I have check all the hoses and PVC valve and any other areas for vacuum leaks and haven't found any. When I come to a stop and my car idles around 2000 rpm, I find if I momentarily shut the engine off and start it back up, it will idle around 900 rpm. And that will work for awhile, then I'll have to do it again. Anybody had similar problem?

 

Check the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) to see if it has gone bad

 

Late model used cars are incredibly complex, that is because they were complex when they were new. Have you had the computor scanned for error codes?

 

I have the same problem. I have a scan tool, and it says the TPS has low input voltage. Replaced the TPS twice. Somebody think it's a wiring problem? I'm trying to figure it out.

 

HeliStructor --

Could be a couple of things, but here's what I look at:

(1) Check the connector and wiring for the TPS ... poor connection = low signal.

(2) Replace the main battery positive cable. Battery acid will wick up under the insulation, and eat/erode the cable, making it hard to get the proper voltages. A look at the negative (ground) lead wouldn't hurt either ....

 

Checked the wiring, looks good. Could it be the engine temp sensor? was also told maybe MAP sensor. This is my work car, and I'm only around it when I don't have time to leave it somewhere. any help would be greatly appreciated. I do appreciate all the help I've gotten so far.
THanks
Mike

 

The symptoms you describe don't fit a defective engine coolant sensor problem.

 

yeah, started messing with the wires in the connection last night, and it seems to be a lot better. So I'm pretty much convinced that it's the connection on the TPS. No service engine light today, and the scan tool doesn't show any faults. I do every now and then hear the engine pinging, for about a quarter to half second, and then silence... There was a history code for knock sensor, but now there's nothing... Not really sure.

 

So, I have a new one tonight. The thing starts idling about 2000, I pop the hood, disconnect the TPS and it idles right down. I'm lost. Any good mechanics that I can trust in Louisiana???

 

This would normally be something that I would recommend a dealer to take it to. Back in the day, the dealer was a reliable alternative to the local mechanic.
Back when the local mechanic was reliable too.
I would still recommend a dealer, but which one, contact a local GM dealer I am sure that certain GM dealers are making a point of servicing Saturns. A local GM dealer should know.
I am a shade tree mechanic and a good one enough to pretty much figure out what is happening.
I have some information on Saturns, enough to keep mine going with out worrying too much.
And my new Chrysler too. While restoring an AMC and building a Chevy engine.
If you want, tonight I will check my Mitchels software for diagnostic information and post what I find.
If you are not comfortable with that I would still recommend a dealer. With one kaviat (spelling). It seems to me that many dealers rather than providing solid service specialise in motor fix it in cans service procedures and uneeded bits and pieces that serve to **** me off. So be prepared to deal with that. Sort of the equivelent of
What can I do to sell you a car today.
When my answer is
nothing, if you think I am going to make a knee jerk reaction to fork over 20 grand because you are doing something you are talking to the wrong person.
Right now i am going out to polish some used aluminum valve covers to go on my new $6000.00 wanna be Corvette engine that I have about $800.00 in cash in at the present that when I get it installed in my 1976 AMC Hornet station wagon, I am going Porshe hunting with.
I'll check back tonight.