Engine coolant gauge fluxuations

EMG1983

MEMBER
SATURN

I have a 1997 saturn sl2 dohc. It has 189,000 miles. I started having problems with it about 3 weeks ago. The temp gauge started to fluxuate between cold and the 1/4 mark and my SES light came on. It usually happened while at a dead stop. I took it to a local auto zone to plug in a diagnostic machine to it. It said that it was a problem with the transmission fluid temp sensor. I replaced both that and the engine coolant sensor, just in case. It did ok for a while, but then it started again. When the gauge goes towards "c" the engine will rev higher, and when warmer, it'll idle back to normal. So I replaced the thermostat thinking that would end it. As of tonight (4/13) the gauge went up to the mid-mark then back to cold while I was driving and my SES light came on again! Ugh! Im just about out of options. HELP! Thanks.

3 Replies

PEPPERMRJ

MECHANIC
1,158 POSTS

Hey Emg,
When you replaced the coolant temps sensor was it cracked. The old style plastic tip model was prone to cracking. This in turn would corrode the heck out of the connector for it. Try cleaning it or replacing it. Pricey little devil, costs more the the ECTS itself.

Did you get the replacement sensors from Saturn? Have seen some aftermarket electrical sensors not function right out of the box.

Get the code pulled again and give us the exact number.

Good luck and let us know. :)
peppermrj

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Saturday, April 14th, 2007 AT 7:44 AM

EMG1983

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Well when I first replaced the engine coolant sensor, the cracks were clearly visible on the plastic tip, so I just threw it away. But when I replaced the sensor on the transmission, it was metal and it looked fine. So, I ended up buying 2 new sensors, which now I have a total of 3 metal tip sensors.

I replaced the one in the trans with the one I just bought from auto zone and thats when it started acting stupid. I then took that one out of the trans and switched it with the one out of the motor and put the third one I bought, into the engine (sorry if I got u mixed up) I then bought myself a basic diagnostic machine (80 bucks) and cleared the computer when I switched up everything. The codes were "P0711" and "P0118

That seemed to do the job for now at least. I also thought it might have been the wiring or the plug connectors or something. I caught all kinds of hell trying to find those connectors. When there's no saturn dealership in the town you live in, it can cause a headache.

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Sunday, April 15th, 2007 AT 11:45 AM

PEPPERMRJ