20 Most Recent
1994 Saturn Sl Questions & Answers
Saturn starts but will not keep an idle and dies
Sounds like you are pretty knowledgeable with the maintenance. With that said do you know if the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECTS) has been replaced? I'd put that at the TOP of the list of parts to replace next. If it hasn't been replaced it is the cause of a lot of problems.
The factory one is plastic and cracks. When it cracks it sends the PCM a signal that the engine is -40F below zero. The PCM will compensate by dumping A LOT of fuel into the engine to try and warm it up. It will cause all kinds of starting and idling problems.
Autozone or the dealer sells the better brass tipped one. The ECTS is located just under and behind the upper radiator hose. You'll need to remove the air intake tubing to see it or get to it. It has two wires going to it and goes into a connector. Squeeze the connector at the "ears" and it will come off. A 10MM DEEP well socket will take it out. Swap it quickly because some coolant will come out (a couple of ounces). Hand tighten it and snug it with the socket (not too much because it will strip out). Connector back on (either direction it's non polar). Put the intake back on and enjoy better starting and idling.
Why would coolant boil over, out of overflow resivor?
this is from a boiling engine
It is because the coolant is subject to excessive heat probably from head gasket or cracked head, inoperative cooling fans, blocked radiator cores or flaked fins on the radiator core. The initial problem may be from a coolant leak that dropped the coolant level.to a dangerous level.
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