Throttle Problem (sensor?)

[gochiefs34]

I have a 1996 Toyota Camry with 172,000 miles and a 4 cylinder engine. This morning when I started my car the RPM's skyrocketed to over 3500 and stayed there - I quickly popped it into drive and it only dropped to 2000. I popped the hood and wiggled the throttla and it seemed to run fine.

Unfortunately as soon as I started to drive my throttle just stayed open - it was like my foot was on the gas even when I was braking. My car would not lose speed unless I braked, and when ever I put it in P or N the RPM's kept climbing. Nothing seems to be wrong with my throttle structurally, and my check engine light came on for the first time, indicating maybe a sensor or something is at fault.

Please help, and thanks for any suggestions

[hassanbigboss]

Hmm, it could most definately be a sensor but I would check the Throttle Body first because sometimes the butterfly plate gets stuck in the open position because of carbon buildup. If you want to know the procedure for cleaning the Throttle Body you can search this forum and a lot of people have posted the procedure inluding me. I hope this helps but if it does not, report back and we can try to figure something out

[xfeejayx]

Originally Posted by gochiefs34

my check engine light came on for the first time, indicating maybe a sensor or something is at fault.

First thing you need to do is go get that code checked out. I'm fairly sure Autozone will check them for you. if not, procedure to check it yourself should be stickied at the top of this forum. Throttle plate stuck wouldn't happen all of a sudden, and I doubt it would throw a code all by itself.

[Mike Gerber]

Originally Posted by xfeejayx

First thing you need to do is go get that code checked out. I'm fairly sure Autozone will check them for you. if not, procedure to check it yourself should be stickied at the top of this forum. Throttle plate stuck wouldn't happen all of a sudden, and I doubt it would throw a code all by itself.

He can not check it by himself since 1996 was the first year for OBD2. He will need the proper scan tool. Autozone will check the code for him for free. Get the code read and report back here and someone will be able to offer some help.

Mike

[Toysrme]

It's not the TPS sensor.
Either the throttle plate is sticking & can't close all the way, or the idle speed valve is sticking & can't close all the way.

Clean the throttle plate, ISC, and EGR valves as routine maintenance.

(Also check the throttle cable if it's been played with rescently, it may be adjusted too tight, not letting the plate close.)