Hi im new here and new to saturns. I just picked up this saturn a little over a month for pretty cheap. Never thought id own a 4 banger but the way gas prices are going i have no choice. Anyway, i like the car besides the fact that it has a very limited interior space, alot smaller than my Trans am.Im used to working on older GM's so most of this computer crap throws me in a loop sometimes. lol


Anyway, heres my problem. When i first bought the car i knew it had this idle problem so I gave it a full tune up and blasted out the throttle body with carb cleaner. Same problem. Car idles at or around 2000 or more RPM's. Sometimes it will idle normal for a little while, like 5 mins of driving, but then will go back up to that idle speed again. Sometimes if the idle is high and i punch it (WOT) for about 1/4 mile, when icome to a stop it will idle at normal, as if i blew out some carbon,for about 5 mins. So far, i assumed the IAC was bad so i changed it and same problem. I checked the trouble codes with a jumper wire and it sent out code 35, if i remember corectly, which in my trans am book is a trouble code for IAC. All GM trouble codes are very much alike from about '78-'96 so its a good ground to start at. I changed out the IAC and same problem[img]smileys/smiley5.gif[/img]. What do I DO?????


The other thing I checked was the signal going to the IAC. I think its supposed to be something like 4.8-10.0 ? My reading was over the max number. It was somewhere like 11.4, Does this mean the computer is bad? Sorry for the long post and any help would be appreciated... Thanks ~Vinny

 

xvin..................check all hoses, intake, tb base, for vacuum leaks. Check to make sure the tb plate is not sticking to the side of the tb. Good Luck

 

Indeed, code 35 is IAC - rpm out of range.
0 to is 10.75V is expected range for a Saturn of this vintage - so 11.4 indeed is out of range high.

Definitely sounds like vacuum leak. Spray some throttle body cleaner around the intake, vacuum lines and TB (per SW2cam) -- when the idle jumps while you're doing this, you'll have found the leak.

Derf

________

Also, change ECTS (Engine Coolant Temp Sensor) and connector -- original design for these sensors was poor and fails. Bogus temp readings to PCM mess up air/fuel mix and car runs like poopy -- mix usually too rich. Replace connector too--leaking coolant corrodes contacts.

Use Saturn replacement (brass tip design, comes with new connector).

 

Thanks for the responses..


I did the check all the vacuum lines and they are all connected and in good shape. Also sprayed the throttle body with carb cleaner and got no response.


Could the ECTS really cause such a headach? I did check that out as well and it looked to be in really good shape, visual check only. I didnt remove it just check it and even the wire looks to be in good shape.My temp gauge wroks great too, seems to be right on the money. BUT, if in fact this is bad, would this explain the bad smell that occurs after I floor it?


Keep 'em comming, i need to fix this as its sucking up alot of gas with out my concent..


Thanks again, ~Vinny

 

Yep the temp senson can cause all sorts of things when it sends wronginfo to the computer. If you change the sensor also replace the connector as derf said. Both can be had at your Saturn dealer. Edited by: sw2cam

 

What about buying it at my local parts supplier? like Autozone, Parts athourity ect....... What does the dealer charge for this?


Thanks again, Vin


P.S.- Forgot to ask. Does anyone know of an aftermarket supplier for our Saturns that carry parts like weather stripping body panels interior replacement stuff ect........ Thanks

 

I believe connector is a Saturn-only part (for which they whack you for $20 or $30).

93's have two temp sensors -- one goes to the pcm and the other goes to the gauge on the dash. the ECTS is the two-wire sensor -- that's the one to replace. Be specific when requesting your replacement.

Also, visual inspection without removal is not sufficient to determine whether it has failed. If you don't already see a spliced-in replacement connector under the hood, chances are it has never been replaced or if it was, someone cheaped and did not replace the connector.

TRUST US. Go to Saturn parts dept & pay the piper. $40 ish and not worth the hassle to do otherwise.

Derf

 

Ok, im gonna go and get this damn part, lol. Ill stop at the dealer tomorrow on the way home from work and ill install it as soon as i get home. Ill keep you guys posted on the results.


So, Saturn Aftermarket dealers????????


Thanks~Vinny

 

Wait for the engine to cool down....you'll lose much less coolant and will keep from burning your hands..... [img]smileys/smiley2.gif[/img]

 

Any luck with the repair.....................?