97 saturn sl2 ects
 

New here, so hopefully this hasn't been asked before. My saturn (DOHC) has recently stopped having a high idle at startup in cold weather. Also it seems that the torque converter is engaging even when engine is cold. Could this be a ects? My coolant gauge still works fine though. I have no ses light on. Any ideas? Thanks for any help or ideas?

Not aware of a torque converter issue being dependent on the ECTS.

Please describe your "lack of high idle at cold start" issue in more detail -- what is the ramification? Is it hard to start? Requires you keeping your foot on the gas to keep it running during warm up?

If you have never replaced the ECTS, do so now with a brass tipped replacement. Also replace (dealer-only) ECTS connector.

I thought the torque converter wasn't supposed to start engaging until the engine/tranny has warmed up.

As for the fast idle, when it was cold out on 1st start, it would idle around 1200-1500 rpm for a few minutes, then settle to 700 rpm or so. Now when i start it, it goes right to 700 rpm.

I wouldn't say it's hard to start, but it stumbles a little.

Long story short, despite the problems, i should just go ahead and replace the ects anyways because of the age?

that's odd --- I would indeed change the ECTS and connector with brass tipped saturn replacement part