klucas31

Hi guys, let me start by saying I know next to nothing when it comes to cars and how they run. Hopeful to learn though. Any help you guys could provide is much appreciated.

I have a '14 2-door Sport with a manual transmission. And basically, ever since yesterday it has felt as though the gas pedal is less sensitive. Like when I shift, I have to press it down a little farther than usual to really feel it.

It sounds small but its extremely aggravating lol. It almost feels as though the first inch of downward pressure on the pedal doesn't do anything, whereas before I feel like it would have been immediate response.

I don't know what could have caused this. The only thing that worries me is that two nights ago I did some minor urban offroading. (Basically just drove over a snow covered curb/median thing from one parking lot into another parking lot). I don't know how that could have caused anything..? And I don't recall it feeling different on my way home that night..? But I'm really not sure. It could be normal and all be in my head for all I know.

But yeah anyways if anyone has any thoughts I'd love to hear them. Thanks in advance.

rob_engineer

Probably not related to your urban off-roading. I think our jeeps are fly by wire, meaning the throttle is all electronic. Not a cable like older vehicles.

Vladimer

Yep, this.

The first thing that bugged me when I 'upgraded' to the JK from the TJ was how unresponsive the throttle was. Jumped on the forums and the consensus was that the JK is all drive by wire meaning the throttle is computer controlled. To make the city folks happier and make the ride smoother the computer controls your acceleration so its nice and gradual.

There are some modules and chips you can by to make the pedal more sensitive but seems a bit over priced in my opinion.

Mark Doiron

Jeeps take on that is they smoothed the throttle so as we are bouncing over rocks the Jeep isn't jerked around.

OP--Don't know if it would help, but there is an Android app, Torque, that with an inexpensive Bluetooth OBD adapter let's you monitor the CAN bus. One thing you can choose to monitor is throttle position.

ziggy21

I don't know if this will help but I came across this a while back..

Adjusting Throttle response:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not start the engine).
2. Wait for all of the dash lights that normally come on at start up to go out.
3. Depress the gas pedal to the floor and back one time***
4. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.

***the throttle response is adjusted based on how quickly or slowly you send the gas pedal to the floor and back... the quicker you floor it and let go, the faster the throttle response will be.

Also note that this is NOT a permanent adjustment, the ECM will continue to learn and adjust to your driving habit's. If you drive it like you stole it, it will last a while, if you hit 30 mins of traffic it will probably be back to normal in a day or two.

Vladimer

That's a good point. I've heard they made the pedal more difficult to press for this reason as well. Came across a thread on another JK forum where the guy removed one of the springs to make it a bit more responsive. But in essence that is just less effort to mash the gas pedal.

klucas31

Believe it or not this worked like a charm man! Thanks! (I think it worked at least, either way something has it feeling back to normal). And thanks to everyone else who gave their input too! Cheers

Jeepstin12

If it works like the Volvo fire by wire, it also reduces the input to achieve better fuel economy. The computer in my Volvo does this. And, it is peppier after my wife drives it as she is easier on the throttle and corrects to her style. I get in, and it is touchy for the first few miles. Never notice on my '12, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if they implement this in jeeps as well. I believe all acts will eventually have this.