I have a 1998 Camry LE and I've been having this problem lately where, from a dead stop, I'll go to accelerate and my gas pedal won't move, I'll have to press it twice as hard,once I'm going it's fine, but it's just that initial press that has to be tough. It definitely seems like the pedal itself and nothing engine related, maybe a throttle cable or something, any ideas?

 

As you said throttle cable could be sticking. You can disconnect it at the throttle body and see if moves freely. Don't lubricate, just replace it. It also could be the throttle plate sticking on the throttle throat. For that you'll need to remove theintake tube and hold open the throttle plate while you wipe the throat with a cloth/toothbrush and carb cleaner to remove gum build up.

 

The problem may be in the throttle body where the throttle plate seats inside the throttle body itself. You will get a slight build up of carbon that causes the plate to stick when the throttle is at rest. I have used a little carb cleaner on a rag and rubbed it off freeing up the gas pedal. There may be a special cleaner for throttle bodies that is better than carb cleaner. Take a look at the attached image. I'm talking about the area where #40 and #72 meet.I have never seen one that is as hard to press as you have described but I have seen some that are very sticky. Hope this helps.

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