Have a 99 Ranger XLT, 4 cyl, manual transmission with 191K miles. Was running good as ever last night but went to start it this morning and throttle's stuck open, causing truck to move forward when in 1st gear. Even with clutch in, near impossible to get vehicle in or out of gear. Managed to get it into reverse, but truck was having none of it.

Any ideas as to the cause or causes of my trouble? Or how much the repairs might cost? I'm on the road so no chance of doing this myself.

Thanks in advance!

 

Best thing for you is to start inspecting the mechanical parts involved, from the carpets around the gas pedal, to the cable, and throttle body.

 

^ + 1 & if all that checks out ok, the computer uses the IAC to control idle speed, so disconnect its electrical connector & see if idle speed drops. The engine may idle rough, or stall if the IAC is working right & not stuck open.

If disconnecting the IAC electrical connector doesn't cause the idle speed to drop, look for a disconnected vacuum line, or stuck open PCV valve, or maybe you missed something on reddog99's suggested search list.

If idle does comes down after disconnecting the IAC electrical connector, then the IAC is likely sticking open, so remove & clean it with a plastic safe spray cleaner, like CRC QD, or MAF spray & see how it goes. Cleaning may not last, it didn't for me, but was a good trouble shooting step before I replaced the IAC.

More thoughts for consideration, let us know what you find.