car wont idle

[jb50mag]

i have a 95 sc2 the check engine light comes on and stays on. the car dies when left to idle. is there something i can check or should it be brought in for service?

[miamisl2]

find out what kind of code you're getting from the ses light.

i'd suggest cleaning/replacing your idle air control (iac) valve and maybe your exhaust gas recirculation (egr) valve, but i couldnt say for sure without more information, could be a fuel problem, could be a lot of things.

[jb50mag]

how do i go about checking for the code via ses light

[miamisl2]

im pretty sure you have an obd 1 car but i may be wrong, if it's obd1 you can buy a cheap code reader that will tell u what code you're getting, not the most accurate but at least you'll have an idea what the problem is... otherwise you'll need it to be read by a mechanic or someone code scanner, theyll charge about $50 bucks to do it but you might be able to get it done for free as long as you have the work done there for whatever may be wrong.

if you or someone you know works or has a hookup at a mechanic shop, you might want to see if they could get it read for you.

my bad i didnt mean getting it checked through the ses light... i meant get the computer read/scanned.

try posting in the technical section of saturnspot.com

there are certified ase mechanics and people who work for saturn dealers, mechanic shops and such that will be able to give you a few more things to check, but you're going to need to go more into detail about what goes wrong and perform a few tests, any saturn repair manual will go into detail about what the problem could be, but they'll know off hand.

[Miataracer]

around here Auto Zone will give you a free code scan... check that possibility out before paying someone to do it

[saujad]

Originally Posted by jb50mag

i have a 95 sc2 the check engine light comes on and stays on. the car dies when left to idle. is there something i can check or should it be brought in for service?

I had this same symptoms with my Saturn. I called the dealer and was told it was the coolant sensor. I tested it with an Ohm meter and sure enough it was shorted.

[jb50mag]

ya the coolant light keeps comng on and the passenger window doesnt work(if thats related somehow). the car started working again but im assuming the trouble will return. i have an Ohm meter where do i find the coolant sensor and what should it read (12v?) thanx much for all your replies,its greatly appreciated!!!

[saujad]

You find the sensor by the thermostat housing.

Pull the connector off the coolant sensor, you have to pinch the end together. Use to ohm meter on the ohm setting and measure the sensor. On mine it had two electric probes, and I connected my leads on these probes. It read a dead short. If it is good you should have some resistance.

I wanted to add how to read your engine codes. This is for only Saturns up to 1995. To read mine I purchased a book at Autozone called Computer Codes. Look for the Data Link, look inside under the driver's side dash by the hood latch. On the Data link you have to short two connectors, use paper clip. Short the two far right upper connections. Turn the key to the on position, DONOT start engine with these connectors shorted. The check engine light will start flashing. Count these flashes. Saturn has a 2 number flash system, the first code will be 12. A code 12 is one flash, followed by a brief pause, then two flashes in quick succession. This code flashes three times. Then the trouble codes will start flashing.

[jb50mag]

is the coolant sensor under the hood by the reservior? pardon my lack of location knowledge.

[jb50mag]

imsorry i see you said its by the thermostat housing. ill give it a try tomorrow