Accelerator pedal problerm

Sometimes my wife accelerator pedal will not move on her 2002 Sable. It seems to get stuck in the idle position. Then one has to press hard on the pedal and when it does move the car will accelerate fast. Why is the accelerator pedal sticking? Is there something I can do to fix this problem?

Have the throttle plate and housing cleaned with air intake cleaner that is safe for Teflon coated throttles. A ring of crud inside is most likely causing the sticking.

Ref: Recall ID# 36121

Is it possible your foot is contacting the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time when you first press the accelerator? Some 2002 versions of this model were recalled to increase the distance between the brake pedal and accelerator pedal:

http://www.internetautoguide.com/auto-recalls/09-int/2002/mercury/sable/index.html