I drive a Ford Escape 05 automatic. For the past week, the gas pedal is hard and sticky for the first five minutes of the drive. It becomes normal again as I continue my driving. Tried checking the 3M matting on top of the regular mat as it may be interfering with the play of the pedal.

Any DIY tips that you may suggest? I am suspecting lubrication of perhaps the cable. Can this be done only in casas or a regular mechanic from lets say Servitek?