Just wanted to let you guys know that I replaced my throttle cable this weekend. The old one was probably the stock cable and was all cracked so I decided to replace it.

This fixed two problems that I was having: my car used to idle at 1200rpm, and occasionally at 2000rpm until I blipped the throttle. Now I get a perfect 800rpm at idle! Also, occasionally my car would hunt for the idle after agressive driving. No more! (At least, not yet) Now it comes right down to 800.

I blame it all on an old, sticky throttle cable. I think it only cost $30 or so and about 1/2 hour of time, which is really nothing in scope of fixing things on this car!

Just wanted to post and let you guys know. Hopefully it'll help somebody out.

 

Where did you get it from? Was it the same OEM replacement?

 

That's an excellent diagnosis - many times guys will go chasing all over the place, spending hundreds of dollars (or more) trying to find out what's wrong only to have something as simple as a throttle cable be the culprit!

I doubt if it was worn out internally, but for $30 - hey, why not?

They usually just need a little lube.
About the only way I've ever figured out how to get lube all the way into the cable is to hang it vertically and put a drop of lightweight oil on the exposed cable. It will slowly "wick" down the interior over a few hours. You'll probably need several drops. There are "cable oilers" you can buy but they really don't work any better.
Graphite dust is probably the best thing to use but I have no clue how it get it in there.....

 

Local Mazda dealer.
RonK: My point exactly. Such a simple fix for so many problems!