Hi
I have what seems to be the characteristic high idle problem with some Saturns, but I would like some further advice.
This is a 2000 SL1, 1.9L four door, 175,000 miles. The RPMs seem to go up unpredictably. Usualy hover around 1500-2000, but sometimes higher. And now, I'm starting to wonder if the temperature gauge in the dash is reading correctly. It doesn't get above the 1/4 mark.
I cleaned out the throttle body a little, but it doesn't seem to be sticking anyway. The action on the butterfly valve seems pretty good. I'm wondering if it could be the electronic coolant temp. sensor. I have just recently purchased a Haynes manual. Although this manual is full of usefull info, it doesn't seem to mention the ECTS. It mentions a "coolant temperature sender" which from what I have read is something completely different. So I'm not sure I am looking at the right thing under the hood. I have identified something in the cylinder head, just below the upper radiator house, on the drivers side. Is this it? I guess I'll know when I go to the Saturn dealer and see what they hand me over the counter. Other solutions I have read about (many in this forum), have been to disconnect the battery, to reset the PCM, and allow it to relearn the running characteristics of the vehicle, and EGR. PCV, throttle position sensor.
I love this car, other than using a little oil, and this high idle, its been a good little car.
Thanks for any advice Ed