1996 Saturn SL2 Cold Rough Idle Stall

1996 SATURN
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D.ANDREWS#11
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What could the problem be with my 96 saturn sl2 when i start it up when it is cold it has a very rough idle and will die right away if i dont press the gas pedal, then i have to rev it alittle for it to stay on then after alittle bit it will sit and idle fine, but when it has been driven and i try to start it again it will start up but sometimes it will try to die when i put it into reverse or drive
Aug 4, 2006 at 3:03 AM
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D.ANDREWS#11
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I also took it in to get the codes read and alot of the codes were electronic ones like low voltage codes so if any one could help me with this it would be appreciated Thanks
Aug 4, 2006 at 8:03 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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List what you got.

These are common for coolant temp sensors being bad. The bad sensor causes a miscalculation of the air/fuel ratio by the ecm.
Aug 7, 2006 at 1:48 PM
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Suggested Repair

Retrieve and list the stored codes. A failing coolant temperature sensor is a common cause of this cold rough idle and stalling because it makes the ECM miscalculate the air/fuel ratio.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1996 Saturn SL2 reports a rough cold idle that stalls unless the throttle is held, then idles normally once warm. After driving, restarts can stumble when shifted into reverse or drive. A scan showed electronic and low-voltage codes. The expert asked for the specific codes and noted that a bad coolant temperature sensor commonly causes the ECM to miscalculate the air/fuel ratio.

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