• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech

IAC / TPS Problem?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Synned
  • Start date Start date Aug 30, 2008
S

Synned

took tubgirl on a date and got banned
Mar 31, 2005
991
1
0
Philly
Aug 30, 2008
#1
  • Aug 30, 2008
  • #1
Hey guys

My car is acting pretty weirdly. When I'm driving, the car will start to shift later and later, and the idle will get higher. If I'm at a light, and I put it in neutral, the rpm's will raise a few hundred. The weird part is, if I shut off the motor and restart it, the problem will be temporarily fixed. The shift points are later and the idle is higher. TPS?
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
34
129
Aug 30, 2008
#2
  • Aug 30, 2008
  • #2
If the TPS read artificially high, it should shift earlier shouldn't it (because the EEC thinks you've revved higher than you are)? That's a cool question for Wes, Grady, et al. Does the trans act normally otherwise?

That aside, what you've described can be a sign of a bad TPS. The wiper degrades and the idle creeps up as you drive. Shutting the car off and turning it back on (to have it act normal again for a little bit) is a tell of the TPS being at fault. I'm not sure that's your issue here Joe however (if you have a free/spare TPS, toss it on. Otherwise, I don't want ya to waste money on an educated guess on my behalf).
 

toyman

10 Year Member
Jul 19, 2007
1,944
54
79
Vernon BC
Aug 30, 2008
#3
  • Aug 30, 2008
  • #3
HISSIN50 said:
If the TPS read artificially high, it should shift earlier shouldn't it (because the EEC thinks you've revved higher than you are)? That's a cool question for Wes, Grady, et al. Does the trans act normally otherwise?
Click to expand...

As I'm still trying to get a handle on this stuff I could be wrong. I believe the shift is related to the throttle % which is determined by the throttle volt range and vehicle speed not engine speed (rpm). For example if1v is closed and 4.6v is fully open and the TPS sensor is on its way out such that as it opens the volts do not increase the ECU would read that lower voltage as a lower % open and not command a shift resulting in a delayed shift.

That aside, what you've described can be a sign of a bad TPS. The wiper degrades and the idle creeps up as you drive. Shutting the car off and turning it back on (to have it act normal again for a little bit) is a tell of the TPS being at fault. I'm not sure that's your issue here Joe however (if you have a free/spare TPS, toss it on. Otherwise, I don't want ya to waste money on an educated guess on my behalf).
Click to expand...

If you have a DMM you can test the TBS for its voltage range. Closed should be about 1v and the voltage should increase smoothly as the throttle is opened to about 4.6v.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
34
129
Aug 30, 2008
#4
  • Aug 30, 2008
  • #4
I see your point. The higher TPS reading could correlate to a higher load calc, and it would hold the gear longer.

The bottom line is that if the TPS doesnt generate a code, it should be ok (the RATCHET function occurs at all times while driving AFAIK).

Note that this is me postulating - the tuning guys know for sure.
 
S

Synned

took tubgirl on a date and got banned
Mar 31, 2005
991
1
0
Philly
Aug 31, 2008
#5
  • Aug 31, 2008
  • #5
Aight guys, Im gonna pull the codes today and see what I get.
 
I

inphiniti

Active Member
Mar 15, 2003
412
3
28
Providence, RI
Aug 31, 2008
#6
  • Aug 31, 2008
  • #6
the TPS should be reading around .996-.998 correct? and if im not mistaken, if its off just a .1 of what it should be, it could set off the car... i think my cars running @ 1.0, car runs like ****...

i could be wrong, its only what i was taught... school me if im wrong
 

toyman

10 Year Member
Jul 19, 2007
1,944
54
79
Vernon BC
Aug 31, 2008
#7
  • Aug 31, 2008
  • #7
inphiniti said:
the TPS should be reading around .996-.998 correct? and if im not mistaken, if its off just a .1 of what it should be, it could set off the car... i think my cars running @ 1.0, car runs like ****...

i could be wrong, its only what i was taught... school me if im wrong
Click to expand...

There is quite a large range that the PCM can adjust to. Off the top of my head it's about .6v to 1.25v in the closed position with .98 being in the middle of the range.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

7
Engine Random hanging idle
  • 706 Saleen
  • Feb 11, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
9
Views
669
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Feb 19, 2026
86HO5.0
8
Hard to start when engine is cold
  • 86_Capri
  • Mar 11, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
32
Views
1K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 21, 2026
CAMTWO1070
SURGING IDLE / NO IDLE CHECKLIST FOR 1996–1998 MUSTANG GT (4.6L 2V) - Work In Progress
  • Noobz347
  • Aug 30, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
759
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Aug 30, 2025
Noobz347
J
Transmission
  • Jraesims
  • Mar 7, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
181
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Mar 8, 2026
JD1964
M
3.8 start problems. New edge 2003
  • Mayk.i.
  • Oct 2, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
177
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Oct 3, 2025
manicmechanic007
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?