How to Replace the Throttle Wire on a Stihl Chainsaw

The throttle wire connects the trigger with the carburetor, allowing engine acceleration.

This rod can get detached from either the trigger or the carburetor if the saw is dropped, bumped too hard or damaged in some way.

1. Close the choke lever by moving it to the closed position to prevent dirt from entering the carburetor. Unscrew the air filter’s protective cover and lift the filter cover away. Pop off the grommet, if installed on your Stihl model, from the carburetor box.

2. Unscrew either the two slotted nuts or retaining wing nut, depending on the model of Stihl, to remove the air filter from on top of the carburetor. Unhook the throttle rod (the metal rod that runs from the carburetor to the trigger) from the side of the carburetor.

3. Unscrew the handle molding screw from the underside of the rear handle. Lift away the handle molding cover from the trigger. Move the master control lever to the “RUN” position, which looks like an “I” on the side of the handle. Lift up the throttle interlock lever from its seat inside the handle. Pull the throttle rod out of its seat on the trigger. Remove the old throttle rod.

4. Push the new throttle rod into the seat on the trigger. Push the throttle interlock lever back down. Move the master control lever back to the “STOP” position. Reattach the handle molding cover. Fit the screw and tighten against the handle. Push the throttle rod into its seat on the side of the carburetor.

5. Refit the grommet over the carburetor adjusting screws and push the grommet into place over the screws with your thumb. Refit the air filter and attach the slotted or wing nuts to secure the filter to the carburetor. Reattach the air filter’s cover over the air filter.