Worried you might overpay for your throttle control cable replacement? Use Jerry's GarageGuard™ to get fair cost estimate for your throttle control cable replacement.

Get Fair Repair Cost Estimate

No spam

Compare shops near you

Always know how much you should pay

Updated on Jan 31, 2024

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 the throttle control cable?
Where can I get my throttle control cable replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my throttle control cable?
What happens if I don’t replace my throttle control cable?
What is a throttle control cable?
Can I replace my throttle control cable myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

Load full table of contents

How much does it cost to replace the throttle control cable?

The average cost to replace the throttle control cable is $250. Remember that this is just an estimate—your exact replacement costs will depend on your vehicle’s make and model.

How long does it take to replace the throttle control cable? A certified mechanic generally takes around 1 hour to change the cable. They will lift the hood and inspect the throttle. If necessary, they will do a 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.

Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

See fair price estimates for popular cars

What parts do I need for my throttle control cable replacement and how much do those parts cost?

Unlike many other parts of your vehicle, the throttle control cable is a single part—when it breaks, it’s the only part you’ll need to replace. But if you fix it yourself, you’ll need a few other basic tools, such as a screwdriver.

Luckily, buying a new throttle control cable won’t break the bank—you’re looking at an average cost between $59.51 and $72.74.

Some reputable brands we recommend include Dorman, ACDelco, and ATP Automotive for reliable and quality throttle control cable replacements. You can typically purchase these brands from retailers such as Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, and Summit Racing, both online and in-store. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle's specific year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

When replacing your throttle control cable, you don’t have to spend the money on an OEM part. Aftermarket cables are generally manufactured to the same specs as OEM parts at a fraction of the cost. However, be sure to check that it’s made from a durable material and fits your vehicle.

Where can I buy a throttle control cable replacement?

You can find throttle control cables online through automotive parts shops like Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, and Summit Racing, along with more accessible sites like Amazon. Before buying, be sure to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to confirm it’s the right fit.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my throttle control cable replaced?

Finding the right auto repair shop to replace your throttle control cable can be tricky, especially if you don’t have a trusted mechanic in your area. Luckily, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can help you compare repair service rates from more than 2,500 reputable auto shops nationwide.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from shops using their actual hourly labor rate. It will also let you know if you need to budget for diagnostic fees and show you trustworthy reviews from real customers to help you choose the best service.

Check out some of our partner shops below and download the app to compare car repair costs in your area.

143 Reviews

Just Tires - Knightdale

4002 Village Park Dr,, Raleigh, NC

Throttle Control Cable Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$94

(Parts - $66, Labor - $28)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (919) 217-5950

174 Reviews

Triton Hybrid Battery Repair

7664-G, Fullerton Rd, Springfield, VA

Throttle Control Cable Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$90

(Parts - $66, Labor - $24)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$130

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (703) 261-9442

186 Reviews

Eastchester Service Station

407 White Plains Rd, Eastchester, NJ

Throttle Control Cable Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$93

(Parts - $66, Labor - $27)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$75

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (914) 337-3799

152 Reviews

Olympos Auto Service

400 Jericho Turnpike, Mount Vernon, NY

Throttle Control Cable Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$98

(Parts - $66, Labor - $32)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$135

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (516) 739-1133

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 control cable?

If your accelerator cable needs replacing, here’s how it’s done:

Pop the hood and remove the engine trim cover

Disconnect the throttle control cable from the throttle lever

Disconnect the defective throttle control cable from the accelerator and remove

Install new throttle control cable through the firewall

Connect the new cable to the throttle lever and accelerator pedal

Test the throttle

Replace the engine trim cover and close the hood

Test drive the car

What happens if I don’t replace my throttle control cable?

The throttle cable is important for controlling your car’s speed. It’s constantly exposed to the elements under the hood, which can cause it to seize up or prevent it from moving freely. The cable can break when this happens, and the throttle may become unresponsive or stick.

If the throttle cable is stuck in the open position, the engine will race. If the throttle cable seizes and is stuck in the closed position, the accelerator pedal may not work. In either case, it can be dangerous.

What is a throttle control cable?

The throttle control cable, also known as the accelerator cable, is a braided metal wire that connects the gas pedal to the engine throttle plate. When you press the gas pedal, the cable lifts the plate. This allows fuel and air to enter the intake, which makes you go faster.

On carbureted engines, the throttle body is part of the carburetor. It is opened and closed via the throttle control cable and a link from the gas pedal and engine vacuum. When the valve opens, more fuel is delivered

On newer fuel-injected engines, the throttle body is typically found between the air filter and the intake manifold and is connected to the gas pedal in two ways:

Mechanically via a cable

Electronically via a wire

When you press the gas pedal, the butterfly in the throttle body pivots to allow more airflow into the manifold. The throttle position sensor then reports to the ECU that the gas pedal has been pressured, which means the airflow sensor detects more air and sends a message to the car’s computer to increase how much fuel the injectors supply.

The gas pedal won't work correctly when the throttle control cable stops moving freely. If it gets stuck in the open position, the engine will surge. If stuck in the closed position, the car won’t accelerate.

Either way, you won’t have control. If it happens while you’re driving, it could put you in a perilous situation with a

runaway car

or a car that can’t move out of the way.

If your gas pedal isn’t responding properly, there’s a good chance it’s the throttle control cable. If that’s the case, a mechanic can

open the hood

, disconnect the faulty cable, and install a new one.

How do I know if my throttle control cable needs replacing?

To spot throttle control cable problems before they become critical, look for the following common symptoms:

Cruise control

problems. Your car may jerk in cruise control or not maintain a consistent speed.

Damage to the cable covering. The cable is covered in a protected rubber coating. If you examine the cable and see damage to the coating, the whole cable should be replaced.

Delayed engine response. If there’s a lag between when you press the gas pedal and when the engine

accelerates

, the problem may be the cable.

If you establish you need a throttle cable repair,

take it to a mechanic

. Alternatively, depending on the age of your car, the repair or replacement may be covered under warranty. Call your local dealership and speak to a car care specialist to determine if it’s covered.

How often should the throttle control cable be replaced?

The throttle control cable is essential to your vehicle’s operation and is built to last. On average, its lifespan is about five years. However, not all cars have them. Some newer cars operate with an electronic throttle control system instead.

If you notice any of the symptoms of a worn throttle control cable, contact your local mechanic and have it replaced as soon as possible.

Can I replace my throttle control cable myself?

If you're car-savvy and want a weekend DIY project, replacing your throttle control cable is straightforward. But if you’re not familiar with the underhood of your car and don’t have the required tools, it’s best to leave it to the professionals and bring your vehicle to a mechanic for help.

Explore Popular Repair Services

Center Drag Link Replacement Cost Estimate

Brake Wheel Cylinder Replacement Cost Estimate

Ac Control Switch Replacement Cost Estimate

Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement Cost Estimate

Ac Pressure Switch Replacement Cost Estimate

Rotate Tires Cost Estimate

FAQs

What happens when your throttle cable goes bad?

The throttle control cable is essential to control your vehicle’s speed, and if it breaks or becomes damaged, you can’t control your car’s speed. The gas pedal won't work properly if the throttle cable stops moving freely.

What causes a throttle cable to break?

The throttle cable is exposed to all kinds of elements under the hood of your car and can wear down over time. Because it’s a metal wire encased in an out casing composed of rubber and metal, constantly pressing down and easing up on the accelerator can cause the cable to wear down, fray, and even break, ultimately resulting in complete failure.

How much does it cost to fix a throttle control cable?

The average throttle cable replacement cost depends on what needs to be fixed or replaced. If the cable is broken and must be replaced, it will cost an average of $161, but if other parts are also broken, it can be more expensive.

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.