I am hoping someone can help me.

I have an 01 ESV6 Tribute that for the most part has given me very little grief.

A few months ago, I started having an issue with it revving up while driving. The tach would go up to like 3000 rpm, out of nowhere and wouldn't go down. If I put it into neutral, it revs up to 4000+ rpm.

The only way to stop it was to turn it off, start it back up, and if the revs were still up there, I'd have to repeat the process until it finally went down.

I wasn't too concerned about it because it happened very rarely, but the problem is now getting worse.

Tonight on the way home, it did it again, and it's very difficult to stop when it's doing this, you really have to stomp on the brakes, and even then, as it is slowing down, it lurches forward, like someone is pushing you. This is a serious safety issue, especially when you're hauling kids around on icy roads.

I've had it in the shop a couple of times now, for other things and have mentioned this revving up problem every time I take it in, but they can never find anything wrong with it. They put it on the computer, and it all comes back good. The last time I had it in, the guy even drove it around for a bit and said he felt nothing unusual. Kind of hard to explain it if you can't see/feel it happening, but like I said, it happens sporadically, but that being said, its happening more and more often now, almost daily.

I was wondering if anyone else had experienced something like this, or have any ideas. I can't keep taking it into the shop to get it looked at, it seems to behave itself when it's in the shop, and I can't keep spending the money on nothing, only to be told there is nothing wrong with it, when there is definitely something wrong. I don't want to take it to the dealership, because when they see a woman walking in, all they see is $$$ signs... I trust the mechanic I have now, he is very good to me, but he can't find anything wrong with it either.

I've scoured the internet looking for info, and all the info I've found is exactly the opposite of whats going on with my vehicle, idling low instead of high.

Can someone help? I'd like to take it back in again, but I'd also like to have an idea of whats going on before I do that. Please don't get too technical on me, cuz, well, I'm a woman and don't do car talk that well!

Thanks in advance!

 

No ideas I guess huh?

 

I have have good luck with dealerships for problems that are related to engine control systems. You may pay a bit more, but if it gets you to a solution sooner then that should beworth it.

 

This is not much help but try it.
Write to the Mazda head office nad seriously warn them about this safety issue.
They will contact your local dealer and arrange an inspection.
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This is whatI did on 3 ocassions andI believe I may have been the trigger to Mazda recall for vehicle stalling that was extremely dangerous amd frustrating.

My Mazda Tribute stalling has now been replaced with "Sometime NO Idling after start Problem" that may have something to do with ignition coil pacs.

 

sound like a possible sticking Idle Air control valve. Or a vacuum leak some wear.

 

Yes IAC (idle control valve)was replaced andthe carseems fine. Other diagnostics were done at my request also.

Looking at the IAC inside i can see a fine carbon like deposit inside impeding the valve function.
IfI had cleaned it myselfI might have saved myself a lot of money and frustration.

 

I've found that this problem is usually caused by the "mass air sensor". Either replace it or have your mechanic confirm it.
I went through hell with this problem with another make of vehicle. It was much worse that what you are going through.

 

I now believe that itwas anIAC Valve that was replaced.
I checked the used one and there is a fine deposit of carbon inside, restricting movement.

I could have cleaned it and reinstall it and save $200.00+ in diagnostics.