Hey Shelly==It could be many things depending on the make, madel and engine you have.Goodlluck Joe
Always check for vacuum leaks first. If it has a carburetor it is probably time for a tune. check for a stuck or damaged throttle cable. If it is fuel injected you may have a malfunctioning sensor or actuator somewhere. This will usually trigger a check engine light.
Another : Check the A.I.S. (Automatic Idle control) which could be sticking, or the passageways dirty, or defective or worn out. Other than vacuum leaks, AIS or Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), there can be wiring problems or crankshaft position sensors giving false or weak signals.
In older carburetted engines, check the cold idle mechanisms operation and adjustments, like the bimetallic spring actuator or its Plumbing, even the inlet manifold could have some heating passages blocked. amclaussen.WOW! depends on the year and make if fuel injected it can be a throttle position sensor(TPS),IAC idle speed control sensor,throttle linkage,YOUR BIG TOE IS ON THE ACCELERATOR
Too high of an idle could be producing too much fuel for your jets to work with
two possible reasons are its hot and the mountain might be to high
2004 chevy cavalier is idling to high
Radiator could be plugged or restricted
Vacuum leak.
An engine revving to high RPMs could be a symptom of many conditions. The potential cause?æalso depends on whether this happens?æwhile idling or while driving.
Throttle plate stuck?
clean your injectors.
Idling too high?
iac or tps
It could be a vacuum leak. The gasket under the throttle body was known to let go and create a large vacuum leak causing engine to idle high.
Yes - You have a vacuum leak