Hard (locked-up) gas pedal

[chuck0]

The car is a 2000 Intrigue with 3.5L engine.
The problem is: about once a month the gas pedal won't go down when trying to move forward after the car has come to a full stop. Feels like I'm stepping on a rock when I step on the pedal. Then I tap on the pedal with my foot a few times and the pedal will go down smoothly, car accelerates and everything feels normal until it happens again.
Has anyone had this problem & know the fix or at least where to look for the interference if that is what it is? Also,I tried to cause this hard pedal to happen & have been unable to do so.

[aleekat]

Sounds like your throttle plate is sticking from dirt/carbon build up. Had this on a blazer, some carb cleaner. You might be able to clean it on the car. Pull the air intake hose off.

[chuck0]

aleekat
Thanks for the reply. I will clean the throttle plate.
Another possibility is the pedal is attached to a link that rotates on a horizontal axis in a tube that likely has some bushings that may need to be lubed.

[goggles paesano]

i may be having the same issue with my 95 caravan. Without warning, the gas pedal will only move about 1/2 an inch. If i stomp on it extremely hard, it pops into neutral. It moves perfectly normal in park, and neutral seemed good as well. I sprayed the linkage, which didn't affect anything.

I did notice when in gear where the linkage connects to the throttle, a flat plate about 3" or 4", with a sliding slot that allows the gas pedal to move. When in gear, this plate lowers, which reduces the slot space. Nothing looks bent or anything like that. Any ideas? Could it be a sensor some where? Transmission?