Why is My Car Engine Revving in Park?
If your car engine is revving in park, it could be a sign of a problem with your vehicle’s idle speed control system. The idle speed control system is responsible for keeping the engine running at a consistent speed when the car is in park or neutral. When the system is working properly, the engine will idle at around 600-800 RPMs. However, if the system is malfunctioning, the engine may idle at a higher speed, which can cause the engine to rev.
Possible Causes of a Revving Engine in Park
There are several possible causes of a revving engine in park, including:
- Vacuum leak: A vacuum leak can cause the engine to idle at a higher speed because it allows air to enter the engine without going through the throttle body. This can cause the engine to run lean, which can lead to a higher idle speed.
- Idle air control valve malfunction: The idle air control valve is responsible for controlling the amount of air that enters the engine at idle. If the valve is malfunctioning, it may allow too much air to enter the engine, which can cause the engine to idle at a higher speed.
- Throttle position sensor malfunction: The throttle position sensor tells the engine how much throttle is being applied. If the sensor is malfunctioning, it may send a signal to the engine that the throttle is being applied even when it is not, which can cause the engine to idle at a higher speed.
- Faulty engine computer: The engine computer is responsible for controlling the engine’s idle speed. If the computer is faulty, it may not be able to properly control the idle speed, which can cause the engine to rev in park.
How to Fix a Revving Engine in Park
If your car engine is revving in park, you should first try to identify the cause of the problem. Once you have identified the cause, you can take steps to fix it.
If the problem is a vacuum leak, you can try to find the leak and seal it. If the problem is the idle air control valve, you can try to clean it or replace it. If the problem is the throttle position sensor, you can try to adjust it or replace it. If the problem is the engine computer, you may need to have it replaced.
If you are not comfortable working on your own car, you can take it to a mechanic to have it fixed.
Conclusion
A revving engine in park can be a sign of a problem with your vehicle’s idle speed control system. There are several possible causes of a revving engine in park, including a vacuum leak, idle air control valve malfunction, throttle position sensor malfunction, or faulty engine computer. If you are experiencing this problem, you should first try to identify the cause of the problem and then take steps to fix it.
