Car starts RPMs fluctuating then stalls?

2002 SAAB 9-3

143,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • TURBO • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

XZAVIORSANTOS

MEMBER
4 POSTS

My heater hose had a hole and was spewing coolant i drove it home with no problems or overheating. I took the heater hose off and replaced it the upper radiator hose was in the way. so, I unplugged it from the engine had no coolant in the reservoir. so, I filled it up and now it will start but the RPMs go crazy and then the car shuts off.

Jul 22, 2023 at 1:49 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
110,194 POSTS

Hi,

Is the check engine light staying on when the engine does run? If it is, you need to scan the computer for diagnostic trouble codes. Here is a link that shows how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Also, make sure no engine vacuum hoses were damaged or disconnected.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Jul 22, 2023 at 10:32 PM

XZAVIORSANTOS

MEMBER
4 POSTS

So, I’m pretty sure the hose I disconnected was the vacuum hose and not.

Jul 23, 2023 at 5:33 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
110,194 POSTS

Hi,

Were you able to reinstall the hose? Did it make any difference?

Let me know,

Joe

Jul 23, 2023 at 6:28 PM

XZAVIORSANTOS

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I reinstalled the hose and I just changed the CPS and now it stays running but the idle is still rough.

Jul 23, 2023 at 8:46 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
110,194 POSTS

Hi,

You may have another vacuum leak. They usually cause a rough idle or even stalling. Take a look at this link and try what it explains to do:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Jul 24, 2023 at 8:19 PM

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