Saturn SL2 1998 Idling Problems

GreatGonzo · 08-12-2004, 04:12 PM

I recently got an SL2 1998 Automatic with 100k miles and it has a few problems.

1. When I start the car sometimes, it would not stay idle. Sometimes it starts and stays at 2000 rpm and does not drop.

2. Sometimes it starts like normal and then the rpms drop and it feels like it's going to die.

3. While normal driving, it would drive just fine until I start to slow down and it would just rev randomly.

Someone told me it would be the fuel filter so I took it to a shop and had it replace. However, I was told that the fuel filter is a rare part and it would cost $160 for it. Normally it costs $4-8 on most cars. I also went to autozone, napa and advanced autoparts and I could not find one from them. Aside from purchasing it from the dealer (50 miles away) where can I get one?

Thanks!!!

SaturnGuru18 · 08-12-2004, 04:14 PM

my car revs high when i slow down..took it in to dealership and they said nothing was wrong with it

ginoitalo · 08-12-2004, 07:43 PM

$160 for a fuel filter is quite high. Mine was $55 CDN and it's the type with the fuel pressure regulator (from memory) in it.

Natedogg · 08-12-2004, 08:06 PM

$160 is way too high. I got mine at the dealer for less than $50. Our filter is so expensive because it's not just the filter. It includes all of the hoses and stuff between the filter and the fuel rail. They also updated the design.

If you can't get it from the dealer, you don't have a choice but to order it from Autozone or someone. Try using Google too. I'm sure rockauto.com has them for a decent price too.

You should do all of the regular maintenance things. I did most of this the 2nd day I owned it. PCV, fuel, plugs, wires, clean the TB, air filter, etc.

Nate

philS · 08-19-2004, 01:46 PM

Idle problem might also be the IAC valve. Saturn says not to spray it, but on other cars I always clean them out with carb cleaner and re-assemble if it's causing a problem. Or the IAC o-ring could be bad.