Speed Control Linkage problems of the 2005 Ford Taurus

Throttle sticks open at 4,000 rpms and will not close unless you spike the accelerator. Assuming the problem is with the design of the throttle body and linkage. Has been acting up for over a year.

While driving at approx 45mph in traffic noticed engine revving higher and rpm indicator speeding above 4000rpm. Placed transmission in neutral and braked heavily. Vehicle slowed but had to tap accelerator pedal a couple of times unstick it and to reduce rpm's. The weather was cold so sprayed linkage with lubricant but problem continues periodically. The problem seems to occur when accelerating and the cruise control is no longer operative. As I am aware of the problem have paid close attention while driving but am concerned when in heavy traffic at highway speeds. I am planning on contacting a Ford dealership to discuss the problem, but would appreciate any information that you have in connection with this problem. [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

At about 50 miles per hour car would start speeding up even with accelerator pedal not being touched. Had to brake hard or to press hard on gas pedal to slow down. Went to raisor Ford dealer in lafayette and had to have a new throttle body replaced with linkages. This was very dangerous until repaired.

I was on vacation driving up the coast of California and I noticed it was becoming increasingly difficult to brake my vehicle and my tachometer would not predictably fall as I let off the gas. It was subtle at first but then became more pronounced so I started shifting the car into neutral to see if it was the engine or something else. After putting it into neutral I noticed the car would not goes less than 2000 rpm on the tachometer. Then it became apparent that the car was accelerating independently of my input through the gas. I pulled into a parking lot and coasted in neutral, parked and shut off the engine. As I have some automotive mechanic experience, I figured something was wrong with the throttle linkage or something was stuck in the throttle plate. On inspection, I noticed the cruise control linkage and slid off. I then went to radioshack and bought some small zip ties and zip tied the linkage in place. It is to this day held in place with zip ties and I haven't had any problems since (108,000 miles currently). I saw that the NHTSA was investigating these vehicles for the same complaints and thought I'd report my incident in hopes of helping others.