Failed emissions temp gauge won't go past 1/4
 

I failed inspection due to certain OBD2 monitoring systems not ready. I found that this is due to the car not full warmed up. Needless to say, my temp gauge won't go past the 1/4 mark. I replaced the thermostat and coolant temp sensor, now it barely goes past the 1/4 but no where near the 1/2 like it should. What else could be the issue? Replace the ECM? GM part only right? This is driving me crazy and getting expensive! Thanks.

What year/model Saturn are you driving ??

which systems were listed as "not ready" and what SES diag codes (Pxxx codes), if any, are present?

"not ready" status is reset when you clear codes -- until you have satisfied the drive cycles for each of the system's self diagnostics.

Indeed which model/year?

Do you have a 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and distilled water in the system and is it full?

Sorry for the delayed response. Car is a 99 SL1. It failed catalyst, Evap system and EGR because they weren't ready. My temp never got above 1/4 mark. I changed out the thermostat, coolant temp sensor and flushed the coolant and added new 50/50 mix. After driving the car, it still won't get much past the 1/4 mark but I just let it idle for 30 minutes and it finally got to the 1/2 mark. Now my scan tool says the Evap and EGR systems are ready but catalyst still isn't ready. What would cause the catalyst to not be ready? Thanks.

1 Did you get the ETCS from the dealer
2 Did you replace the ETCS connector also bought via the dealer
3 Did you run the car through the drive cycle that can be found on the internet

If not time to do so.

I believe the proper operation of the O2 sensors have a direct bearing on the catalytic system ...

I didn't replace anything dealing with the ETCS, read the drive cycle but think its a complete joke. I just drove the car again today, for home and rescanned. Catalyst is now ready, all systems are go, so looks like I can finally get thru inspection now. Thanks for all the help and replies, I greatly appreciate it!