Accelerates on its own

2009 VOLKSWAGEN GTI
121,000 MILES • 2.0L • 2WD • MANUAL
Avatar
PAUL WOODY HAMMOND
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
When I am driving quite slow and take my foot off the accelerator the car seems to pick up speed a little bit on its own like it is revving itself. Do you know why this is?
Jul 23, 2018 at 12:50 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
DANNY L
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 5,648 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hello, I am Danny.

It sounds like you might be having a glitch in the APPS ( Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor). Most vehicles have a mechanical linkage that connects the gas pedal to the engine as a throttle, however your vehicle has an electrical circuit using the gas pedal as a potentiometer. This is called Drive-By-Wire. I am attaching a picture of it on your vehicle's gas pedal as a reference. Hope this helps and feel free to ask any other questions if needed.Thanks for using 2CarPros.
Danny-
Jul 23, 2018 at 1:36 AM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.