAF sensors, and faulty accelerator cables.
The issue of sudden unintended acceleration comes from the failure of the accelerating system or gas pedal. The increase in speed occurs when you take off the foot from the pedal, which is annoying and panicking for drivers.
| Causes | Solutions |
| Faulty cruise control | Check the brake light switch and electric connections |
| Opening of the throttle butterfly | Engage neutral gears |
| Interference of floor mats | Reposition the floormats |
| Dirt and debris in the gas pedal | Use a bristled brush for cleaning |
| Vacuum leaks | Turn off engine |
| Stuck idle control valve | Use brushes and cleaners |
| Dirty MAF sensor | Use sensor cleaners |
| Problem with the accelerator cable | Turn on hazard lights |
Faulty cruise control
Several sensors and wireless control systems operate the cruise control system in most modern cars to maintain speed.
It decreases the drivers’ fatigue, and they do not have to maintain the speed through the gas pedal. It adjusts the speed according to the movement of the vehicle that is moving ahead and road conditions.
The acceleration often occurs on its own, and you are not moving in inclined areas. The issue comes from the malfunctioning of the cruise control system that cannot detect road conditions.
These cannot function properly when their switches become faulty, or water enters them during cleaning.
The electrical problems, including blowing out the fuse and damaged wirings, also hinder their normal functioning. Carefully clean the steering wheel and keep the switches away from water contact.
Check the brake light switches and electrical system if these are working unevenly.
Opening of the throttle butterfly
The throttle butterfly valve, also known as the throttle valve, is located on the intake manifold. These are responsible for controlling the air movement in the engine.
These contain the swiveling disc at their end and are called butterfly valves because of their specific shape. The butterfly end allows the closing of the valve and restricts the air intake into the engine components.
The more air goes into the engine, the more it allows fuel injection and eventually increases the power.
Sometimes the throttle valves get stuck in the open position and allow continuous air intake, and your car accelerates without pressing the gas pedal.
It is better to put your car in neutral gears and press the clutch pedal to disengage the engine and allow them to stop.
Interference of floor mats
The floor mats are present throughout the ground surface of your automobiles to prevent the undercarriage from dust and dirt.
These floormats come off the floor when they become old and lose their stickiness. These can come off from the accelerator size because of the frequent use of the brake pedal.
Sometimes the floor mats that come off from the ground cause interference with the accelerator. These can get stuck when you press them and allow constant air movement.
It can increase the speed and risk of accidents because of uneven movements. Therefore, it is better to park your cars on the side of the road when you face a problem.
Use the safety items like a triangle and put it in front of your vehicle. Set the floor mats on the side of the gas pedal and use glue to stick them correctly on the floor.
Dirt and debris in the gas pedal
The gas pedal can also get stuck in the open position when it is accumulated dust and debris. The dust comes in contact with this equipment from the poor cleaning and maintenance of floor mats.
In addition, the issue comes when you frequently press the gas pedal with muddy and dirty shoes.
The constant pressing of accelerators causes the opening of the throttle body and increases air intake. Remove junk and dust from the pedals.
Use the soft bristled brush for cleaning and removing dust and other small particles.
Vacuum leaks
Vacuum hoses are the parts of the engine and the rubber seals that maintain the pressure. It creates the specific pressure to mix the accurate ratio of air and fuel for sparking.
The leakage in vacuum hoses and leakages can disturb the inner pressure. As a result, the more air from the outside compartment moves into the combustion chamber.
Your car accelerates with this increased pressure signal even when you do not put your foot on the gas pedal. The vacuum leakage occurs due to the cracking and breaking of rubber tubes in the engine compartment.
The high temperature decreases the strength of rubber and plastic material. Do not panic when you face the problem, and apply brakes slowly.
Turn off the engine to stop the idling and power supply for the wheel spinning.
Stuck idle control valve
It is the component of the fuel injecting system and is located on the throttle body. It works with the ECU system of your cars to electrically maintain the airflow.
It ensures the proper airflow for the engine’s smooth running without any stalling and poor idling issues. Sometimes this valve becomes bad, allowing unsmooth airflow into the engine’s components.
Insufficient flow causes jerky driving, and overflow suddenly increases the speed. Your car accelerates when these valves get stuck and remain open.
After disconnecting the batteries, you can treat the stuck idle control valve by removing them from the engine compartment.
Locate the valve, disconnect it, and use the brushes and cleaners to remove the dust and grime from their surface.
Dirty MAF sensor
The mass air flow sensor is also called an air meter, which is present on the intake manifolds of engines. These sensors allow air movement in the internal combustion engine to provide sufficient power for running vehicles.
These sensors become bad and allow the continuous mixing of air and fuel mixture, which can increase your car’s speed without touching the gas pedal.
These become faulty over time because of the carbon soot buildup on their surface. These are parts of the fuel injection system; dust or debris can accumulate on their surface and cause failure.
You can increase their life span by maintaining and cleaning them properly. Remove the air duct, spray its parts with sensor cleaners, and allow them to dry.
Re-install the air ducts when their parts become dry completely.
Problem with the accelerator cable
The acceleration system in older cars is driven through the cables. The cables open the throttle body for air intake when you press the gas pedal.
Sometimes the cable gets stuck when you press the pedal, and the throttle valve remains open. The moving air urges the injection of fuel and increased power from the engine.
The cruise control also works unevenly, and you can feel the vehicle’s jerky movement and increased speed. The accelerator cables become faulty and lose their strength when they become old.
The over and frequent use of these cables can also make them bad. In addition, the accumulated dust and debris on their surface reduce their working efficiency.
Turning on the hazard light when facing unintended acceleration problems on highways is necessary.
These hazards light work as the warning sign, and the other vehicles on the road easily maintain a distance from you and recognize the issue.
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