Idles higher than it used to?

MCONDIT86

MEMBER
1998 SATURN SL2
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

My car starts fine after it has been sitting for a long time even in cold weather, but idles a little higher than it used to. When I start it and drive a short distance then turn it off, its difficult to get it to start and idle again. I have to hold my foot on the gas to keep it running. Eventually it will idle but fluctuates between 1100 and 1300 RPMs. It used to idle around 900. I also have an issue with the cooling fan not turning on (fan motor ok, relay ok). I don't know if the two problems are related or not. SOMEONE HELP PLEASE !

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

For the high idle, it sounds like you might have an issue with the Idle air control valve.
Many times if the IAC valve is dirty it can have an impact on the idle of the engine.
You can take the valve off and clean it. Usually that takes care of the issue.

Here are couple of helpful articles on how to clean the valve:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-idle-air-control-valve-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/idle-air-control-valve-service

I have attached the diagrams for IAC valve.

For the fan motor not coming on, so you have already checked the verified the fan is good as well as the relay is good?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

You could have an issue with the coolant temperature sensor that signals the fan to turn on.
Look below for the diagrams.

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.

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