96 Taurus/Possible Throttle Problems

This morning I got scared out of my wits. I warmed up my car to defrost the windows as usual for about 20, 30 minutes. I head out on the road, and I live near a sharp curb so you often need to punch it in order to avoid getting yourself in a wreck. I punched it, and probably had the accelerator pedal down most of the way.

It stuck, and this is what scares me. I tried pressing it down and even pulling it up with my feet. I finally got the car to stop by slowing it down with the brakes and killing the ignition. I got out and popped the hood, reached under the plastic guard thingy and pushed the cable assembly. It snapped right back.

What should I do here? Will some well-placed lubricant do the trick or should I replace some parts, and if so, what and how? Would this be something I could do on my own with meager experience or should I just suck it up and take it back to the mechanic?

I have read that Ford has a problem with cruise control and the accelerator getting stuck. I'm hoping this isn't the problem and that it is an old part that needs to be replace or maintenance that needs to be performed. What really ticks me off is that I just had a bunch of work done on the car (new wheel bearings, new o2 sensors, etc.) I doubt the new o2 sensor has anything to do with it, but the mechanic did replace it due to a check engine light and trouble codes.

Thanks in advance for the advice and sorry about the long post.

It's probably a return spring, but I don't know...i'm answering my own question. Thanks.

I know its probably a lot different then my 92 taurus but mine did the same thing and it was stuck at 90, i had to put it in neutral and shit it off to stop. pulled the cable back and snapped it back. The problem with mine was some frayed wires, it left the butterfly wide open. Dunno how it popped out, but its magic i guess. Check for frayed wires. If not, probably gonna have to replace it maybe...Or theres always quick fixes to them lolz.... :smokin: