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- Saturn S Series Sedan (https://www.saturnforum.com/forum/saturn-s-series-sedan-27/)

- - Cranks won't start (https://www.saturnforum.com/forum/saturn-s-series-sedan-27/cranks-wont-start-11159/)

I’ve been thinking about this issue and it appears that the car goes into clear flood mode in extreme temperatures. This happens to various S cars from time to time. I wonder if the throttle position sensor reads full throttle in extreme cold occasionally. Or maybe something the pcm thinks is a clear flood command. This would explain the cranks but no start and will run on ether. The fix is messing with the throttle pedal since that changes what ever incorrect reading the pcm is getting. Bringing the car into a warm environment also seems to “fix” the problem. I do replace throttle position sensors on Ford Rangers at work, they fail differently but Ford has been notorious over the years for poor tps units.

All interesting possibilities.

FYI...I sure do like my 1960's cars better than the computer driven newer. Turn the distributor to get the timing just right and go.FUEL AND SPARK AND THAT'S IT

Andy, oh wise one,

That seems the most plausible explanation.
I MIGHT have deduced that several years from now, but your lifelong experience once again comes into play.
Eksnolp's observation of dry plugs was the missing element in all of this. Eksnolsp, THANK YOU.

The first time I ever experienced this was in 92 w my SL2. It was -17 F, I wish I had a scanner back then that could read PID's for OBD I but I had very little auto troubleshooting experience at the time.
Now armed with a surprisingly robust Bluetooth dongle (pricey but NICE and STABLE), and some capable Android SW, I will check the TPS reading if this should happen again.BEFORE I start pumping the pedal.

If I remember and still have the car. Drove it off the lot 21 years ago. Waxed twice a year for 20 years, some self-inflicted battle wounds, original paint, second engine, 265 K.
More likely to die in an accident than old age.

Should I expect airbags to deploy after 21 years? I get no errors but it only checks for working sensors and SIR control module, yes? (minor hijack -- sorry)

I did see a 2000 L300 light off both front airbags three years ago. So that is 15 years, a Jeep turned in front of the L and the L never had time to hit the brakes. The passenger in the L broke a finger and the drivers were unhurt. Sure made a mess of two rigs, I helped the fire department cut the battery cables. I do know everyone in our little town.