Let me start off with saying that this is NOT a binding throttle cable. The vehicle is an 03 v-6 3.0L escape 4wd. There are NO codes stored in the PCM.

When I blip the throttle manually at the throttle body the engine rev's up and takes several seconds before it will idle back down.

I induced a TPS sensor code by unplugging the sensor just to make sure and that code will store and it does. The engine does the same thing when I unplug the TPS (revs up for several seconds and idles back down) I changed the spark plugs back before christmas but since it's daughters car I don't know how long it's been doing this. I only discovered it when I replaced the rear brakes and was bedding them in. It's not like a Toyota runaway, it's like something is holding the throttle body open and commanding fuel, but the throttle body is NOT open. Could this be a faulty TPS that just isn't throwing a code? I also checked for vacuum leaks but can't find any.

More info. I started unplugging sensors related to the throttle body and when the (I think) IAC valve on top of the TB is unplugged the problem goes away but there is no code being thrown. Is it just sticking and it's something I can clean or does it need to be replaced? Unemployed budget here so all info is greatly appreciated.

 

I was going to say IAC as it ports air around the fully closed throttle plate at idle and therefore "could" cause your problem. They can be cleaned with carb cleaner.

 

Thanks for the reply. I did clean it and it helped some, but it seem to be weak and doesn't seal between sides so I got a new one on the way. Daughters vehicle so no expense spared and don't need a "Foydota" on my hands by any means. It's definitely IAC related though. Guess I've spent too much time on diesels and not enough on the "new" gas burners to know, but I'm learning.

 

One thing though, if you unplugged the IAC it should set a DTC for IAC open circuit. At idle, on my old 97 Ranger, it wouldn't set a DTC with the IAC unplugged if you just did it for a few seconds and a old quick IAC test was to listen for a RPM change when unplugged.

 

some times a clogged fuel filter will do this to.I believe there suppose to be changed every 30,000 miles.

 

Gunk build-up at the area where the throttle butterfly meets the throttle bore?

 

While your at it a couple injector treatments over the next few tank fulls won't hurt it any. Daughters have a tendancy to "forget" the routine maintenance.

 

I think you're overcomplicating this. If you manually move the throttle bellcrank at the throttle body you will probably find it sticking at or near closed throttle. There have been revisions to the throttle body since these were originally released to fix this very problem.

As a tech at a Ford dealership, I replace dozens of these each year.

 

Just a quick update. I recently had the intake off when I changed spark plugs so the throttle body and intake were cleaned to "new" condition. It wasn't a sticking butterfly or cable as that was the first thing I checked. It was the IAC valve. Replaced it and it's working perfectly now. Thanks for all the replys.

Does anyone know what the switch that protrudes from the master cylinder is called? I believe it's supposed to be cruise control related but the cruise is working as it should. The internals on the switch are trashed and the only code in the PCM was a B1600 which I couldn't find in the code listing anywhere.

 

That's the switch involved in the possible fires that was recalled on some Ford vehicles.

DTC B1600 (PATS Ignition Key Transponder Signal Is Not Received) — sets when no PATS key has been read by the IC.

 

That's from using my door lock key to roll it around when daughter is gone with the PATS key I suppose.