I think perhaps my idle is too high. Without touching the gas, I can idle to 35mph. Is this regulated by a computer? How can I fix this?

thanks,

 

Sounds like a sticking throttle cable or stuck idle air control valve. The IAC is a big round cylinder bolted near the throttle body.

 

5.3? You have a chevy motor in your Ford.. that's your problem.

On a more serious note idle speed is computer controlled so if you can eliminate a stuck throttle cable or throttle linkage(remove the intake tubes and examine everything closely), then while the engine is idling in park unplug the IAC and the TPS one at a time to see if it makes any difference and report back with the results.

 

While the engineer was idling, I disconnected the IAC and the idle dropped pretty dramatically and the engine stayed running.

 

What happens when the TPS is unplugged while engine idling?

 

The engine got louder and the check engine light came on.

 

I'd suspect the TPS since that is what the computer used to set the position of the IAC valve.

 

Thanks Paul (Conan) O'Brien. I will replace the TPS. Its a $30 part. Looks simple enough, just unbolt the throttle body and replace the TPS. Any tips or gotchas I should look out for?

 

It should be pretty straight forward, just make note of which way the TPS harness is oriented so you don't put it on 180 deg out.

 

May also want to soak the 2 fine threaded bolts that hold the TPS to the throttle body with PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench or some other type of penetrating lubricate. If very rusted and you get impatient, could break off and. your simple repair could become. an expensive, complicated repair.

 

Thanks everyone. Swapping out the TPS was a breeze. It took about 30 minutes and I've got a regular idle back as well as some quick acceleration. Love this forum, saved my *** many a time.