98 Taurus|Problem with Starting the Car

[Switzler]

Today after church, I started my car to get home.

Car did start, but the RPM went up to 3000 and then the car shuts off right away.

I started my car again and it worked this time, but only this time the RPM went up and down in bewteen 500 and 1500.

The car was awkwardly vibrating as well.

Usually when I start my car, the RPM goes up to 3000 and then I wait for about 30 seconds so that RPM will go down to 1000

If I start driving without waiting till RPM goes down to 1000, my car starts accelerating without me pushing a gad pedal and it accelerates till automatically shifts to 2nd gear. That's how fast my car goes without any gas pedal pushed.

Anyhow, I don't know much about this car and if anyone could help me a little, I would really really appreciate it.

Thanks

[shorod]

When was the last time a tune up was performed? If it's been awhile, you may want to consider that since it would be money well spent, even if it doesn't fix this issue. Make sure the tune up consists of a fuel filter.

During the tune up, make sure the vacuum lines are in good shape. Also, make sure the intake air tubes are properly connected and secured.

If all that checks out, consider inspecting the Idle Air Control motor as a possible culprit, and make sure there is not a build up of carbon on the back side of the throttle plate.

Also, how long has it been since the battery was replaced or load tested?

-Rod

[Switzler]

Originally Posted by shorod

When was the last time a tune up was performed? If it's been awhile, you may want to consider that since it would be money well spent, even if it doesn't fix this issue. Make sure the tune up consists of a fuel filter.

During the tune up, make sure the vacuum lines are in good shape. Also, make sure the intake air tubes are properly connected and secured.

If all that checks out, consider inspecting the Idle Air Control motor as a possible culprit, and make sure there is not a build up of carbon on the back side of the throttle plate.

Also, how long has it been since the battery was replaced or load tested?

-Rod

Tune up was performed last year and the Battery was replaced nearly 50k miles ago.

[shorod]

Well, batteries are not very depended on miles. However, they do tend to have a lifespan in years. How many years has it been since the battery was replaced (it takes me about 7 years to put 50k on a car, I can't expect a battery to last that long). Even if the battery is just a few years old, depending on the type of driving you do and the loads you put on the battery, it could be starting to fail.

To do a quick test on the Idle Air Control (IAC), try turning on the A/C if the ambient temp is above 39 degrees F where you are at and see if the engine speed drops or stalls. If so, then it would seem your IAC is not doing its job. If the ambient temp is lower than 39F, turn the steering wheel to one of the locks and hold it there for no more than a few seconds. If when you reach lock the engine speed drops or stalls, then again your IAC would appear to not be working.

-Rod