1999 Saturn SL1 temp gauge erratic

Tiny
J.STIEG
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 SATURN SL1
Electrical problem
1999 Saturn SL1 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

I have a 99 sl1 saturn and it has a problem with the temp gauge swinging up fast, and dash lights come on and blink. The car is not overheating. I got code p0117. Any ideas on what to try or test?
Sunday, July 18th, 2010 AT 5:04 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Hi j. Stieg, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

You might want to start by checking the charging system to rule out the alternator/battery also ignition switch could be failing. If all okay at this point follow thru with P0117

OBD II P0117
Fault Code Definition
The Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor measures the rise and fall of the Engine Coolant Temperature. This provides critical data needed for the Power Train Control Module (PCM) to control the Air Fuel Ratio, the Ignition Spark Timing, the cooling fans, and many components of the Emissions Control Systems. The Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor converts the coolant temperature into a voltage that is high when the engine is cold and low as the engine warms up. Code P0117 indicates a low voltage input from the Coolant Temperature Sensor to the PCM.

Symptoms

Check Engine Light will illuminate

In many cases, no abnormal symptoms may be noticed
In some cases, the engine may be hard starting and/or get poor fuel economy
Common Problems That Trigger the P0117 Code

Defective Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
Rusty and/or corroded Engine Coolant
Faulty or corroded Engine Coolant Temperature wiring or connections
Common Misdiagnoses

Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor is replaced when the real cause is rusty coolant

Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor is replaced when the real cause is a poor connection or chafed wiring
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor is replaced when the real problem is in the Cooling System
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Sunday, July 18th, 2010 AT 5:24 PM
Tiny
J.STIEG
  • MEMBER
  • 352 POSTS
I put the "Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor" in and the problem went away. Thanks for your help!
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Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 AT 6:09 PM

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