1998 Saturn SL1 High RPM Low Speed

SATURN
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NOBODYSFOOL13
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have an automatic 98 Saturn SL1. A few months ago my car started squeaking so I took it to a mechanic and he said that it's probably the speedometer cable and it just needs some lubricant. I let it go and dealt with the annoyance, after a while it went away on it's own. Then a couple weeks later I was driving and the SES light came on the RPMs began to shoot up but I only got up to 20mph. I turned the car off for a while and it drove fine, but the problem keeps coming back sparatically. Does this have to do with a faulty speedometer or is this some other problem? I took the car to two different places and all they found was a bad caty (which I got replaced), and the other place got codes po731-734. I really want this problem fixed, the closest Saturn dealer is about 1 1/2 hours away so I want to make sure it's not somethign basic that could be repaired close to home. Please help.
Jun 3, 2006 at 5:51 AM
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PEPPERMRJ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,158 POSTS
Check the vehicle speed sensor. Resistance should be 700-900 ohms. Also check the wires from the sensor to the PCM.

Good luck and let us know. :)
Jun 5, 2006 at 8:55 AM
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NOBODYSFOOL13
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
How do I check it? Sorry I don't know much about cars. I live right across from the NAPA could they do it?
Jun 5, 2006 at 9:43 AM

Suggested Repair

Check the vehicle speed sensor; resistance should be 700-900 ohms. Also inspect the wiring from the sensor to the PCM.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Saturn SL1 reports intermittent high RPM with only about 20 mph, an SES light, and earlier squeaking thought to be the speedometer cable. A catalytic converter was replaced, and codes P0731-P0734 were found. The expert recommends checking the vehicle speed sensor resistance and the wires from the sensor to the PCM.

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