When I let up on my hot foot, it doesn't return all the way to an idle position, which creates a shifting problem because my engine is revving at 1100 RPMs instead of 600-700 RPMs. My engine tech says the problem is probably the spring on the hot foot. The solution until I can get the spring replaced is to use my foot to pull the HF all the way up. This is the second time I've had this problem in 5 years. Is it fairly common for the HF springs to lose their coil over time?

yes those springs do need replacing for saftey resons if anything

Yeah the springs going soft is pretty common on hot foots. Changing the spring will most likely fix the problem.

I see more problems with the cable kinking or getting dirty and sticking. Everything you drop in the floor will end up around and behind the hot-foot.

yup I have untangld many of hooks and fishing line out of them

Thanks, guys. Very helpful.

Mine did the same thing. I just pulled it back with the top of my foot for a day or two and the spring finally broke. Trust me, you don't want your spring to break just as you're trying to use the reverse to slow your forward progress into a dock.

The spring is $12, replace it and check for the other items mentioned by Gary and Martin.

something else to look at is the little plastic bushing where it pivots. it may be binding there as well. seen that many times.

that's why so many dealers are using the "top load" hot foot!