possble engine problem

[Pat Billera]

I've only driven 1500 miles but this has happened to me about 4 times. When stopped at a light and my foot on the brake, the engine would race, causing me to think quickly to press harder on the brake and shift into Neutral. This has also happened when just rolling while backing into my garage. Quite scary! I haven't addressed this with FORD yet. Has anyone else experienced this problem and or know anything about it???? Thanks, Pat

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[txktom]

Pat,
The brake and accelerator are very near each other, and it is possible to push them both down at the same time. I noticed this when I drove the car wearing some stiff hiking boots which did't give me much of a "feel" for the pedals. Pressing harder on the brake also revved the engine. Very scary, until I realized what was happening. I cut the ignition before I noticed that I was stepping on the brake and accelerator simultaneously. This strikes me as a dangerous design flaw. I don't drive the Tbird in boots or stiff shoes anymore. Your problem could be something entirely different, but it sounds a lot like the problem I encountered.

The Audi 5000 had similar design problems years ago, with several resulting accidents and at least one death. Other causes of the Audi problem were put forth, but none of them as credible as the poor brake/accelerator layout. If I recall correctly, the brake was just about level with the accelerator pedal on the Audi. (Audi, of course, never admitted that a problem existed, despite numerous incidents, lawsuits, and a "60 Minute" episode. One incident involved a mother killing her child, who had gotten out to open the garage door for her.)

 

[DavidB]

I experienced a similar problem. The idle control valve was sticking. Dealer replaced it.

 

[koko bird]

Originally posted by DavidB:
I experienced a similar problem. The idle control valve was sticking. Dealer replaced it.

Perhaps a good time to try out the 2 foot driving technique for a while??

 

[shrps74]

Originally posted by DavidB:
I experienced a similar problem. The idle control valve was sticking. Dealer replaced it.

On Sunday my wifes 02 did the same thing coming up to light (turned yellow) at approx 50mph. It stuck, she pushed, exclaimed it wouldn't stop, I pushed it into neutral and told her to pump the accelerator. I finally cut back from 3000rpm to idle. It almost threw us into the intersection. We took it to the dealer. He said Ford has said not to change a thing on the TBird unless it can be replicated. Obviously they couldn't replicate it so they are doing nothing. I am going to contact the regional Ford Engineer to see if anything can be done. This is dangerous!! Let's find out who has had this happen to them and go to Ford or the Consumer advocates in your area. By the way, we got #25711 about a month ago (overnite decision). Whisper White with Black/red interior Premium. Shrps74