Shaking engine after throttle got stuck at eighty mph

BRIAN BROOKS

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET ASTRO
4.3L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
250,000 MILES

I own the van listed above LT model. I was on the highway doing about eighty mph when I realized my throttle was stuck. I had to shift the van into neutral in order to get it stopped. The engine was reeving wide open the whole time I am trying to stop. I got the van stopped and looked under the hood. I discovered a frayed throttle cable. After fixing the throttle cable, the engine was shaking and acting as if it was going to shut off. Almost like it is not getting enough gas or has bad gas. Sluggish on the takeoff. I changed the throttle position sensor and the problem is still happening. I was wondering if it could be out of timing. That is how it feels.

1 Reply

HARRY P

MECHANIC
2,292 POSTS

With the throttle wide open like that, and you cutting off the engine while it was wide open, it probably flooded out a spark plug or two. Inspect your plugs. Here is our general how-to guide: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-spark-plugs

Check the guide and, in particular, compare your plugs to the pictures of worn plugs that are in the guide. Also, see if they are wet or smell like gas. If so, it is time to change them out. I highly suggest using AC Delco parts. You can get it pretty cheaply on Amazon or RockAuto.com.