2000 Dodge Stratus Car accelerates by itself

2000 DODGE STRATUS
85,380 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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THECOKEBARON
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  • 1 POST
This only happened to me about 2-3 times this week at random points, but I start the car and the idling goes from 1200 to around 1600 and fluctuates, all without me touching the gas pedal. This continues in drive and reverse too-- the car will accelerate by itself even if I have my foot on the brake (in which case I have to really press hard to make the car stay in place, and I hear the engine straining because it is trying to accelerate while i'm braking). Why is it doing this? I tried shutting off the engine and restarting and it went away.. that seems to solve it temporarily. Any information is very highly appreciated.
Sep 24, 2008 at 11:55 PM
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ZACKMAN
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  • 4,202 POSTS
Check your throttle cable. Make sure that it has no kinks or breaks that may be sticking and causing the pedal to stay down. Also check your throttle body where the cable attaches to, making sure that it can move freely, and not sticking.

If that is all and good, clean your idle air control motor.
Sep 25, 2008 at 12:16 PM