I recently got a 1997 Saturn SL-2 and whenever I start it, the engine revs up to about 2000-3000 rpm's for just a moment, then drops down to about 600. I don't have the owner's manual, but I've read online that 600 rpm's is about normal in Park. Should I be concerned about the initial high rpm's or just ignore it? Thanks in advance!

 

Check the engine coolant temperature sensor (ECTS) for the original plastic one cracking and/or the two-wire connector for corrosion. The sensor replacement is brass and the connector can be from a junk yard air intake temerature sensor connector or the dealer's $30 part. One or both will affect the start-up rpms but not that high unless the connector is corroded. Someone at another site had just replaced his sensor but didn't notice the corroded connector and had an extremely high idle such as yours until discovering it and replacing the offending connector. A normal cold start should have the engine idling no more than 1200 rpm and as the engine warms up the idle begins to return to its normal 800-900 rpm level. The 600 rpm is the initial factory set-up w/o the idle air control valve plugged in and bypass port blocked off. Edited by: ducky

 

i wouldnt be concerned, when i start my car, it jumps to 2k and levels off. It just happens, and YES my car is in great working order