High idle on hot startup

2006 FORD TAURUS
170,000 MILES • 3.0L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JERHER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
If I start the car cold, it idles normally but after running at normal operating temperature then turned off and try to restart it idles at about 2,500 RPMs and won't come back down until the car cools off again. Any ideas?
Mar 2, 2022 at 2:12 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

I have a feeling one of the cables at the throttle body is sticking due to wear. I attached a pic below. I highlighted the two cables to check. One is directly from the throttle pedal. Disconnect one at a time and see if they have full travel smoothly. Also, confirm the return spring is in good condition.

I suspect after sitting, the throttle is able to slowly return to a normal idle. After it warms up, the heat causes expansion and causes it to stick.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Mar 3, 2022 at 6:21 PM
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