Saturn Repair: Engine idling too high, spark plug wires, 1999 saturn sl1

Question
Hi,
I own a 1999 Saturn SL1, manual trans.
The engine has begun idling up around 2000 rpm.
That seems too high.
Any suggestions?


Answer
Hi Bill,
While the 1999 engine is different than the ones I am more familiar with, the symptom is not that unfamiliar.  I have this asked a lot...the engine won't idle down.  The solotion that works about 50% of the time is a simple one...fuel injector cleaner  (full bottle) in to a half tank of gas and drive it down to at least 1/4 tank before filling up again.  I know it sounds too simple to be the answer but it really is the first sign that the injectors are partially clogged. Also, the reason MAY be that there is a small air leak in the intake somewhere.  This could be in the rubber boot that connects the air filter box to the intake.  Also, carbonm builds up around the inside of the trottle body (air intake valve) and even when the trottle is closed (like at idel) it sticks partially open allowing the air to pass as if you had your foot on the pedal a little.  For this, I have successfully used Carburator cleaner sprayed into the engine throught the air filter box while the engine is running.  you'll need someone to keep the eninge reving up while spraying (it will want to stall).  That alone will make a big difference.  The last line to try is replacing the spark plug wires.  Again, I know it sounds simple but it really helps to fix the high idling problem sometimes.

Sorry I didn't have an absolute fix but the problem is caused by many possibles. Try these and see what happens.  It is the cheapest way to find out. (the Fuel injector cleaner is $0.99 at AutoZone and works as well as any other brand I have tried.)

Good Luck,
Greg Moore
www.taylorgolfsupply.com
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