1997 Honda Civic RPM racing with clutch depressed

172,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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CSUMMERSKY
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For about two months I have been experiencing problems with my RPMs. It started after starting my engine (cold), in neutral, with the RPM revving from 1000 to 2500 and back. One extremely hot day, after driving over 15 miles, it revved over 4000 continually. I ended up having my car towed because even after turning the car off, it continued. The mechanics could only scratch their heads because the car wasn't symptomatic when it arrived at the shop. My latest incident happened in stop-and-go traffic. The RPMs revved continually over 2500. I found that keeping it out of neutral, in gear, while the clutch wasn't completely depressed helped. I don't know if the term is correct, but I think I was riding my clutch. I would let the clutch almost completely out (my engine would pull me along) while I kept my foot on the brake to control my speed. Not good. The reason I am asking today, is because I will be making a 700 mile trip soon. My car has only been good to me until now, and I am weighing my options about just giving up and buying new. Any ideas on how to fix this? I found posts that were similar, but don't care to spend hundreds of dollars fixing countless things if nothing works. Thanks for your time!
Aug 24, 2009 at 3:52 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Has the check engine light come on? It sounds like a problem with a throtle position sensor or idle air control valve.
Aug 24, 2009 at 4:08 PM
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CSUMMERSKY
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Nope. No issue there. Unrelated, but the SRS light turned on about a month before any problems. It's been on since. That's the only light that's come on.

The two suggestions you had... would they cause an issue only sporadically?
Aug 24, 2009 at 4:25 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,244 POSTS
With electrical components, they can work one minute and not the next.
Aug 25, 2009 at 3:59 AM
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