Ford Mustang V6 and GT 2005-2014: How to Improve Throttle Response
Getting rid of that annoying throttle dead-space is a simple fix that was thought of by a wise DIYer. Fall in love with your Mustang again by removing any dead-space in your throttle!
This article applies to the Ford Mustang V6 and GT (2005-2014).
The throttle dead-space in your S197 Mustang is a common complaint that no amount of tuning of software modification can solve. The only fix is a clever technique that involves bending your gas pedal contact brushes to make more complete contact with the carbon surface on the gas pedal module. Get the throttle response of a cable throttle while retaining the benefits of an electronic throttle pedal! If you are not able to work with intricate electronic parts, this might not be the best mod for you, as you might have to replace the accelerator module.
Materials Needed
- 10mm socket and ratchet
- T15 driver
- Flat screwdriver
- Tweezers or small pliers
Step 1 – Remove gas pedal module
Remove your gas pedal module by first removing the three 10mm bolts holding the gas pedal to the firewall as shown in Figure 1. Unlock the red connector by prying up and pulling the red lock back. Then, remove the red connector on the module by pushing on the tab inside the connector with a flat screwdriver and sliding it off as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 1. 10mm bolt locations. 
Figure 2. Red connector removal.
Pro Tip
If the connector doesn't slide off easily, do not force it off. Instead, double check that the red connector is unlocked.
Step 2 – Open gas pedal module and identify problem
Remove the five T15 scews on the gas pedal module cover to open it up and expose the electronics inside. This will expose what causes the dead-space in your gas pedal. Take a look at the carbon pads in Figure 4. There are significant portions of the carbon pads' edges that do not make contact with the wire brushes. This is what creates the dead-space!
Figure 3. T15 screws location. 
Figure 4. Carbon pad issue.
Pro Tip
Do not use a flat screwdriver on the T15 screws, as you will strip them.
Step 3 – Perform modification to brushes
First, identify the metal tabs with wire brushes as shown in Figure 5. Since they are pointed straight up, they do not make full contact with the carbon pad edges. To fix this problem, you need to bend the wire brushes slightly upward as shown in Figure 6. Use tweezers or a small pliers to give a slight bend to the wire brushes. Be cautious, as this step could ruin your gas pedal control module. Lastly, slightly bend the metal tabs upward to compensate for the bend in the wire brushes as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 5. The issue with stock wire brushes. 
Figure 6. Wire brushes bent upwards. 
Figure 7. Metal tabs bent upwards.
Pro Tip
Make sure the wire brushes are bent at the same angle to give consistency to your throttle response.
Step 4 – Reinstall gas pedal module
First, reseal the gas pedal module and make sure the rubber gasket lines up as it did when the module was opened. Then, the five T15 screws can be put back on and the gas pedal module can be fastened back onto the firewall with the 10mm bolts. Don't forget the red connector! That's it, enjoy your amazing throttle response!
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