Expert: Skip Bollinger - 4/25/2007

Question
I have a 97 ford taurus GX. Last week the brakes started acting up. I had to push the brake almost to the floor before it would stop. When I put it in park the engine would rev up to 2000 RPM's. A friend of mine who is a new mechanic couldn't find anything wrong with the car. He put it in neutral and the engine reset it's self. I didn't have a problem till today. It is doing it again. There is nothing wrong with brakes they were just changed. The idle is not sticking but the car is still reving up to 2000 RPM's. Have you ever heardf of something like this? thank you!

Answer
Angie,
  I'm an idiot for even responding but I'm a Parts Specialist and attempt to help dozens of people a day at the parts store. I don't think it should stop when I get off the parts counter.
  I'm going to offer my thoughts but may be WAY off in left field. Again, please understand my Degree is in Auto Parts, NOT Mechanical repair... With that being said, here we go...
  For the idle going up to 2,000, you could have a problem with the Idle Air Control Valve, the Throttle Position Sensor or the computer.
  There is a "shade tree test" called a "tap test" that you can do yourself. Open the hood, start the car and with a NON MAGNETIC object like a wooden hammer handle, gently tap on the idle air control valve, throttle position sensor and computer (probably under the glove box). IF the idle changes, be very suspect of the part you just "taped" OR the electrical connection going to it.
  Another thought is engine vacuum. Have you checked the vacuum? If so, how many inches of vacuum is the engine pulling?
  Your mechanic friend should be able to perform the above tests.
  Please get back with me on this. Post an update. I can take your letter to work and ask some of my Tech customers and offer their possible suggestions. Don't give up..
Skip