according to my dad'* mechanic, after scanning my car, it seems that i have three sensors of some sort that are connected to the intake in some way that are causing my engine to constantly accelerate... whether my car is in park or neutral or drive... have any of you gear heads ever heard of this? if so what the heck are these sensors called so i can upgrade to better ones and drive with the sense that my trans, */c, and possibly other things aren't getting messed up by my engines constant acceleration :(

Sounds to me that it may be your MAF censor

maf ah?? that doesn't sound cheap... can my problem be fixed by changing this thing you think?

I disagree entirely. A MAF sensor won't do that. In fact, your car will run fine (decreased performance and efficiency) without it.

Sounds more like a TPS to me. Possibly an IAC. IAT is out of the running on this one.

But it'* definitely not the MAF sensor. How about we don't shotgun an expensive sensor and actually troubleshoot it? When you're up to speed, does your TCC lock up at 48mph like it should? Does your cruise control work?

cruise control definatly not working.. and to be honest with you, i have no clue what a tcc is

Ahh....the plot thickens. If your TPS (throttle position sensor) is bad, cruise won't work.

TCC is torque converter clutch. Call it overdrive. When you are above 48 mph under light throttle, the TCC should lock up, and your engine rpm'* should drop a few hundred rpm'*. What RPM'* do you run at 55mph? If the TPS is bad, you may not be able to achieve TCC lockup, due to the PCM thinking you're not at a low-throttle position, even though you may actually be.

I'd love to see a scantool on your car. Being a 96, most auto parts stores will scan for free. Check for codes, then look at the TPS voltage. With the engine not running, ignition on, what is the TPS voltage with no throttle? What is it with the throttle against the floor? When you press it gently to the floor, does the voltage rise evenly, with no dead spots or 'jumps'?

Hmmmm...I had the same problem and the mechanic told me that it was the MAF. It seems to be fixed, but my cruise did go out and hasn't been fixed.
sorry grbs....
I can see where it could very well be the TPS. Doesn't that cause you to idle at a higher RPM? Correct me if I'm wrong.

The TPS has several different symptoms depending on how it fails. It might cause a high idle, and it might not.