97 T-Bird...idle issues

My 97 T-Bird runs smooth most of the time. When driving along it suddenly stays idle high, it feels like cruise is on. I seen other posts that stated vaccum leaks, mine doesnt do it all the time. Could that still be a vaccum leak? Also, i have already changed the IAC and TPS to no avail. Someone else suggested corroded throttle cable. Its a v8 4.6 liter engine. Since it isnt idling high all the time makes me think something is sticking. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the forum wheels71. The throttle cable can start to fray and cause sticking. Disconnect it at the throttle body and then see if you can feel it bind while moving it.

Thanks 97Bird...throttle cable was fine. Turned out to be throttle body had excessive carbon build up. Cleaned throttle body and mass air flow sensor. According to guy that did this for me, he said mass air flow sensor was still out of range. Still looking for a lower price on the MAS before replacing it.

Glad you found the problem. Bob Utter Ford is where I buy many parts. Even with shipping they are usually cheaper then what I can get around here.

another issue now..My SES light came on yesterday..and i notice almost immediately hesitation in pick up. Today i took it by autozone to have OBD read. The code was P1120, i just assumed it was the MAF, because the dealership had already told me that the MAF was out of range. The car was trying to die on me today, when at a stop light. I bought the MAF and replaced it myself. Took it out for a test drive and it seemed fine, until i released the gas..it sounded like it was shifting gears, gearing down. P1120 code says "possible cause"....opened electrical circuit or TPS out of range. I am at my boiling point with this thing...:biggrin:...TPS is less than 2 months old. Any suggestions?...also you more thing. SES light was on, but when i changed the MAF, i disconnected the neg battery cable, replaced the MAF and when i started the car SES didnt stay on. Does that mean the codes are erased from the computer? Thanks in advance guys

Found my problem....the TPS that i had changed was bad, replaced it... and the damn things runs fine. I will just wait and see if the TPS still does ok after 3 weeks...

Thanks for the update wheels71. I haven't been on the computer for a little while because I just bought a new toy (Fatboy) and have been busy with that.

Hey 97bird, enjoy your new toy!! :smokin:

Thanks wheels71!