'90 Cadillac DeVille tranny problem? Safe to add fluid if needed?

Question

I have a '90 Cadillac DeVille, pulling away from a stoplight last night the engine started revving & would not slow down even with brakes, as if brakes not working. Approaching next light, had to throw into park to avoid hitting car! (Not good!) Still racing, shut off & restarted, still racing. Repeated 5x, then normal. Going into next gear, start revving again, slowed down, it was fine. Transmission? Only had car 3 mos, don't know when last tranny work/check done. Told at last oil change DON'T add tranny fluid until tranny checked out - could do damage. True? Don't want to hit someone because my car won't stop & don't want to tear up tranny by throwing into park again. How much for tranny work? Very limited funds. What to do? Please help!

Thanks guys! What is the best type place to get throttle fixed/cleaned and about how much am I looking at? Can something like this be done at Auto Zone or do I need to take it to my mechanic?
Thank you!

Answer 1

No, that is a throttle issue if the engine was racing. Check the linkage, if it is good, a good bet is you need an Idle Air Control motor. It sounds like it may be sticking. I would not drive it until you fix it if possible, because you could get in a very bad accident, espicially if it is racing!

Answer 2

your having a throttle body problem,,or the linkage is sticking on it,,this one has a cable that operates the throttle body,,you need to clean it off ,and put some penetrating oil on it so it will work easier ,,i own a repair shop,,and have seen a few cars that stick,it can be dangerous to drive like that,you need to fix it,,or have it fixed,,good luck i hope this help,s.

Answer 3

Sounds like a stuck throttle body. There's a spray cleaner for it, and / or gas addittives for it. Stop by the auto parts store and ask the counter guy.