Thread: 2003v8 4.4 spontaneously revving while driven

2003 v8 4.4 engine spontaneously revving while driving
by jamwal » Sat Jun 18, 2011 7:45 pm

Hi, 2003 4.4v8 well maintained, engine spontaneously revs to 3000rpm like it's dropped a gear while driving, requires car to be stopped and ignition to be turned on then off to 'reset'. Happens about once each month during normal driving. It revs to ~3000rpm, no loss of power, car drives at usual pace. To correct, one has to pull over and switch off, then on, ignition and it seems to solve the prolem. However recently occurred 3 times in a row. Occurs during towing and normal driving on the level ground. No other problems with car noted. About 7 months ago, car stalled while driving with fuel in tank, but has not done that since replacing fuel filters. This problem precedes that former problem (occurring over the last 9 months but ? Now increasing in frequency). Live far from dealer so no fault codes or checks yet. We would appreciate any pointers.
Murray.

It sounds like the trans might be going into limp home mode (will select 3rd gear only)

I have come across a diesel L322 that sometimes went in to limp home mode. After a lot of diagnosis it was found that one of the wires in the loom to the transfer case hadn't been crimped correctly. A new loom solved the problem, although fixing the crimp might have worked as well.