I have a 95 3.8L automatic 2 dr. coupe and I am getting a high idle at start up and it won't come down. It seems that when it's in drive and i come to a light or stop sign, i must keep my foot on the brake or it will move ahead on me. i recently started getting the engine light on also. i did replace the accelerator cable because it started to fray and hang up on me. i tried fuel injector cleaner but that doesn't seem to do anything.
Another problem i encountered is the speed gauge is reading faster than what i'm actually going. Has anyone else heard of these problem? I have 121,000 miles on it. I don't have alot of money to get this repaired at a station, but I have the service manual and I'm pretty good and handy to do most of my own repairs.

in need of some good advice,
carl...

hi, cmanaloto, I had the same high idle problem as you in my 95 mustang v6. I checked many stuff until I decided to change the IAC valve (idle air control valve). Problem solved. I got it for $5 form another 3.8 car at my local junk yard. I think the valve itself was wrong. now the car idles great! If you know someone who has another 3.8 car, you can swap the IAC and see if that is really your problem instead of just going and buying it from dealer/parts store/junk yard. Pretty easy to remove, two 10mm (I think) bolts on top and the connector and you're done.

Just a test, do you have hard shifting and fluctuating idling as well?

Just a test, do you have hard shifting and fluctuating idling as well?

Yes I do have hard shifting (from park to drive) and when I drive I do have a fluctuating with the idle as if I'm on cruise control and then it will drop down low then back up again. - cmanaloto