engine revving

I own a 98 caravan 3ltr v6 auto, haven't had any real problems in the four years since I bought it. Turned it on the other day and the engine was revving all over the place. I shifted it into reverse and then drive and the revving continued. My friend says it could be some issue with the throttle body. Any ideas?

Welcome to AF.

How many miles???

Have you checked for vaccum leaks??

Is the check engine light on???
Have you checked for codes??? Try the key danceon/off, on/off, on within 5 seconds without starting the engine.

Post any codes.

Could be a faulty throttle position sensor, this should set a code and your check engine light should come on.

The van has about 98k miles, I haven't checked any components yet other than a quick glance at the throttle mechanism while the engine is running. Haven't checked for vacuum leaks, check engine light is not on.

I seem to remember this happening very infrequently just after purchase, it didn't happen again for a couple years that I can recall (until now). No codes.

Does it do this with cold engine start up or at normal operating temperature??

Have you tryed cleaning the throttle body and the IAC??

Like ctwright states also check the tps.

Also try disconnecting the precat 02 sensors to see if that makes a differnce.

just my thoughts.

I would have to say you probly have a major vac leak. or a tps problem

I have the similar problem on my golf 98 mk iv, my engine keeps revving, i went to mechanic he say its the air flow sensor that needs replacing, about £77 from my local shop