Just picked up a 2002 Cavalier (base model) for the kids (109k) Body is in good shape as well as the interior but miles are up there.

When it's idling, the tach moves from 60 to 1000, back and forth. I also feel it a bit when I'm driving. It wants to rev up on it's own. Is it a fuel regulator? It never stalls so I'm ruling out the filter and possibly the fuel pump.

Any thoughts??

 

I would look into a throttle position sensor.

 

Did you ever get this fixed?
I'm having a similar problem.

 

try cleaning the throttle body with some intake cleaner, fuel filter can be a factor also

 

Does it only happen when the A/C compressor is on?