temp gauge and high idle

mtrayler · #1 12-13-2005, 04:20 PM

I have read several threads in the past, but now, it's not helping ... I have a 97 SL1 sohc .. A few days ago, we had bitter cold temps for this area, my service engine light stayed on for about a day and a half, then went out. The car didn't seem to be running any different. Two days later, I was driving on the highway, the temperature gauge shot down to below C .. then when changing gears, the idle would zoom up 5-8 hundred rpms. I went looking thru the threads, changed out the temperature sensor, but its not making a difference, and now, on top of it, it is not wanting to start, almost like its not getting any fuel, but i know it is, as its used an ungodly amount of fuel in the last day plus ... please help..any suggestions would be greatly appreciated !!!

peppermrj · #2 12-13-2005, 06:14 PM

How did the temp sensors wire look. If the ect leaks often it will corode the wire end.

mtrayler · #3 12-13-2005, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peppermrj

How did the temp sensors wire look. If the ect leaks often it will corode the wire end.

it looked alright to me, no frays, the pins in it looked silver, not coroded ... ok I feel blonde, ect??

peppermrj · #4 12-13-2005, 06:28 PM

engine coolant temp

Could be an idle air control valve.Try starting it with the gas pedal pressed down slightly. If it works the IAC might need cleaned.
Also try pushing the gas pedal to the floor . It might be flooded. This will tell the pcm to shut the injectors off.

How many miles? New plugs.

mtrayler · #5 12-13-2005, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peppermrj

engine coolant temp

Could be an idle air control valve.Try starting it with the gas pedal pressed down slightly. If it works the IAC might need cleaned.
Also try pushing the gas pedal to the floor . It might be flooded. This will tell the pcm to shut the injectors off.

How many miles? New plugs.

I've tried several times with different pressure on the gas pedal, I thought at first it might be flooding, but its not, I don't smell gas when I do .... after the temp sensor was changed, I did pull the battery cable in hopes to reset the internal computer, ha, thats what i get for thinking i would get off easy !!

peppermrj · #6 12-13-2005, 06:58 PM

How many miles? New plugs.

R U getting spark?

mtrayler · #7 12-13-2005, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peppermrj

How many miles? New plugs.

R U getting spark?

its got about 130 K on it .. the plugs are maybe three months old ... yes, its trying to turn over

peppermrj · #8 12-13-2005, 07:14 PM

Could be fuel pressure or clogged filter. I do believe your year saturn has a combined filter/pressure regulator. I would still swap out the plugs first.

mtrayler · #9 12-13-2005, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peppermrj

Could be fuel pressure or clogged filter. I do believe your year saturn has a combined filter/pressure regulator. I would still swap out the plugs first.

I shall do that, thank You so much .. but I'm still thinking its something connected with the coolant temp because of the way it does ...

peppermrj · #10 12-13-2005, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtrayler

I shall do that, thank You so much .. but I'm still thinking its something connected with the coolant temp because of the way it does ...

Where did you get the temp sensor. OEMs are best with the updated brass tip. Not real keen on wells brand electrical stuff.

mtrayler · #11 12-13-2005, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peppermrj

Where did you get the temp sensor. OEMs are best with the updated brass tip. Not real keen on wells brand electrical stuff.

Auto Zone, unfortunately the closest Saturn dealer is over 40 miles away from me

peppermrj · #12 12-13-2005, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtrayler

Auto Zone, unfortunately the closest Saturn dealer is over 40 miles away from me

I do believe they have a lifetime gaurantee anyway. Here is there test procedure.

I got mine online for saturnparts.com or was it .net. Same type of deal. Under $20 US including shipping.

mtrayler · #13 12-13-2005, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peppermrj

I do believe they have a lifetime gaurantee anyway. Here is there test procedure.

I got mine online for saturnparts.com or was it .net. Same type of deal. Under $20 US including shipping.

once again .. thank You !!!!!!

saturnspeed_12 · #14 12-14-2005, 09:29 AM

yeah theres the problem auto zone.

see its either your spark plugs are bad, but you have had those longer then this problem so you what kind of gas mileage it use to get with them, exhaust system is bad, doubt that, air filte clogged, not going to cause no start, or its the coolant temperature sensor. sure theres more but didnt want to write more. ok but anyways, if the sensor wasnt bought from the dealer, you got junk. go to the dealer and buy the sensor and the pigtail connector. this will ensure that everything is fine there. this is the biggest problem with a saturn, and when it goes bad its almost always starts out with dropping gas mileage badly. its the only thing too that would cause your temperature gauge to just drop, unless gauge is bad.

POST REPLY TO THIS THREAD