RPMs stuck at 4,000, then car difficult to pull out of park, after having to throw it into park to avoid an accident?

GRACIEMOHLER

MEMBER
2002 SATURN L200
2.2L
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
240,000 MILES

This morning my car listed above held at 4,000 RPMs while on the brakes. I had to throw it into park to avoid an accident. After that I couldn't get it out of park. Tried and tried but it felt like it was stuck. I finally got it into drive after trying many times. Anyone have any advice? Or just know if I should get a new car?

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023 AT 5:36 AM

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,137 POSTS

A new car is your choice, but if you want to fix this one. Make sure the floor mat is not holding the gas pedal down. Then I would make sure the throttle cable is not holding the throttle bore open, if that is okay, I would try swapping out the IAC motor. Also, you could have a vacuum leak. Use this guide when the engine is cold only:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

This guide can help us as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-idles-too-high

Here is the location of the IAC. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

Images (Click to make bigger)