I was driving about 60 mph the engine rev up really high then went back down, but I couldn't drive over 25mph with the rpms at 3-4

have vehicle scanned for any trouble codes

2002 Ford Taurus SES won't go over 30MPH and it won't pass first ...

www.taurusclub.com > ... > Maintenance and Repair

Dec 30, 2011 - Drives: 2002 Ford Taurus SES 3.0L V6 Automatic. Posts: 2 ... I tried your advice about 10 minutes ago and drove on 1, backed out of my driveway on to the main road. Once it .... Goes to 3000 4000 rpm's and only 40 mph. Shake at 60 mph and up
Jan 1, 2013
Wont rev over 3500 or go over 25mph
Jan 9, 2012
Will Changing The Throttle Position Sensor Fix My Problem ...
Feb 2, 2008
Top Speed 45 Mph?
Apr 19, 2004
More results from www.taurusclub.com

94 taurus will not go faster than 15 mph - CarGurus

That is a typical RPM at that speed for most 6-speed 4 cylinder engines. The reason for this is that they have a much lower power output at lower RPMs (due to lack of torque), and the engineers want for you to have SOME acceleration to get up little hills.

The most common causes of this are a engine vacuum leak and a sticking idle speed control air bypass valve.

I have a similar problems on my 2005 9-3. It has developed a number of minor electical issues. including dial and false warning light triggers. I have fixed most of them by simply going round the car disconnecting the electical connectors and spraying "switch cleaner" (Maplin or Radio Shack).
The only problem I have left is the rev counter occasionally starts reading high, removing the fuse (end of dash panel - 4th fuse down) for about 30s with engine off normally resets everything back to normal.
Hope that helps.

Time to rebuild the transmission.

First I need to ask is it a 4 speed or a 3 speed transmission. If it's a 4 speed when driving down the road pull it from drive to third gear. You shpuld hear the engine speed up if it does not then that means you have on 4th gear and you will have to take it to a transmission shop. If it's a 3 speed then just count the shift points if all 3 gears are present then drive down the road and see if the van goes into tcc. When you mean the rpms are high how high are they.

I had the exact same problem on my 04 GC. I put some Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner in from Wal-Mart and it seemed to fix the problems right away. Let me know.

THERE IS A TEMPERATURE SENSOR ON MOTOR WHICH CAUSES THIS PROBLEM... USUALLY IT SHOWS A NEGATIVE TEMP READING WHICH CONFUSES THE COMPUTER CAUSING IT TO REV UP....HAVE THE ENGINE DIAGNOSED ON A SCANNER....GOOD LUCK...

Check your intake and exhaust modules. I have a 1987 D21 and had the same problem (if I understand your post). I replaced the modules located behind the driver side headlights and it fixed the problem. Good luck! I hope this helps.