In the last month my 1997 Ford F-150 truck has suddenly and rapidly accelerated while I was slowly backing up. I have driven this vehicle for nearly ten years with no similar problems and have no problems while backing up my Toyota Camry which I drive 95% of the time. Could this be a problem with the truck’s computer or something with the throttle. I was barely touching the gas pedal each time that this occurred. I would welcome any advice or suggestions regards this problem.
Check the motor mounts. Let’s say for some reason when the vehicle is put in reverse, and the engine twists in the opposite direction, and it has some effect on the throttle linkage.
Otherwise, the Idle Air Control motor could be flaking out. (not like I’ve never seen that before)
Other than that? I got nothin’.
Tester
The throttle control motor can go nuts too. As well as the engine control computer.
When this happens can you feel the gas petal pull away from your foot? If you can then I would suspect maybe a short in the cruise control system if your truck has it.
It happens so quickly and ends so quickly, since I hit the house, that I couldn’t tell if the gas pedal pulled away from my foot. The entire event last only 1-2 seconds since in each instance something occurred to stop the truck. The first time I jack-knifed the boat trailer and hit a 6x6 wooden mailbox post with the side of the truck. The house fell victim on the second instance. In both cases I was backing slowly and turning the steering wheel counter clockwise, if that is any help. The truck is parked now since the risk to life and limb if it recurs seems to be too hight. Thanks for the tips, I’ll pass them along to my mechanics.