accelerating after letting off the gas pedal

[dgaskins216]

I have a 97 2.3 ranger, was having some problems that ended up being the MAF, truck is now running pretty good again. But I still have the problem with it accelerating after I let off the gas for 4 or 5 seconds. I don't think it's the throttle sticking because it seems to only do it if I'm speeding up and not so much when just cruising, the harder I press the gas the longer it does it. I was thinking maybe leaking or sticking injectors but I'm not sure. any thoughts or advice?

 

[2011Supercab]

Sounds like a sticky throttle to me.

 

[dgaskins216]

Sounds like a sticky throttle to me.

any way to check other than at the throttle in the engine bay? I was revving it pretty hard and couldn't get it to manipulate the problem. only seems to happen while I'm driving and specifically speeding up. the harder I press the gas the longer it does it

 

[Curious Hound]

I'm not sure. But I would revist the MAF and make sure it's clean and the harness is plugged in completely. Then check throttle, throttle position sensor and Idle Air Control Valve and check for vacuum leaks.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

So, most likely things I can think of off the top of my head…

Make sure there’s no floor mat that’s catching the pedal, I’ve had that inadvertently happen where it’s slid enough to catch the pedal just slightly.

Throttle linkage sticking is an easy one to check too. Spray it with some lube and move it around with the engine off. Feel for spots where it may stick when you work the lube in. If the linkage is all cruddy, hose it off with some brake clean first before adding more lube.

Vacuum leaks can cause all sorts of not so funny operations.

TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) can have dead spots, there’s a way to check them with a multimeter.

IAC (Idle Air Control) valve can stick. It’s an electric connector and two bolts, pull it off and clean it good with carb or brake cleaner.

 

[sgtsandman]

One thing I can think of that can be an issue that hasn't been covered is build up in the throttle body can cause the butterfly plate to stick. It might be worth taking a can of carburetor cleaner to the inside of the throttle body and some mild scotch brite scrubbing pads or a nylon scrubbing brush after the cleaner has had a chance to soak a bit.