I have a 92 Saturn SLI. It won't start normally. The engine doesn't turn over when turning the key. If I hold down the gas pedal why turning the key I can get it to a very hard start. I have to hold the gas down for a few seconds and then rev the engine a little, black smoke comes out the back, but I can get it going. However, when I stop the engine stalls. And I would have to go through the same process to try to get it to run again.

I pulled the spark plugs and they looked carbon fouled. I replaced the spark plugs and the car started normally and ran alright for about 20 miles and then when I stopped at a red light it stalled out again and I had to go through t the same rough start process again and keep fighting it at every stop.

Is there a likely suspect for this situation? Someone suggested that the car is running rich and it might be the fuel pressure. Does that sound likely?

 

Have you ever replaced the ECTS? If not, DON'T get one from Autozone, Advance, O'Reilly, etc. Find a Saturn friendly GM dealership and get it from them, along with the pigtail. But first, check the connector to yours. It's a simple squeeze type and after purchasing the ECTS and pig tail for one of mine, I discovered that the pig tail was all I needed because the connector was broken. Solder the connector and shrink wrap it. Don't half *** it with a wire nut and electrical tape, like I've seen some idiots do.

 

I agree, sounds like a classic GM coolant temp sensor failure. This is a common failure on fuel injected GM cars. Each manufacturer has their own common problems.