Saturn Repair: trouble starting and shifting into drive, coolant temperature sensor, coolant hose

Question
My 2001 SC2 started choking when it was first started in the morning, this would correct itself in a couple minutes, then have no problems the rest of the day. I neglected this problem for 3 months or so, then it started to stall after the choking. When I tried to start it again it would turn over but not start unless the gas pedal was pushed to the floor, even then struggling to start. Once started, when the car was put into gear, the rpm's bottom out and many times it stalls again. I continued to use the car for another month with these more severe conditions. Yesterday, I had been driving the car and when I pulled out from a side street into a main street I pushed on the gas and the car dogged out and almost stalled while I was in a lane of oncoming traffic. I had to pump the heck out the gas peddle to get it moving and then it drove normal after that for that trip. This morning it had the same severe symptoms of starting and hesitated as I pulled out of my driveway till I pumped it vigorously.
Could this be a sensor going bad on the throttle body? If so can I test the sensor to be sure it's bad before I spend the $ on a new one?

Answer
Hello, sounds like a few things need to be checked. First of all you need to make sure you have the new brass style coolant temperature sensor. It is located in the cylinder head on the right hand side just below the upper coolant hose. Disconnect the connecter and remove the sensor. If the tip of the sensor that goes into the head is plastic and cracked you need to definately replace it with the new brass one. And if the tip was cracked you will also need to splice in a new connecter because of corrosion. Not to worry the parts shouldn't be more than 40 bucks. Also you need to replace the fuel filter if you haven't done so already. They are pricey at around 100 because it has a built in regulator. By the way you described your symptoms that should be the fix. Any other questions don't hesitate to ask good luck.