96 Sable High Idle

My 1996 Sable has this problem of revving way up after a period of driving (1500-2000 rpm). It sometimes makes the car hard to stop and becomes a safety issue. It throws no trouble codes. The local mechanics connot find the problem either, they just want to start replacing parts at random. I replaced the TPS and the MAF sensor to no avail. What else could affect this kind of behavior?

My 1996 Sable has this problem of revving way up after a period of driving (1500-2000 rpm). It sometimes makes the car hard to stop and becomes a safety issue. It throws no trouble codes. The local mechanics connot find the problem either, they just want to start replacing parts at random. I replaced the TPS and the MAF sensor to no avail. What else could affect this kind of behavior?


Probably the Idle Air Control Valve on the throttle body. It's what controls normal idle speed and idle speed when decelerating. They are know to be a problem area with all ford applications. you should be able to replace it yourself and can get it at any auto parts store-prices vary so call around. also clean the port out under the IAC where it mounts. Make sure your throttle cable is not sticking also.

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If the idle control motor doesn't quite do the trick, you may have to clean the throttle body. Just went through the same problem recently with our '93, 3.8. The throttle plate is prevented from closing properly by carbon deposits, and it has the same effect as holding your foot on the pedal. Hope this helps!

How do you clean the throttle body? Is it similar process to cleaning a MAF sensor with electronics cleaner, or does one remove it and clean it with gasoline?

I've used Gumout or 'brake parts cleaner' with good results. I don't know if brake cleaner is recommended, but I've never had problems with it. I'm not a fan of using gasoline as a solvent, if only because it takes longer to evaporate, and you end up stinking from it. Just remove the part from your car, and look into the venturi, and see the carbon deposits aroumd the throttle plate. Give 'em a good soaking, and brush away with an old toothbrush. This should do the trick.

Thanks so much for your help. I used gumout carb cleaner to clean the throttle body, after replacing the Idle Air Control Valve. The car is running smoothly and idling softly.