1999 Saturn SC2 Idle Speed runs High at times

Tiny
GDOUG1965
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 SATURN SC2
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 150,000 MILES
After the vehicle has been running for at least 20 min, the idle will run at 1500 - 1700 RPM. If I rev it slightly the idle will usually return to normal, but if I put it into gear and give it a little gas, it goes back to 1500+. If I turn vehicle off and on again, it returns to normal. What are the probable causes of this? The check engine light is not on.
Sunday, February 22nd, 2009 AT 5:09 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Too fast an idle speed. If an engine without computerized idle speed control is idling too fast and refuses to come down to a normal idle speed despite your best efforts to back off the carburetor idle speed screw or air bypass adjustment screw (fuel injection), air is getting past the throttle somewhere. Common leak paths include the carburetor and throttle body gaskets, carburetor insulator spacers, intake manifold gaskets, and of course, any of the engine's vacuum fittings, hoses and accessories. It is even possible that leaky O-rings around the fuel injectors are allowing air to leak past the seals. Another overlooked item can be a worn throttle shaft and a defective idle speed speed control motor/valve stuck in the extended (high idle speed) position/throttle position sensor. Also the throttle plate could be binding in its bore and kinked accelerator cable, coolant temperature sensor might not be operating properly misleading the computer that the engine is still cold and computer throwing fuel at it raising the idle speed.
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Sunday, February 22nd, 2009 AT 5:34 PM

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