2003 Buick Century High Idle

[joe]

On occasion, upon starting, my 2003 Buick Century will start with a very high idle. Even after driving it for a while it stays on high idle so fast I don't even need to hit the accelerator to go 25 mph. It seems to be happening more frequently in the past week or so.

[ProTech]

The most common cause for this symptom is a bad throttle position sensor. What happens is, the spring breaks inside the sensor which basically allows to spin freely, and not register the correct and actual throttle position. This will lead to a high idle, and even higher idle speeds when coasting or cruising, like your foot is on the gas. The sensor is located on the side of throttle body and is pretty easily replaced.

Other things that can cause a high idle would be a stuck idle air control valve, a vacuum leak, etc, but I'd be willing to bet it's a bad TPS.

[jmorganwv]

im having the same problem out of our 03 century. the service engine light came on and the code it spit out said the TPS needed replaced. we've replaced it twice (assumed advance gave me a bad sensor the first time). still having the same issues. i cant see any obvious vacuum leaks. any new advice before i start spending cash?

[butchkaz]

im having the same problem out of our 03 century. the service engine light came on and the code it spit out said the TPS needed replaced. we've replaced it twice (assumed advance gave me a bad sensor the first time). still having the same issues. i cant see any obvious vacuum leaks. any new advice before i start spending cash?

Check for a broken wire at the sensor. Pull on each wire individually. If one stretches, that means the copper inside the colored insulation is broken

[cab326]

Iam having same issue. I was told mas air flow, throttle position, idle air control, and upper intake. All these parts have been replaced as long as new cat( old one plugged up) but still the throttle is high and seems to be hunting

[Cherub]

Same problem with high idle. However, after vehicle is driven a little way, and restarted, idle is normal. TP sensor has been replaced a couple of times previously. Is there a temp sensor that plays a role in idle?

[carriedi]

you might try wiggling the wire harness going to the TPS. There have been reports that the wires in the connector harness have been broken in the harness. They sell the connector with about 12 to 18 inches of wire to correct the problem. Are you getting a TPS code stored after the high idle happens but it looks good when you check it on the scanner? The wire break may intermittently act up and at other times work normally