evening,
first things first i have a 1999 dodge 1500 4x4 5.2 with a manual trans.

THE PROBLEM
- this started here recently and was originally only in 3rd gear at 2,000 rpm, i'll have my foot on the gas consistently and all the sudden the truck will rev itself up to 2,200 rpm and now is doing it in 4th gear as well. obviously when this happens it lunges forward. Now it Not all the time just maybe a few times a week. truck has 170,000 on it. Its been pretty well maintained since day one. I'm no expert by no means i asked a few people and no one has a clue. Its throwing no engine light and the clutch seems to still have a lot of life left. Any idea im lost, thanks in advance

 

Replace the TPS first.

 

Could it be a good idea to disconnect the sensor first to check to see if that eliminates the problem?

Moreover, how about the IAC (Intake Air Control) Valve which is also on the throttle body at the most rear location towards the firewall of all sensors connected to the throttle body.

If that sensor is malfunctioning, then that could also be the source of the issue.

However, isn't one of the worst possible things a person can do to fix their truck to simply throw parts at it blindly?

Is it not true that, of all tools available to work on automobiles, one of the most important tools is the inquisitive mind slowly and surely eliminating possibilities in order to be able to diagnose problems effectively?

Just imagine going to the doctor and before the doctor is certain as to what needs to be done, the doctor starts suggesting new organs and transplants, providing money hand over fist to the local Parts Store/Warehouse, at the poor patients expense...

I personally, speaking from my own personal opinion, absolutely hate walking down that road.

 

IAC wouldn't have any effect on his engine at 2K rpm.

 

Throttle Position Sensor bada bing bada bang!

Common rev problem, but seems everyone states the other less likely things first. Definitely TPS, even does the 200 rpm increments like my truck and sisters Durango did!. $35 sensor located on the throttle body fixes the issue good luck!.

 

+2 on the TPS! Of course you could think about for a day or two, then replace it.

 

Thank you all for your input and I picked one up yesterday morning and put it in after work we shall see how it does today.