Expert: Jason Moreland - 6/10/2004

Question
I drive a 1997 Jetta that has about 70.000 miles.  It is automatic transmission.  The problem is that I started the car the other day and the RPM's shot up to 2000 right after I turned the ignition and without me stepping on the gas. It's as if I'm revving the engine but I'm not. This happens every time I start the car now. I am afraid to try to drive the car since this has been happening. If you have any ideas why this might be happening I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks. On a side note, another condition of the car is that, after driving it for an extended period of time, it starts to make a loud clicking noise which sounds like it comes from under the front right tire. If you have any remedies for this I would also appreciate it, although the engine problem is my main concern. Thanks!

Answer
Matt,

Your car probably has a bad throttle body.  On this model, the throttle body also electronically regulates idle speed.  It is probably now in what is commonly termed a "limp mode", meaning it will run well enough to get you where you need to go, such as a dealer or VW repair shop.  It shouldn't be much trouble for such a place to confirm my suspicion or find whatever other problem is causing the high idle situation.

While there, they can also probably find the source of the ticking noise.  It could be a bad wheel bearing, or something else.

I do recommend taking it in because you really shouldn't drive an automatic car with it idling that high-it is VERY hard on the transmission.

Good luck!!

Jason