You get allot of hits searching for this on google, but this forum seemed like the best place to ask.

My 1998 Taurus accelerates on it's own in bursts, seemingly random.

-Only happens once the car is warm - like when it's hot outside and I'm stuck in stop/go traffic on my way home.

-The radio tends to pop or even turn off when it happens. The dash lights light up like that car is turned off with a key in the ignition


I have replaced the TPS already. I think I'm going to try and look for a vacuum leak tonight, maybe replace the IAC?

I was thinking it might be the cruise control acting wonky, but if it was I'd imagine it would happen regardless of temperature.

-Any feedback/suggestions is really appreciated. I'm definitely no mechanic and this issue is scaring the **** out of my wife

 

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Is the car really accelerating or does it cutoff and come back on which can make it feel like its accelerating?,,,,,,,,,,,hanky

 

Why don't you hold on that IAC. It sounds like you are experiencing an electrical problem. Maybe we can save you some money. The fact that your radio quits and the dash gives all sorts of wierd signals suggests a possible ground connection problem. For starters , it might be a good idea to check each and every ground connection you can find under the hood for now.
There are quite a few of them, so be as thorough as you can. ,,,,,hanky