2001 Saturn SL High Idle

SATURN
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FATOU628
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
For the past 2 weeks. my 2001 Saturn SL, manual transmission, 5-speed, 4 cylinder (80,000 miles) idles extremely high upon starting, remains on a high idle while driving, and when shifting gears, it often goes past the 3 rpm indicator. The lower the gear, the more the car races. When I put it in neutral, it will idle high for a few moments and then drop below the 1 rpm indicator. However, as soon as I shift into 1st or 2nd gear, it begins racing again until I get to 4th or 5th gear, at which point it will "drop" but not go to 1 or below 1 rpm; that only occurs when I place it in neutral. Is it a simple matter of getting a tune up or is something more serious "lurking" around the bend? Thanks!
Mar 12, 2007 at 2:20 PM
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PEPPERMRJ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,158 POSTS
Sounds like one of the engine management sensors is bad. Have a diagnostic done by your local mechanic or dealership. Should not be a big deal.

G :) ood luck and let us know.
Mar 15, 2007 at 1:22 PM

Suggested Repair

Have a mechanic or dealership diagnose the engine management sensors, which are the likely cause of the high idle.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2001 Saturn SL with a manual transmission reports extremely high idle after starting and while driving, especially in lower gears; idle drops only after shifting to neutral. The expert says a faulty engine management sensor is likely and recommends a diagnostic at a local mechanic or dealership.

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