[Priscillababy]

okay first my DISCLAIMER: i realize that habitually stepping on the pedal/flooring the gas pedal/putting the 'pedal to the metal' is not a good habit to develop/practice- i unfortunately have this habit as all of my cars are over or well over 300HP and are either V6's/V8's....and sometimes that sudden burst of speed can really come in handy!....it is what it is

PROBLEM (only happening on my 2nd gen. 2009 MDX- on all other vehicles- Audi sedan and Mercedes SUV- gas pedal can be readily floored/stepped upon aggressively with no issues):
On two occasions in the past year, my 2009 MDX gas pedal has become stuck (WHILE driving!!!), immediately after floored the pedal ( which in turn was likely motivated by either defensive driving and/or road rage- albeit and unfortunately probably more b/c of the latter scenario) necessitating that I immediately step on the brake pedal (all while I hear the MDX accelerator still trying to kick in) to slow my accelerating (automatic) MDX down to a complete stop (again while accelerator is still revving up on its own!) so that I can shift to PARK and then quickly disengage the engine by turning it off with the key- it is ONLY at this particular point, while my 2nd gen. MDX is sitting (engine off) along the side off the road, that I can press/depress my foot down on the gas pedal as needed to manually release the stuck pedal!!!....immediately after this has been done, I can then put the key back in the engine, start it up, and drive away normally....CRAZY right?!!!!!


SYMPTOM
The only (relative) error code that my MDX has recently generated (and which I've since cleared myself using one of those OBDII scanners from Amazon) is the CHECK EMISSIONS error for which one of the steatlerships had stated that my O2 sensor(s) had to be replaced (about a $400 job)- could there be any possible relation to this bad 'O2' sensor that requires replacement and my MDX's gas pedal sticking (immediately after having floored it to accelerate quickly?)....

This problem does not occur often, in fact it will ONLY occur after having immediately floored the pedal (which I've done a good job of not doing that much)- so (instead of advising me NOT to floor my pedal) can anyone please recommend a fix/troubleshooting step/DIY maintenance that can be done to address this SCARY and potentially LIFE THREATENING 2nd generation Acura MDX stuck gas pedal problem?!!!! :|

I did consult the GOOGLES and found this below (which I'm likely not going to do myself, and would be completely willing to have the STEALERSHIP do- I wonder that those bastards would charge me?! :surprise:...scary thought!!!)

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-repair-a-stuck-accelerator-pedal
How to Repair a Stuck Accelerator Pedal
What You'll Need
Throttle body cleaner Screwdriver Toothbrush
Driving a vehicle can be fun if you have a perfect accelerator pedal. When these pedals stick it can cause danger for the driver and his/her passengers. Here is how you can repair this problem:

Step 1 - Checking the Accelerator Pedal
Before you begin to cleanse the vehicle of this problem you must double check the accelerator pedal in order to be sure there is a problem. Drive your vehicle around your yard a few times and push down on the pedal gently. Always be ready to brake in case it does have a sticking problem. Don't be afraid to test your vehicle at home first before getting onto the road. This will save you from any dangers that could happen once you are on the highway. Past news stories have often linked accidents on sticking accelerator pedals. Tragedies can often be avoided when we take the time to check things out. If the accelerator sticks then it is time to solve the problem.

Step 2 - Gathering Your Repair Tools
Next you will begin the task of repairing your sticking accelerator pedal. You must first have all of your tools on hand. Be sure that your body cleanser, screwdriver and toothbrush are close by. You will need these items to properly repair the problem. You can also wear work gloves to prevent any damage or dirt from getting on your hands.


Step 3 - Using the Throttle Body Cleaner
It is very important to not use a carburetor cleaner or silicone to fix the problem since these may damage your oxygen sensors. Once you have lifted the hood up you will remove the air intake hose. You will use your screwdriver to do this part. Once you have loosened the clamp on the air intake hose you are almost ready for business. On older vehicles you will remove the breather cover in order to reach the carburetor.

Once you have done this you will open the valve on the carburetor. Begin to spray a heavy amount of the throttle body cleaner onto a cloth and clean the whole area. You will also use a toothbrush or small brush to get to the difficult locations. Remember to be generous with the spray since it will help the outcome of your accelerator acting properly on the road. Be sure to wipe the throttle body as clean as possible and repeat the process several times. You may then spray the butterfly valve until it is well lubed. The valve will be more efficient after this cleaning. Everything will operate better with the swipes of the cleaner.

Step 4 - Placing Everything Back into Place
Once the cleaning is done you will put the intake hose or breather back into its' proper place. Turn on your vehicle and run it for about 15 minutes. this will get rid of the excess cleaner that was left behind. Try stepping on your pedal again. After doing these tasks your pedal should be in good working order

 

[PRGonzalez]

Priscilla,

The MDX is drive by wire system. This is electronic control. Any pedal sticking to the floor is purely mechanical in the pedal itself. The throttle-body butterfly just follows the electronic command from inside the cabin. There is no steel cable from the pedal to the throttle body and has nothing to do with butterfly and dirty throttle body.

So, the pedal is binding on the floor. I have not seen the schematics or my car for that fact, but I would expect there is some kind of stopper for the pedal. Look for any wear caused by the frequent full-pedal action you have been practicing with the MDX. There should be no major repair to be done and you will be good to continue on your favorite way of driving.

My 2 cents.

 

[Priscillababy]

Priscilla,

The MDX is drive by wire system. This is electronic control. Any pedal sticking to the floor is purely mechanical in the pedal itself. The throttle-body butterfly just follows the electronic command from inside the cabin. There is no steel cable from the pedal to the throttle body and has nothing to do with butterfly and dirty throttle body....
My 2 cents.

PRGonzalez- thank you very much for the informative and promising feedback/insight into my particular 2nd gen. MDX stuck gas pedal inuiry!

<i>I have not seen the schematics or my car for that fact, but I would expect there is some kind of stopper for the pedal. Look for any wear caused by the frequent full-pedal action you have been practicing with the MDX. </i>

i will definitely look into this, assuming that there is a stopper for the 2nd gen. MDX pedal, then perhaps this need to be replaced and/or cleaned out...


<i>There should be no major repair to be done and you will be good to continue on your favorite way of driving.</i>

LOL! :wink:

 

[pootie316]

okay first my DISCLAIMER: i realize that habitually stepping on the pedal/flooring the gas pedal/putting the 'pedal to the metal' is not a good habit to develop/practice- i unfortunately have this habit as all of my cars are over or well over 300HP and are either V6's/V8's....and sometimes that sudden burst of speed can really come in handy!....it is what it is

PROBLEM (only happening on my 2nd gen. 2009 MDX- on all other vehicles- Audi sedan and Mercedes SUV- gas pedal can be readily floored/stepped upon aggressively with no issues):
On two occasions in the past year, my 2009 MDX gas pedal has become stuck (WHILE driving!!!), immediately after floored the pedal ( which in turn was likely motivated by either defensive driving and/or road rage- albeit and unfortunately probably more b/c of the latter scenario) necessitating that I immediately step on the brake pedal (all while I hear the MDX accelerator still trying to kick in) to slow my accelerating (automatic) MDX down to a complete stop (again while accelerator is still revving up on its own!) so that I can shift to PARK and then quickly disengage the engine by turning it off with the key- it is ONLY at this particular point, while my 2nd gen. MDX is sitting (engine off) along the side off the road, that I can press/depress my foot down on the gas pedal as needed to manually release the stuck pedal!!!....immediately after this has been done, I can then put the key back in the engine, start it up, and drive away normally....CRAZY right?!!!!!


SYMPTOM
The only (relative) error code that my MDX has recently generated (and which I've since cleared myself using one of those OBDII scanners from Amazon) is the CHECK EMISSIONS error for which one of the steatlerships had stated that my O2 sensor(s) had to be replaced (about a $400 job)- could there be any possible relation to this bad 'O2' sensor that requires replacement and my MDX's gas pedal sticking (immediately after having floored it to accelerate quickly?)....

This problem does not occur often, in fact it will ONLY occur after having immediately floored the pedal (which I've done a good job of not doing that much)- so (instead of advising me NOT to floor my pedal) can anyone please recommend a fix/troubleshooting step/DIY maintenance that can be done to address this SCARY and potentially LIFE THREATENING 2nd generation Acura MDX stuck gas pedal problem?!!!! :|

I did consult the GOOGLES and found this below (which I'm likely not going to do myself, and would be completely willing to have the STEALERSHIP do- I wonder that those bastards would charge me?! :surprise:...scary thought!!!)

How to Repair a Stuck Accelerator Pedal | DoItYourself.com
How to Repair a Stuck Accelerator Pedal
What You'll Need
Throttle body cleaner Screwdriver Toothbrush
Driving a vehicle can be fun if you have a perfect accelerator pedal. When these pedals stick it can cause danger for the driver and his/her passengers. Here is how you can repair this problem:

Step 1 - Checking the Accelerator Pedal
Before you begin to cleanse the vehicle of this problem you must double check the accelerator pedal in order to be sure there is a problem. Drive your vehicle around your yard a few times and push down on the pedal gently. Always be ready to brake in case it does have a sticking problem. Don't be afraid to test your vehicle at home first before getting onto the road. This will save you from any dangers that could happen once you are on the highway. Past news stories have often linked accidents on sticking accelerator pedals. Tragedies can often be avoided when we take the time to check things out. If the accelerator sticks then it is time to solve the problem.

Step 2 - Gathering Your Repair Tools
Next you will begin the task of repairing your sticking accelerator pedal. You must first have all of your tools on hand. Be sure that your body cleanser, screwdriver and toothbrush are close by. You will need these items to properly repair the problem. You can also wear work gloves to prevent any damage or dirt from getting on your hands.


Step 3 - Using the Throttle Body Cleaner
It is very important to not use a carburetor cleaner or silicone to fix the problem since these may damage your oxygen sensors. Once you have lifted the hood up you will remove the air intake hose. You will use your screwdriver to do this part. Once you have loosened the clamp on the air intake hose you are almost ready for business. On older vehicles you will remove the breather cover in order to reach the carburetor.

Once you have done this you will open the valve on the carburetor. Begin to spray a heavy amount of the throttle body cleaner onto a cloth and clean the whole area. You will also use a toothbrush or small brush to get to the difficult locations. Remember to be generous with the spray since it will help the outcome of your accelerator acting properly on the road. Be sure to wipe the throttle body as clean as possible and repeat the process several times. You may then spray the butterfly valve until it is well lubed. The valve will be more efficient after this cleaning. Everything will operate better with the swipes of the cleaner.

Step 4 - Placing Everything Back into Place
Once the cleaning is done you will put the intake hose or breather back into its' proper place. Turn on your vehicle and run it for about 15 minutes. this will get rid of the excess cleaner that was left behind. Try stepping on your pedal again. After doing these tasks your pedal should be in good working order

If you ever find yourself fighting to brake while the car is trying to accelerate uncontrolled, put the transmission in neutral. May not be the greatest thing for the engine but it will allow you to stop normally, instead of wrecking and possibly dieing.

 

[Priscillababy]

If you ever find yourself fighting to brake while the car is trying to accelerate uncontrolled, put the transmission in neutral. May not be the greatest thing for the engine but it will allow you to stop normally, instead of wrecking and possibly dieing.

thanks- in contrast to the method above that I has instinctively used to slow my (self-accelerating 2nd gen. MDX) down the last time this had happened, in the first instance I did actually put it in Neutral first- which is probably the best option in consideration of the given high pressure/high adrenaline, potentially life threatening circumstances...

thankfully, while I may not be much of a DIY/home garage mechanic, I do possess fast reflexes and the ability to not soil my undergarments during moments intense stress/potential danger...:wink:

 

[Priscillababy]

Priscilla,

The MDX is drive by wire system. This is electronic control. Any pedal sticking to the floor is purely mechanical in the pedal itself. The throttle-body butterfly just follows the electronic command from inside the cabin. There is no steel cable from the pedal to the throttle body and has nothing to do with butterfly and dirty throttle body.

So, the pedal is binding on the floor. I have not seen the schematics or my car for that fact, but I would expect there is some kind of stopper for the pedal. Look for any wear caused by the frequent full-pedal action you have been practicing with the MDX. There should be no major repair to be done and you will be good to continue on your favorite way of driving.

My 2 cents.

hey, do you think that purchasing the item below and having the Acura stealership perform the work (removal of old, potentially problematic pedal assembly and replacement/install of new one below) would resolve my occasional 2nd gen. MDX STUCK GAS PEDAL problem?

Acura Part No.: 17800-STX-A01
(for 2007-2013 Acura MDX)
Pedal Assy., Accelerator
Your Price: $172.12
Retail Price: $239.05
You Save: $66.93
https://www.acurapartswarehouse.com/oem/acura~pedal~assy~accelerator~17800-stx-a01.html

<img src="https://www.acurapartswarehouse.com/diagrams/large/pedal-951020.png" width="100%" height="100%">

some additional notes, while one STEALERSHIP quoted me at about $300 for this part (obviously I won't be going this route!) and I have since obtained labor quotes ranging from $50 (independent certified NON stealership shop) to $80 (100% stealership) for the labor to remove existing pedal assembly and install the new one.

it was also recommended to me (by stealership service advisor) to perhaps try (before replacement of assembly part above) 'lubricating the gas pedal hinges' (whatever that is?) but to be careful 'not to saturate the AP pedal sensor attached to harness' (again whatver that is?!)...but he did not specify what type of oil to use (i.e. Olive, Vegetable, Coconut etc...?!!)...

 

[Benson]

Any chance that you have aftermarket rubber floor mats? I had the same issue you described in my Audi S4. It occurred 3 times where I had to physically reach down and lift the accelerator pedal with my hand. I could not recreate it while sitting with the engine off, however I replaced the Weathertech mats with OEM carpet mats and have never had the problem since.

 

[Priscillababy]

Any chance that you have aftermarket rubber floor mats? I had the same issue you described in my Audi S4. It occurred 3 times where I had to physically reach down and lift the accelerator pedal with my hand. I could not recreate it while sitting with the engine off, however I replaced the Weathertech mats with OEM carpet mats and have never had the problem since.

well i'll be dammmmmeeddd!!!

I purchased these FREAKIN Weathertech mats (for 2007-2013 Acura MDX's) in June of 2016- not only are these bastards slippery (esp. when wearing dress/platform shoes) and OVERPRICED, but on the two occasions where the DEADLY stuck gas pedal incidents occurred- BOTH happened sometime AFTER I had purchased these sonza-biatcches MF'-ers!!!!
<img src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71GM5z0RJML._SL1500_.jpg">

Thank you for sharing your input- I'm gonna have to do some serious investimigations (i mean seriously, just look at area around the mat that comes closest to the gas pedal within the image above!!!! IF MY SUSPICIONS are confirmed- I'm going back to AMAZON (right quick) to drop some F-bombs while ensuring to change my 5 star ratings of this potentially sh***y product to a 1!!!!) into this later today/this weekend to examine these dammmed floor mats- may have to break out the shears to cut out a portion of the mat (along upper right side, just under/around where MDX gas pedal resides?!)...OR I MIGHT BE BETTER OFF JUST TOSSING THE DAMM DEADLY PRODUCT in the trash bin!!!!:surprise:

 

[Benson]

It was just a hunch....


I'm still not sure how it exactly happened with the Weathertech mats, but it has gone away forever. I certainly have not changed my driving habits, but it's been 4+ years since I switched the mats back and no stuck accelerator.

 

[Priscillababy]

It was just a hunch....


I'm still not sure how it exactly happened with the Weathertech mats, but it has gone away forever. I certainly have not changed my driving habits, but it's been 4+ years since I switched the mats back and no stuck accelerator.

It's a pretty good hunch IMHO- I'll make sure to thoroughly research this further (before I proceed to drop a mondo duke on my likely soon to be edited online review for these Weathertech brand mats...).

 

[PRGonzalez]

Pricilla,


Good idea from Benson. Let us know what you find out.

 

[PTC DAWG]

Trim the mat back in the area around the pedal. Might solve the issues...I have those same mats, no issues with stuck pedal, thankfully.

Actually, not the exact same mat, mine have the MDX logo on them...

 

[Priscillababy]

Trim the mat back in the area around the pedal. Might solve the issues...I have those same mats, no issues with stuck pedal, thankfully.

Actually, not the exact same mat, mine have the MDX logo on them...

MDX logo on them- are they WEATHERTECH brand mats?

Upon review of the weathertech (designed specifically for 2nd gen. MDX's) mats- the picture I posted above (earlier) is actually not representative of how this mat looks- it actually looks like this (further reinforcing my new belief that the WEATHERTECH mats are NOT the culprit- sorry WEATHERTECH Inc. for my previous rant and quick assumption to blame your product while going apesh*t in my emotional rant):
<center><img src="http://assets.weathertech.com/assets/1/22/713x535/441141_MDX_07.jpg"></center>
long story short, I don't think the mat itself is the problem....may have to consider heeding stealership advisor's advice in proceeding to 'lubricate the hinges associated to the gas pedal assembly, while being extra careful not to lubricate/get the sensor wet' (definitely need to research this!!!).

If all else fails, I will proceed to have my 2nd gen. MDX's gas pedal/accelerator assembly replaced altogether (part will cost about $175 with labor being about $50- NON stealership prices of course)- about a 30 minute to 1 hour job...:nerd:
<center><img src="https://www.acurapartswarehouse.com/diagrams/large/pedal-951020.png"></center>

 

[Benson]

Just remove the mat and see if the problem still occurs. Or, is there no possible way for the gas pedal to come in contact with the mat at all? Can't get stuck beneath it?

 

[Priscillababy]

Just remove the mat and see if the problem still occurs. Or, is there no possible way for the gas pedal to come in contact with the mat at all? Can't get stuck beneath it?

yes that is correct Benson- I'm fairly confident (from appearance alone) that there is no way for the mat to come into contact with the pedal- I'm zeroing in on the pedal assembly itself at the culprit, while also YouTub-ing 'How to lubricate/clean out gas pedal' videos...:nerd:

 

[WilburMDX]

If your accelerator pedal assembly really does have to be replaced then I'm gonna really start thinking you just have bad luck, lol. I don't think I have never heard of this problem with an mdx. Oh and fwiw, I don't exactly floor the gas every time I drive the mdx, but i do regularly take it up to vtec - 4500rpms+ , (florida drivers can be crazy and sometimes its the only way to merge onto the highway), and I've never experienced a situation where I felt the gas pedal was stuck.

As always let us know if you get it fixed.

 

[Priscillababy]

If your accelerator pedal assembly really does have to be replaced then I'm gonna really start thinking you just have bad luck, lol. I don't think I have never heard of this problem with an mdx. Oh and fwiw, I don't exactly floor the gas every time I drive the mdx, but i do regularly take it up to vtec - 4500rpms+ , (florida drivers can be crazy and sometimes its the only way to merge onto the highway), and I've never experienced a situation where I felt the gas pedal was stuck.

As always let us know if you get it fixed.

Thanks- it does seem like quite an unusual (and scary problem) which perhaps my driving behavior over the years has played a role in?...

Back in '09 when I first picked up my MDX, I can still recall having just left the stealership (car brand spanking, showroom new) and being quite surprised at the nice response/astonishing pickup offered by this 2nd gen. MDX, esp. for a larger vehicle of this size!...ever since then (and in conjunction with my occasional road rage that kicks in every now and then esp. amongst the masses of crazy Detroit drivers), I have regularly floored the 2nd gen. MDX's gas pedal (I even once beat a 90's Mustang being driven by a loud mouthed, punk teen who had noticed that I had a brand new car back in '09, and who had been quite confident that he could 'take me' at the red light (empty street)- I ended up smoking his a**, surprising even myself!!...:surprise:

Perhaps all that really needs to be done is to oil up the pedal assembly like the stealership advisor had suggested (he never specified what type of oil- so I'm gonna have to assume that WD40 will suffice?)...

 

[PRGonzalez]

I would not use WD40 because it will dry out with time. I would pick a silicone base lubricant that does not pick up dust and does not dry out with time.

 

[Priscillababy]

I would not use WD40 because it will dry out with time. I would pick a silicone base lubricant that does not pick up dust and does not dry out with time.

Thank you PRGonzalez- that is very helpful and valuable insight for a very NON mechanically inclined person like myself- I will refrain from using WD40 and instead may use something like this:

<b>DuPont Teflon Silicone Lubricant</b>
https://www.amazon.com/DuPont-Silic...490640137&sr=1-4&keywords=silicone+spray&th=1
<center><img src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/7100HZVGqTL._SL1500_.jpg" width="30%" height="40%" ></center>

 

[PRGonzalez]

I just added that lubricant to my Amazon shopping list. Good finding!!!

By the way, there might be possible for the pedal assembly to be opened and inspected inside. I can think there is a spring inside to keep the pedal up. I will check it out in my wife's MDX.