High idle on 2000 SL1

Hi all,

Inherited a 2000 Saturn SL1 from my daughter. I has an issue of idling high. It idles about 1100 rpm in park, but when I put it in gear that jumps up to about 2000 or so. I can hit 35mph w/o hitting the gas. There's also a noticeable suffer type smell from the car. Any troubleshooting help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Larry

I noticed yesterday, the high idle may not just be when it's in gear. While driving it home from work, I'd put it in neutral at stop lights and it stayed up around 2000 rpm. Hope someone here can shed a light on what I should try.

thanks,

Larry

I have a 2000 SL2. From reading forums high idle has showed up before. I too have experienced it. My mechanic replaced the throttle motor which did not correct the problem. I have a standard 5 speed. Whenever the car was rolling my idle stayed at 1800, in gear or out.. when the car stops rolling the idle comes down to 900. I think it's related to pollution control logic in the computer. I did notice an improvement when I quit using Shell gas and started using Chevron. Car seems to fix itself. Haven't had the problem since avoiding Shell. Might be a coincidence.