Nissan Repair: Nissan Altima Stuck Throttle, nissan altima, airflow meter

Question
I have a '94 Nissan Altima and the throttle has been sticking open recently. It only happens occasionally, every few weeks or so. The first few times is was only for an instant while I was shifting. It revved up really high when I clutched in, and then it dropped back down right away, and I convinced myself I had accidentally left my foot on the gas for a second. Then at a stop light the other day I clutched in and it revved constantly at around 2500. I turned it off and right back on again, and it was still doing it. I turned it off again, let it sit for a minute, and it was fine. I've heard something about a recall for vehicle speed control that sounded like a throttle problem, but I bought the car used and I have no idea if the work was performed, or it that is even the problem. What do you think?

Answer
Mike,

The throttle cable could be damaged internally and causing it to stick.  The cruise control could cause the problem.  But, you did not say it was active.  I would look at proper throttle movement, engine off, and examine both under the dash by the throttle pedal and at the throttle body to see if the linkage is the issue or the cable.  Now, there is a chance that the throttle body itself could be an issue since it is a 1994 and there could be carbon deposits preventing the throttle plate closing.  There are many factors as listed above.  There was a recall on your vehicle and it is listed below...

Make: NISSAN  Model: ALTIMA
Model Year: 1994
Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. Mfr's Report Date: FEB 14, 1994
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 94V035000  N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A  
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Potential Number of Units Affected: 206000
Summary:
ENGINE MOVEMENT CAN BE TRANSMITTED TO THE AIRFLOW METER/FILTER HOUSING AND SUPPORT BRACKET, WHICH IS MOUNTED IN THE ENGINE AIR DUCT, CAUSING THE THROTTLE CABLE HOUSING TO PULL OUT OF THE CABLE GUIDE. THIS MAY PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS RELEASED.
Consequence:
IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy:
NISSAN WILL REPOSITION THE THROTTLE CABLE HOUSING IN THE SUPPORT BRACKET TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SLACK FOR ENGINE MOVEMENT. A RUBBER STOPPER WILL BE CLAMPED TO THE CABLE TO MAINTAIN THE CORRECT POSITION FOR THE CABLE AT THE SUPPORT BRACKET. IN ADDITION, THE THROTTLE CABLE WILL BE TESTED FOR PULL OUT RESISTANCE FROM THE GUIDE IN THE EVENT THE CABLE WAS DAMAGED. THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED, IF NECESSARY.
Notes:
SYSTEM: FUEL; THROTTLE LINKAGES AND CONTROL. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPONSERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AND FREE OF CHARGE OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE CONTACT NISSAN SERVICE AT 1-310-532-3111. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.