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The Following brands are available based on your search.

  • ACDelco
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    Vemo
  • Walker Products
    Walker Products

Best Selling Genuine Saturn Coolant Temperature Sensors

  • We Stock the following top leading brands, including ACDelco, Rein, Vemo, Febi, Standard Ignition, Delphi, Forecast, True Tech, Beck Arnley
  • Constantly Updated Inventory of Saturn Replacement Coolant Temperature Sensor Parts

We stock Coolant Temperature Sensor parts for most Saturn models, including SC2, SL1, SL2, Vue.


ACDelco
2006 Saturn Vue Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 4 Cyl 2.2L ACDelco

P311-557D307    W0133-1924495  New

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$30.65
ACDelco Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • This Original Equipment Manufacturer part is the same part that was made & installed by the car manufacturer at the factory where the car was produced.
  • Genuine GM
Brand: ACDelco
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle Block Engine CID CC
2006 - Saturn Vue L 4 Cyl 2.2L 134 2198
ACDelco
2002 Saturn L100 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor ACDelco

P311-557D307    W0133-1924495  New

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$30.65
ACDelco Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • Gold
Brand: ACDelco
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle
2002 - Saturn L100
ACDelco
2009 Saturn Aura Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 6 Cyl 3.6L ACDelco

P311-4FE8EDF    W0133-2043122  New

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$29.02
ACDelco Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • This Original Equipment Manufacturer part is the same part that was made & installed by the car manufacturer at the factory where the car was produced.
  • Genuine GM
Brand: ACDelco
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle Block Engine CID CC
2009 - Saturn Aura V 6 Cyl 3.6L 217 3564
ACDelco
2008 Saturn Astra Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor ACDelco

P311-3E25F7E    W0133-1998421  New

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$27.04
ACDelco Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • This Original Equipment Manufacturer part is the same part that was made & installed by the car manufacturer at the factory where the car was produced.
  • Genuine GM
  • Location-Thermostat Housing
Brand: ACDelco
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle
2008 - Saturn Astra
Rein
2006 Saturn Ion Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 4 Cyl 2.0L Rein

P311-012E48C    W0133-1627953  New

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$22.44
Rein Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
Brand: Rein
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle Block Engine CID CC
2006 - Saturn Ion L 4 Cyl 2.0L 122 -
Vemo
2001 Saturn L100 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Vemo

P311-2BB766B    W0133-1924495  New

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$21.97
Vemo Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
Brand: Vemo
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle
2001 - Saturn L100
Vemo
2008 Saturn Outlook Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Vemo

P311-4D11164    W0133-2043122  New

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$15.92
Vemo Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
Brand: Vemo
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle
2008 - Saturn Outlook
Febi
2008 Saturn Astra Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Febi

P311-3CD0E6D    W0133-1998421  New

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$39.44
Febi Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • Location-Thermostat Housing
Brand: Febi
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle
2008 - Saturn Astra
ACDelco
2006 Saturn Ion Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 4 Cyl 2.0L ACDelco

P311-4B7808C    W0133-1627953  New

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$15.82
ACDelco Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • This Original Equipment Manufacturer part is the same part that was made & installed by the car manufacturer at the factory where the car was produced.
  • Genuine GM
Brand: ACDelco
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle Block Engine CID CC
2006 - Saturn Ion L 4 Cyl 2.0L 122 -
Standard Ignition
2008 Saturn Vue Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 6 Cyl 3.5L Standard Ignition

P311-2238858    TX89  New

009107271 , 032-0038 , 12 60 8814 , 12027 , 12191170 , 12608814 , 140-217 , 15 32 6388 , 15326388 , 15369305 , 158-0733 , 19236568 , 211-1118 , 211-91118 , 213-4333 , 213-4514 , 213-794 , 37840 , 4050 , 5S12679 , 5S1475 , 5S1536 , 71-2509 , 71-2588 , 73961 , 74050 , 7T1 , 8-12191-170-0 , 8-12191170-0 , 8-12608-814-0 , 8-15369-305-0 , 8-15404-280-0 , 8121911700 , 8153263880 , 9373 , CTSA1 , EF0075 , SU112 , SU112VC , SU2536 , SU4262 , TS10148 , TS5732 , WT5132 , WTC1002

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$12.26
Standard Ignition Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • Product Attributes:
    • Attachment Method: Bolt On
    • Connector Gender: Female
    • Connector Quantity: 1
    • Connector Shape: Round
    • Material: Brass
    • Terminal Gender: Male
    • Terminal Quantity: 2
    • Terminal Type: Blade
  • Our temperature sensors are manufactured using proprietary brass casings for superior durability and a longer lasting part life.. Each of these parts is 100% functional and environmental tested to ensure that the part you receive will outperform any other sensor available in the aftermarket.. Every one of our temperature sensor connectors has been carefully crafted to ensure proper fitment, as engine management systems require reliable connections in order to reach optimum performance.. Each part that we manufacture endures rigorous end of line testing to ensure that every part meets the linearity specifications expected by the engine management system in your vehicle..
Brand: Standard Ignition
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle Block Engine CID CC
2008 - Saturn Vue V 6 Cyl 3.5L 213 3490
Standard Ignition
2003 Saturn Vue Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 4 Cyl 2.2L Standard Ignition

P311-2238858    TX89  New

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$12.26
Standard Ignition Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • Alternate Number
  • Product Attributes:
    • Attachment Method: Bolt On
    • Connector Gender: Female
    • Connector Quantity: 1
    • Connector Shape: Round
    • Material: Brass
    • Terminal Gender: Male
    • Terminal Quantity: 2
    • Terminal Type: Blade
  • Our temperature sensors are manufactured using proprietary brass casings for superior durability and a longer lasting part life.. Each of these parts is 100% functional and environmental tested to ensure that the part you receive will outperform any other sensor available in the aftermarket.. Every one of our temperature sensor connectors has been carefully crafted to ensure proper fitment, as engine management systems require reliable connections in order to reach optimum performance.. Each part that we manufacture endures rigorous end of line testing to ensure that every part meets the linearity specifications expected by the engine management system in your vehicle..
Brand: Standard Ignition
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle Block Engine CID CC
2003 - Saturn Vue L 4 Cyl 2.2L 134 2198
Standard Ignition
2000 Saturn SL1 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Standard Ignition

P311-237EA82    TX73  New

12128 , 140-213 , 15-50360 , 1H9 , 2-9386 , 21020104 , 21025106 , 211-1040 , 31238 , 36462 , 5S1124 , 71-2633 , 71-2635 , 73913 , 75035 , 89054748 , 9386 , CTSA40 , EF0015 , MT1641 , SU1131 , SU1131VC , TS10193 , TS5587 , TS5587SB , TX73T , WT5029 , WTC1055

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$12.04
Standard Ignition Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • Product Attributes:
    • Attachment Method: Screw-on
    • California Proposition 65: Warning: This Product Contains A Chemical Known To The State Of California To Cause Birth Defects Or Other Reproductive Harm.
    • Color: Gold, White
    • Connector Gender: Female
    • Connector Quantity: 1
    • Connector Shape: Round
    • Finish: Brass, Plastic
    • Material: Brass
    • Terminal Gender: Male
    • Terminal Quantity: 2
    • Terminal Type: Pin
    • Voltage: 12
  • As a global manufacturer, we have complete control of the manufacturing process from componentry to finished product. Temperature sensor design specifies tight tolerance thermistor response values to ensure accuracy of the temperature measurement and proper part operation. All Coolant Temperature sensors are 100% factory tested to ensure trouble-free performance. Featuring the broadest sensor coverage in the market, we meet the service professionals needs with the highest quality product every time he opens the box. As a global manufacturer of emission components, complete quality control is maintained through the manufacturing process from componentry to finished product.
Brand: Standard Ignition
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle
2000 - Saturn SL1
Delphi
2001 Saturn LW200 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Delphi

P311-22D11F8    TS10076  New

12027 , 12608814 , 140-208 , 140-217 , 140208 , 140217 , 15 32 6388 , 15326388 , 15369305 , 211-1118 , 213-4333 , 213953 , 25037062 , 280130014 , 3033 , 5S1475 , 8-12608-814-0 , 8-15326-388-0 , 8126088140 , 8153263880 , CS19 , DR134BF , SU112 , SU1373 , SU1404 , TS4017 , TS5732 , TX16 , TX89 , WT3018

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$24.50
Delphi Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • 100 years of OE experience, supplier to the world's top automakers, OE Heritage and knowledge built into every aftermarket part.
Brand: Delphi
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle
2001 - Saturn LW200
ACDelco
2008 Saturn Sky Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 4 Cyl 2.0L ACDelco

P311-217A003    W0133-1924496  New

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$34.07
  • This Original Equipment Manufacturer part is the same part that was made & installed by the car manufacturer at the factory where the car was produced.
  • Genuine GM
Brand: ACDelco
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle Block Engine CID CC
2008 - Saturn Sky L 4 Cyl 2.0L 122 1998
Forecast
1994 Saturn SC1 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Forecast

P311-074B1EA    W0133-1795138  New

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$16.48
Forecast Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
Brand: Forecast
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle
1994 - Saturn SC1
Standard Ignition
2004 Saturn Vue Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 6 Cyl 3.5L Standard Ignition

P311-3362832    TX106  New

140-737 , 158-0811 , 213-1704 , 2CTS0122 , 37867 , 37870-PNA-003 , 37870PNA003 , 4159 , 4X-1007 , 5S1529 , 5S1599 , 71-2663 , 73970 , 74159 , 89052659 , 93006 , CTSA64 , EF0110 , SU5584 , SU6148 , SU8220 , TS10153 , TS5622 , WT5071

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$51.72
Standard Ignition Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • Product Attributes:
    • Attachment Method: Bolt On
    • Connector Gender: Female
    • Connector Quantity: 1
    • Connector Shape: Square
    • Material: Brass
    • Terminal Gender: Male
    • Terminal Quantity: 2
    • Terminal Type: Pin
  • As a global manufacturer, we have complete control of the manufacturing process from componentry to finished product. Temperature sensor design specifies tight tolerance thermistor response values to ensure accuracy of the temperature measurement and proper part operation. All Coolant Temperature sensors are 100% factory tested to ensure trouble-free performance. Featuring the broadest sensor coverage in the market, we meet the service professionals needs with the highest quality product every time he opens the box. As a global manufacturer of emission components, complete quality control is maintained through the manufacturing process from componentry to finished product.
  • Suggested Purchase Quantity: 2
    • Most jobs typically require 2 of this item.
Brand: Standard Ignition
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle Block Engine CID CC
2004 - Saturn Vue V 6 Cyl 3.5L - 3474
True Tech
2001 Saturn SL1 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor True Tech

P311-0D13D04    TX73T  New

12128 , 140-213 , 15-50360 , 1H9 , 2-9386 , 211-1040 , 31238 , 36462 , 5S1124 , 71-2633 , 71-2635 , 73913 , 75035 , 89054748 , EF0015 , SU1131 , SU1131VC , TS10193

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$10.00
True Tech Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • Product Attributes:
    • Attachment Method: Screw-in
    • California Proposition 65: Warning: This Product Contains A Chemical Known To The State Of California To Cause Birth Defects Or Other Reproductive Harm.
    • Color: Black, Gold
    • Connector Gender: Female
    • Connector Quantity: 1
    • Connector Shape: Round
    • Finish: Metal, Plastic
    • Material: Brass
    • Notes: Complete Assembly
    • Terminal Gender: Male
    • Terminal Quantity: 2
    • Terminal Type: Pin
    • Thread Size: 1/8-27 "
    • Voltage: 12
  • Made from quality components for dependability.
Brand: True Tech
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle
2001 - Saturn SL1
Standard Ignition
2005 Saturn Ion Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 4 Cyl 2.0L Standard Ignition

P311-58B7E93    AX54  New

009107361 , 0280130093 , 0280130094 , 0281002170 , 1338511 , 140-818 , 15-50304 , 15393755 , 158-1248 , 213-4525 , 213-4540 , 30561771 , 30564036 , 30582830 , 30592391 , 4005 , 4078 , 47 73 586 , 59 59 283 , 5S1489 , 5S1572 , 5S1612 , 5S1615 , 6148990038 , 71-2529 , 71-2630 , 71-2677 , 71-2681 , 72-4551 , 73883 , 74078 , 89052767 , 90510183 , 90570185 , 9177213 , 9398 , CTSA47 , SU1165 , SU1500 , SU5017 , SU5026 , SU6739 , TS10191 , TS4009 , WT3069 , WTC1086

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$9.92
Standard Ignition Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • Product Attributes:
    • Attachment Method: Screw-on
    • Connector Gender: Female
    • Connector Quantity: 1
    • Connector Shape: Rectangular
    • Terminal Gender: Male
    • Terminal Quantity: 2
    • Terminal Type: Blade
  • As a global manufacturer, we have complete control of the manufacturing process from componentry to finished product. Temperature sensor design specifies tight tolerance thermistor response values to ensure accuracy of the temperature measurement and proper part operation. All Air Charge and Manifold Temperature sensors are 100% factory tested to ensure trouble-free performance. Featuring the broadest sensor coverage in the market, we meet the service professionals needs with the highest quality product every time he opens the box. As a global manufacturer of emission components, complete quality control is maintained through the manufacturing process from componentry to finished product.
Brand: Standard Ignition
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle Block Engine CID CC
2005 - Saturn Ion L 4 Cyl 2.0L 122 -
Standard Ignition
2002 Saturn LW300 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Standard Ignition

P311-53F7528    TX132  New

0281002169 , 2CTS0041 , 37881 , 4004 , 5S1574 , 71-2634 , 73899 , 74004 , 90541937 , CTSA78 , EF0136 , SU1326 , TS5744 , WT5145 , WTC1192

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$19.73
Standard Ignition Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • Product Attributes:
    • Attachment Method: Bolt On
    • Connector Gender: Female
    • Connector Quantity: 1
    • Connector Shape: Rectangular
    • Material: Brass
    • Terminal Gender: Male
    • Terminal Quantity: 2
    • Terminal Type: Blade
  • As a global manufacturer, we have complete control of the manufacturing process from componentry to finished product. Temperature sensor design specifies tight tolerance thermistor response values to ensure accuracy of the temperature measurement and proper part operation. All Coolant Temperature sensors are 100% factory tested to ensure trouble-free performance. Featuring the broadest sensor coverage in the market, we meet the service professionals needs with the highest quality product every time he opens the box. As a global manufacturer of emission components, complete quality control is maintained through the manufacturing process from componentry to finished product.
Brand: Standard Ignition
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle
2002 - Saturn LW300
Beck Arnley
2000 Saturn LS Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 4 Cyl 2.2L Beck Arnley

P311-3179C92    158-0733  New

Qty:
In Stock & Ready to Ship
$8.98
Beck Arnley Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
  • COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
  • APPLICATION SPECIFIC FOR THIS VEHICLE
  • Product Attributes:
    • ORDER MULTIPLES: 1
  • Beck/Arnley parts meet foreign nameplate OE specifications for form, fit and function. Our product specialists work with a network of global sourcing partners so you can install the right part with confidence.
Brand: Beck Arnley
Additional Fitment Information:
Vehicle Block Engine CID CC
2000 - Saturn LS L 4 Cyl 2.2L 134 2198

Latest Car Advice

CarJunky AutoAdvice

coolant temperature sensor

Showing 2 out of 2 Posts
Question From mwaynew on coolant temperature sensor

Can anyone tell me where the coolant temperature sensor is on my 2003 saturn vue. (4 cylinder - 5 speed - front wheel drive) Thanks! mwaynew

Response From Tom Greenleaf Top Rated Answer

Should be on housing or real close to coolant thermostat, T

1996 saturn keeps dieing

Showing 2 out of 2 Posts
Question From imlost114 on 1996 saturn keeps dieing

my 1996 saturn, 90,000 miles, has suddenly decided not to work, it will start and then die after about ten minutes, after given sit time it will start again, but will again die. i know that my car stays on longer when the engine is colder, like early in the morning, any ideas as to what is wrong?

Response From steve01832 Top Rated Answer

You may want to replace the coolant temperature sensor and the air temperature sensor. These are very common problems with Saturns and cause the same type of symptom as you described. Make sure the engine is cold when you replace the coolant sensor so you don't scald your hand.

Steve

96 Saturn s1 - idle problems

Showing 2 out of 4 Posts | Show 2 Hidden Posts
Question From juniorinky on 96 Saturn s1 - idle problems

I am working on a 96 Saturn s1. whenever I shift gears the idle won't drop. it will eventually drop but I will already be in the next gear. I took the throttle body off and cleaned it up really good. it was really nasty. there are no vacuum leaks it idles perfect at 750 rpm. no hesitation and no miss. I am at a loss. I am thinking either the throttle positioning sensor or the maf sensor. but I don't want to buy parts just to throw on it. any help will be greatly appreciated.f

Response From Discretesignals Top Rated Answer

Check the coolant temperature sensor. See if it is cracked.

Response From juniorinky

Thanks.That is what it was.I noticed that it was running a little cooler than normal. but I never thought about the coolant sensor I replaced it and everything is fine now thanks. the temperature gauge showed a little cooler than normal but I thought that was just maybe the way they ran.My truck gauge shows right in the middle and this runs about quarter of the guage.Installed a thermostat and it reads in the middle of the guage.Really dont know if it was the thermostat being stuck open or the sensor though but replaced both.

Response From Hammer Time

That's why you need an good scan tool to monitor all the sensor data so you can look for things like that.

96 Saturn SL2 only starts when cold

Showing 2 out of 10 Posts | Show 8 Hidden Posts
Question From dbonzjones on 96 Saturn SL2 only starts when cold

I have a 96 saturn SL2 1.9DOHC with 200,000 miles. It starts great and runs well when i first start it in the morning but if I turn the engine off. I can't get it restarted. The starter turns the motor over fine. If I hold the accelerator to the floor, sometimes the car will fire but not catch and run. Sometimes it will start begrudgingly in about 30 minutes and it runs really rough when it does for about 20 seconds then smoothes out. This has been happening for about two weeks. I just changed the valve cover gasket because the first plug well was filling with oil. I thought that might have been causing the problem but it is still happening. Any Ideas?

Response From autojoe Top Rated Answer

bad coolant temperature sensor/leaking injector/bad fuel pressure regulator........see if fuel is in vacuum line.

Response From Loren Champlain Sr

http://autoforums.carjunky.com/photos/pic/87ZLAL/132.jpgAutojoe; Good call.

Response From Hammer Time

I agree but that should have put a check engine light on.

Response From Loren Champlain Sr

I agree, but have seen many that didn't set a CEL or DTC.

Response From Hammer Time

You need to start out with a fuel pressure gauge. Check for proper fuel pressure and closely look at what the pressure does when the engine is shut off. If the pressure immediately starts to bleed down, you may have a leaking injector or bad fuel pressure regulator. Remove the vacuum hose from the regulator and see if there is any fuel residue inside of it. That would indicate a bad regulator.

Response From dbonzjones

It turns out that the end of the coolant temp sensor was totally eroded away. I replaced that and it runs like it did the day I bought it. Thanks for your help!

Response From autojoe

I have seen lots of them bad.Good you got it fixed.

Response From Hammer Time

Are you getting any check engine light?

Response From dbonzjones

no check engine light.

Saturn SL2

Showing 2 out of 11 Posts | Show 9 Hidden Posts
Question From fatshady on Saturn SL2

This 96 SL2 (165,000) has the dohc setup with a 5 speed. we did some work on it a while back and left the intake air temperature sensor unplugged and it ran terrible till we found that (through a scan at autozone) and stuck it back on. Though much better the car still intermittantly stumbles. It is a little hard to start but always will with full static throttle. Lays a little blue cloud each time it starts from cold. It tries to die when idling during the first minute or so, then drives normally most of the time. Occasionally, and without warning even after warmed up, it will stumble when revving to take off from a stop. During the times that it is showing this symptom, it can be revved up with the right touch on the accelerator, but cuts out at 4K or so rpms and then catches again immediately, over and over. After a tantrum like this it goes again like everthing is fine. I have now driven it enough to burn a tank that had Lucas fuel system cleaner in it. It is still just not quite acceptable to turn back over to my daughter. The engine light has stayed off since we reconnected the IAT sensor. What should we do next?
Before my daughter bought this car we drove some other saturns that had automatics. in 2 separate cars i put them in reverse and backed up as fast as i thought prudent to see how it would act. both cars cut out at a certain speed like 15mph, and we talked to a tranny shop who told us not to buy either car. Since then i have talked to a mechanic about this who said that it was a design feature to prevent a car from going too fast in reverse and was nothing to do with a faulty tranny. I bring this up because when the car is in this cutout mode it acts very similarly to what those automatics did.

Response From DanD

Sorry I didn’t get back to you over on Venturi’s site, I kind of forgot about it, as your post was in the “introduce yourself” forum.
You may need to check things like fuel pressure and volume while it’s doing its thing, it would also be handy to now what the scan data is while the car is acting up. You may have a sensor that is beginning to fail but is still within its perimeters and not setting a code.
You’d be amazed what a TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) can do if it jumps from .5 of a volt to lets say 3.5 volts, the poor computer thinks you just jumped on the throttle and throws a whack of fuel at the engine, causing it to flood out.
Now I’m not saying it’s the TPS but just using it as an example, because the computer knows that around .5 of a volt is closed throttle and at 4.5 volts is wide open. Anything in between is normal for the computer to see, depending on where your foot is on the throttle. It’s a variable resistor something like a dimmer switch in your house that can turn your lights in a room from full bright to dim.
Sorry but you may need to go to someone that has a good understanding of the system and can properly interpret scan data, scanners are used for more then just reading codes.
Dan.

Response From fatshady

Thank you. That makes sense. It really acts to me like a control system/sensor/interpretation problem and though i hate to involve a professional and pay money i have to admit that there are times when i am glad they are available. These modern systems don't always respond well to a bigger hammer or let some air out of the tires.
Meanwhile i brought home a fuel filter that i figure is a maintenance item anyway and it will keep me busy while I am processing my mechanical limitations. Actually, I think I'll poke around a little more and see if i can get the car to flinch somewhere.

Response From Tom Greenleaf

You mentioned you left a wire off the air cleaner and used some fuel solvent. Dan mentioned the TPS which can cause all kinds of trouble. For the price I'd consider a new set of plugs too. Just a thought, - T

Response From fatshady

I think a real mechanic could sometimes be disgusted by the guys like me who hit on a suspicion and buy a part and stick it on without really knowing what is the cause of the problem. Like a competent doctor, a good mechanic with equipment and knowhow can (usually) pinpoint the diagnosis and fix what is really the matter without replacing much of what is under the hood every time. This is the essence of a good practice. The shadetree tinker comes along and gets his car fixed eventually, sometimes suddenly, but without the finesse that a real artist can muster and it is just less inspiring- less pure. I apologize that I am in the latter camp. I say that with deference to and respect for the masters who generously share their understanding and enthusiasm, as on this site. This help is invaluable. Even so, I am pretty sure that I am way ahead of the game using natural curiosity and the experience that has been forced upon me through the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune for the last 30 or so years being a DIYer.
I replaced the plugs, cables, and coil packs last week, and the fuel filter this week. A TPS is only 21 bucks and I may go for that next. I have a test procedure for it in the Haynes manual but for the time and money I'd just as soon put a new one on there and know its done. I'll let you know what happens.

Response From fatshady

I put a new TPS on last night. It was more difficult than expected as the 2 little star fasteners that hold it on are backed right up to the firewall. For the time and money I might have been better off finding the VOM and running through the check procedure after all.
No change in behavior. It revs to about 4200 then cuts out and drops to 4000 or so and back up, cuts again, over and over.

Response From motorheadII

Just a thought. What you're describing could be the normal function of the rev limiter that is programmed into most ECMs.

Response From fatshady

Hmm. That sounds like a possible explanation for the cutting out at high rev. Perhaps it would be the same function but at a lower rpm when in reverse. I did finally run the check on the IAT sensor. I got to thinking that even though i had it disconnected for a little while and that was a significant problem, it still could be going out. Seems to change resistance smoothly within the right values. I may just need to drive the car a little more. Maybe bring it in to work for a few days and see what happens.

Response From fatshady


I have driven the saturn to work the last 2 days (15 miles each way) and it has not stumbled or whimpered in any way. When I checked the IAT sensor a couple of nights ago i looked at the connection more closely before sticking it back on. it looked like it might be possible to reverse the plug orientation. Is that possible, and would the sensor act differently if the polarity were reversed? It had the right control voltage (5v) and it looked like a little shoulder inside the plug might be slightly rotated to prevent wrong connection. the plug is pretty small and a little deformed by now so I couldn't be sure about it. I would be pretty happy if that is all it is. I plan to drive it a couple more days before giving it back to the kids.

Response From fatshady Top Rated Answer

So here is the final outcome. the car was not fixed in november as i was hoping, but it was not needed as my daughter went overseas and is still in germany. the car has been sitting parked until i found time to get it fixed and sell it for her. we took it to a guy that works on a lot of saturns and he found the real problem-the coolant temperature sensor. it was telling the main computer that it was cold all the time, hence the too rich mixture and the stalling after warmup. the cutting out at 4200 rpm and kicking back in at 4000 is normal. it has a high-rev sensor to protect the engine. well, thats the story. maybe it will help someone else. thanks for all the help offered here.

Response From DanD

I’m not sure what else to suggest, with out getting under the hood with you and doing some actual testing. Other then going back to the basics and looking for vacuum leaks, sort of that it maybe time to throw your hands up and take it in.
Sorry.
Dan.