08/08/2008 08:52. Dear Tom and Ray: A friend of mine has a 1997 Honda CR-V, which he bought used a few years ago. It is generally in good shape but has a problem that has become more and more alarming during the past year or so. Sometimes, while driving, the engine will start to race, and the car refuses to slow down. When the engine is racing, my friend has to step on the brakes very hard to get the car to slow down. Usually, after getting the car to slow down, the engine stops racing. But lately, sometimes it hasn't stopped racing. It seems to be getting worse. The CR-V has been to the dealer several times, but the mechanics have found nothing. The problem doesn't happen when they have it. They say they have never heard of the problem. What could this problem be? Is it fixable? Thank you for your... // Seattle Post Intelligencer