Hello, have a 2003 volvo v70 with the 2.4L 5 cylinder with 215k miles. No check engine light on dash

it starts and idles, it idles at 2k for about 2 minutes then goes to 900 and stays there.
in park if i press the gas, the revs sometimes doesn't match where the pedal is, most other times if it gets high revs, it won't stay and will start cutting down until it is at a lower rpm.

I did some research and got told about the throttle body needing replaced and some people telling me to clean it. Also got told about the mass air flow sensor causing same issues without an engine light.

I checked the throttle body and it was pretty clean.

what should I do to fix it?
thanks in advance

 

Your first step would be to scan the car with a compatible scanner. A scanner more capable than the cheap OBD only versions. VIDA would be your best choice. Then develop a reasonable diagnostic process to find the cause. That's always much cheaper than guess, spend, replace, then try again.

 

Check some of the ETM repair sites like Xemodex and Midwest ABS for some content on the symptoms of a failing throttle body. the problem is with worn contacts in the ETM not just dirt. These shops will rebuild the ETM for about $250 and not require a trip to the dealer for software pairing of a new device.

As to the MAF, you can buy a can of CRC MAF cleaner to see if it helps and look at the intake path for any dirt/oil - possibly a sign of a failing PCV oil separator.

 

Volvo used 2 different brands of throttle bodies. The non-turbo 5 cyl engine used the Magnetti Maerelli (sp) throttle unit from 99-2002. Turbo cars used that throttle through 2001, c70 used it a little longer.

That means you will get varied info about your throttle housing. The later Bosch throttle is very reliable and if your car is indeed a 2003 that should have been the unit installed. The early throttles were known failures and even if clean there are problems with them when they get worn internally.

Which throttle do you have? Bosch or Magnetti? (sp)