Ford Repair: 1994 Ford Tempo High Idle, 3l auto, accelerator cable

Question
Erik,
I have been told so many possibilities lately I am very confused.
I was told to check the TPS while on the car with a meter, it works fine.
I was told to remove the IAC and plug the holes completely while running and it should drop to idle, It stalled. The IAC was cracked and melted, so I replaced it. The manager at my parts store told me he has owned 5 Tempo's over the years and currently owns one just like mine, he was trying to help diagnose. Another person mentioned that many problems could arise due to dirty battery terminals, So I cleaned them for P.V.
I don't know what else to try???
Someone also told me that a bad temp sensor can tell the computer the car is cold and can rev the engine to warm it up, even though the car is already warm or hot. Would it be worth checking out???


 
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Followup To
Question -
Hello, I have a 1994 Ford Tempo, 2.3L, Auto w/ac.

My wife was waiting at the bank drive though and it started idling high, almost extremely high. She said she was able to drive it home, but it died 4 times. It's running hot due to the high idle.

I came home to look at the car and started it, I have no clue as to know the rpms, it has no tach.

I put it in reverse and the whole car jerks as it slams into gear. I put it in neutral and it starts to idle high again. I put it in drive and it doesn't jerk into gear. It drives fine but when I go to slow down it hesitates to downshift because of the high idle.

When I shut off the engine it sounds like you hear a smog pump type air sound that I just can't track down.

I was told to check for a stuck accelerator cable. I checked all linkages to the throttle body and they appear in good working order, no hang-ups and it is at the idle position. I looked in a chiltons manual under the loping or eratic idle and it listed some possible causes. I have checked what I can. I ended up replacing the PCV valve and checking the vacuum hoses I could. I found one that was craced and replaced it. It still sounds like I may have a leak but can't find it. I also hear a humming vibration type sound coming from the air filter compartment as well. I checked for a clogged filter and replaced it just to be sure.
Answer -
Hello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
 I think you are on the right track.......keep checking for a vacuum leak.
Erik

Answer
Hello and thanks for the reply...I'll try to help.
If the ECT (engine coolant temp) sensor was out of spec......there would be a code stored in the ECM for it. What you might want to check is the actual thermostat......make sure the engine IS getting to proper opperating temp.
Erik