1996 Saturn SL2

MERCURYANN27

MEMBER
1996 SATURN SL2
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
206,000 MILES

I am having problems with my 1996 Saturn SL2. Yesterday the temperature gauges and fan quit working (unless AC was on). Found a ground wire loose so plugged in fans. Temperature Gauge still not working. I changed the Coolant Temp Sensor and still not fixed. Not for sure what the problem is. Also, my car has a really high idle when I start it which is normal but when I am at stop lights or slowing down, I lose my RPM's and it almost dies unless I drop it in neutral and give it some gas. I have replaced the Coolant Temperature Sensor but I bought it from O'Reilly's. Should I get one from the dealer? What else could be the problem?

3 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

As long as you got a brass tipped sensor you alright the plastic tipped ones crack. Did you also inspect the connector that goes to the coolant temp sensor for being corroded if it's corroded you will have to replace the connector too. The reason your car is running so bad is because it's not getting the proper temp reading to the computer. If your temp gauge isn't working my guess is your computer thinks your engine temp is -40 degrees. Inspect that connector and get back to me.

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Thursday, July 15th, 2010 AT 12:45 PM

MERCURYANN27

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I have not inspected the connector for corrosion. I will do that and get back to you. it looks like I have the plastic tip sensor as well so I will get a new one from the dealer and replace that as well. It barely starts anymore because it is idling so low. I hope I can get this fixed soon.

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Thursday, July 15th, 2010 AT 1:31 PM

SATURNTECH9