2000 Escort, sticking accelerator

So, for the past year or so, while I'm driving, my accelerator will take over my car and floor it. To get it to pop out I've had to hit the brake hard at first, then that stopped working. So, when I felt it coming on, I had to try to hold the brake simultaneously and pull off the road. Then I would turn the car off, and I have to hit the brake and bend down and pull on the gas pedal to pop it out.

Another maybe important bit of information, my grandpa had installed a cruise control into my car for a graduation present about 2 1/2 year ago. I thought it might've been the cause of this problem, b/c for a while it seemed to only happen when my cruise was on. So, I went under the car about 2 1/2 months ago, and disconnected the magnets on the axel (which was how my grandpa explained to me the cruise worked). I had to duck tape the cables up under my car so they wouldn't drag. So, that's under there now too, and this didn't seem to solve the problem in anyway. It has happened a good 4 or 5 times since my disconnecting.

So, the issue at hand. I have an appointment to see the Ford dealers about this problem on Monday morning. I don't know that much about cars, if you can't already tell. So, I don't want them to tell me I need something that costs a lot if I really don't. So, I was hoping someone out there could tell me what they think the mechanic should tell me to do. Please help me not get ripped off! Thanks!
~Aileen

The accelerator sticks for a couple of reasons. First, the cable could be bad and when you push the pedal it causes the throttle to stick when you press it. Secondly and probably the reason you are having a problem deals with the cruise control. Although you removed the magnets, they only give the cruise control a reference to tell how fast you are going. The throttle is being held open by the cable connected to the throttle linkage and the cruise control solenoid. Have the entire unit removed from the car and I believe this will cure your entire problem. This shouldn't cost a lot to do and if you know where everything is you can probably do it yourself. Although don't chance it if you are unsure. Have the dealer or other qualified mechanic remove it for you.

I've talked to some other people about this too. And they pretty much said the same thing! But you actually explained it a lot better. Thanks so much!! = )

The accelerator sticks for a couple of reasons. First, the cable could be bad and when you push the pedal it causes the throttle to stick when you press it. Secondly and probably the reason you are having a problem deals with the cruise control. Although you removed the magnets, they only give the cruise control a reference to tell how fast you are going. The throttle is being held open by the cable connected to the throttle linkage and the cruise control solenoid. Have the entire unit removed from the car and I believe this will cure your entire problem. This shouldn't cost a lot to do and if you know where everything is you can probably do it yourself. Although don't chance it if you are unsure. Have the dealer or other qualified mechanic remove it for you.

before i change the cable try with the engine off to get the cable to stick. If not and you said it felt like the pedel was being sucked to the floor ? try disconnecting the vacuum and cap it to the acuator that pulls throttle for the c/controll

before i change the cable try with the engine off to get the cable to stick. If not and you said it felt like the pedel was being sucked to the floor ? try disconnecting the vacuum and cap it to the acuator that pulls throttle for the c/controllHitting the brake at first might of disengaged c/c but after market c/c my be faulty and is unsafe to drive like that you should park it before something bad happens .