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Throttle Adjustment Cable Replacement Cost Estimate
Throttle Adjustment Cable Replacement Cost Estimate
Worried you might overpay for your throttle adjustment cable replacement? Use Jerry’s GarageGuard to get fair cost estimate for your throttle adjustment cable replacement.
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John Davis
Expert Automotive Writer
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content
Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor
What's on this page?
- How much does it cost to replace a throttle adjustment cable?
- Where can I get my throttle adjustment cable replaced?
- How will a mechanic replace my throttle adjustment cable?
- What happens when your throttle cable goes bad?
- What is a throttle adjustment cable?
- When should I replace the throttle adjustment cable on my car?
- Can I replace my throttle adjustment cable myself?
- FAQs
- Meet Our Experts
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How much does it cost to replace a throttle adjustment cable?
You can expect an average total replacement cost of $200-$300. The exact price will depend on your vehicle.
How long does it take to replace a throttle adjustment cable? In general, it takes around 1 hour for a certified mechanic to complete the job. Your mechanic will perform a preliminary inspection to determine if a replacement is necessary, then follow through with the full replacement.
How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.
How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.
See fair price estimates for popular cars
What parts do I need for my throttle adjustment cable replacement and how much do those parts cost?
You can check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic for precise parts, but here’s the main thing you need:
- Throttle adjustment cable: The throttle adjustment cable is the primary part in the replacement. The throttle cable is a braided metal wire that links the gas pedal to the engine throttle plate, allowing the driver to control the car's speed by applying or releasing pressure on the gas pedal. On its own, a new throttle adjustment cable can cost anywhere from $10 to $60.
You can buy throttle adjustment cable parts for your car from auto parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and eBay. Three brands we recommend for throttle adjustment cable parts are Dorman, ATP Automotive, and Genuine Toyota. However, prices, parts, and brands may also vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model.
Should I buy an OEM or aftermarket throttle adjustment cable?
When it comes to your throttle cable, there are pros and cons to choosing either the OEM or aftermarket option. While it’s often cheaper to opt for an aftermarket throttle cable, OEM throttle cables tend to run smoother and offer longer functionality.
Where can I buy a throttle adjustment cable replacement?
You can find throttle adjustment cables at body shops and auto parts shops like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts, as well as online retailers like Amazon.
Before searching for parts, consult your vehicle’s owner manual for lists of all of the specs for replacements you need—plus warranty information.
Where can I get my throttle adjustment cable replaced?
Looking for a mechanic to replace your throttle adjustment cable can be hard, especially if you don't have a trusted garage. Thankfully, Jerry's
GarageGuard™
is here to assist you by comparing prices from over 2,500 reputable auto repair shops across the US.Jerry's GarageGuard™ evaluates fair price estimates from each auto shop, taking into account their actual hourly labor rate. It will help you determine if diagnostic fees are included in the service cost and access real customer reviews to help you select the best service.
Browse through some of our vetted shops and be sure to download the app to compare quotes for automotive repairs in your area.
101 Reviews
Minich's Auto Repair, LLC
3050 Burlington St, Kansas City, MO
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$100116 Reviews
Hankey Farms Auto Services
7720 Steubenville Pike, Pittsburgh, PA
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$149.95189 Reviews
Viking Auto Electric & Air
4521 Sunbeam Rd, Jacksonville, FL
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$110140 Reviews
Exo Auto Works
124 S El Paso St STE B, Colorado Springs, CO
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$55How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.
How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.
How will a mechanic replace my throttle adjustment cable?
In a throttle cable repair, the mechanic will examine the throttle cable, which connects the accelerator pedal inside your car to the throttle body in your car’s engine. If the throttle cable is too loose, your mechanic will simply tighten it for optimal performance.
If the throttle cable is broken or worn down, your mechanic will follow these steps to replace it:
- Remove the old cable by disconnecting it from the throttle body, retaining bracket, and accelerator pedal
- Install a new throttle cable by pulling it through the firewall, hooking it up to the accelerator pedal, and reconnecting it to the bracket and throttle body
- Test the new cable to make sure it’s working correctly
What happens when your throttle cable goes bad?
If your car’s acceleration is malfunctioning, a throttle cable repair is essential for the safety of everyone on the road.
A broken throttle cable could cause your car to:
- Randomly jerk while driving
- Start or stop unexpectedly, resulting in a total loss of control
What is a throttle adjustment cable?
The throttle cable, also known as an accelerator cable, allows your engine to respond to the accelerator pedal. If the cable wears down over time, breaks, or gets too loose, your engine may not respond properly when you’re trying to speed up or slow down.
When should I replace the throttle adjustment cable on my car?
You will usually know something is wrong with the throttle cable when the accelerator pedal isn’t responding normally.
Warning signs that you may need a new throttle cable include:
- The car won’t accelerate unless you push the gas pedal all the way down
- You notice a lag time between hitting the accelerator and feeling the car move
- The car repeatedly stops and starts while you’re using cruise control
Keep in mind: These signs can vary depending on your vehicle. It's always best to check your owner’s manual or ask a qualified mechanic to assess the condition of your accelerator. Regular maintenance will help your throttle cable perform optimally and last longer.
How often do you need to replace a throttle adjustment cable?
While there’s no exact replacement timeline, you should consider replacing your throttle adjustment cable every three to five years, or every 10k miles you drive.
The throttle adjustment cable is a wear-and-tear part, so the more you drive, the faster you’ll need to replace it.
Keep in mind: Every manufacturer will specify a different age or mileage limit for their throttle cables, so be sure to consult your owner’s manual or speak with a certified mechanic.
Can I replace my throttle adjustment cable myself?
While you certainly can try to replace your throttle adjustment cable yourself, you must be confident in your auto repair and DIY abilities.
Replacing this part can be time-consuming if you’re not prepared. For the average driver, we recommend visiting a shop and letting a professional mechanic do the work.
Keep in mind: You’ll need a screwdriver, pliers, and wrench if you choose to complete the job yourself.
FAQs
Do throttle cables wear out?
Yes, throttle cables can wear out over time because they’re subjected to repeated use and mechanical stress.
The internal wires within the cable can become frayed or stretched from daily use, and the outer sheath that protects the wires can deteriorate over time. Eventually, this can lead to a loss of tension, making it difficult to maintain proper throttle control.
Factors such as the frequency of use, driving conditions, and the quality of the cable itself can influence the rate of wear.
What causes a throttle cable to break?
A throttle cable can break due to several factors, including regular wear and tear from constant movement, corrosion from exposure to moisture or other elements, subjection to excessive force, improper installation, and other mechanical damages from collisions or accidents.
Meet Our Experts
John Davis
Car Expert
Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience
John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.
Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.
Jessica Barrett
Car Expert
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.
Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
Kathleen Flear
Car Expert
Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.
*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.