DIY Throttle Cable Adjustment for better response

[mecheng]

Adjusting the throttle cable is the oldest trick in the book for better response, I only did it because I noticed the cable in my 98 S70 T5 had too much sag in it compared to my 850. I guess with time the cable stretches and it could have been adjusted on the loose side from the factory.

The procedure is quite simple, using a 13mm wrench you turn the plastic nut counter clock wise, I turned it so that the nut moved 0.5mm from the bracket reference point. Your results may differ, but I wanted to use a micrometer so that I can measure it exactly and revert to the original position exactly if I wanted to.

You want to make sure there is still slack in the cable, and that the throttle is completely closed at rest position and is sitting on the stopper. When it is cold the cable will shrink so some slack is necessary.


I recommend, to use a micrometer or record exactly how much you turn the nut, only a little is needed! Don't go overboard. As a test, I tightened the cable quite a few turns and the throttle was still closed at rest so the official procedure seems a bit wonky and only a slight adjustment is needed, start with 1/4 turn. If your idle speed is affected, you went way too far! Be safe and only attempt if you are comfortable, slack is required once again.


I noticed much less of a dead spot in the throttle and much better response. Kickdown is quickier and lag is reduced, which for the T5s is a concern.

[rspi]

A lot of the throttle bodies have broken springs.