SES Light, high idle.....???????

keller9431 · 04-30-2008, 08:58 PM

Ok I have a 2001 Saturn SL2 with 105,xxx miles on it. I just bought it a few months ago and am now having an issue. My SES light came on with code P0440. I replaced the gas cap with no change. I had the high idle problem and replaced the TPS with no change. Heres what is wierd........I replaced the TPS and pulled the battery off to reset the computer. When I did this the idle drops to normal(also this car is an automatic) and everything is fine with no SES light. This does this for about 200 miles and all of the sudden the SES light will come on and I get the high idle issue. When I say high idle I mean when I put it in park it revs to about 1500 rpm and slowly drops to normal. Anyway when I disconnect the battery again everything clears and idle comes back to normal for about 200 miles again and the it starts all over again. Sorry for the long post, but if anyone has any ideas on where to start I would really appreciate it.

Matt

**Ssicarman** · 05-01-2008, 03:25 AM

Good place to start would be checking replacing the PCM coolant temp sensor and connector. You don't want to see any corrosion in the connector and there shoudl be no cracking on the tip of the sensor.

96sc2 · 05-02-2008, 02:30 AM

Just curious, is the code the same or different?

keller9431 · 05-02-2008, 07:42 PM

Same code everytime.

my99sl1 · 05-03-2008, 04:13 AM

try changing out the Air Flow Sensor as well.

**Ssicarman** · 05-03-2008, 03:50 PM

No air flow sensor in the S-series cars.

RC1488 · 05-07-2008, 11:25 PM

+1 on the ECTS. Tho no specific code ever shows up for it, it is usually the cause of many issues.
The stock ECTS is resin and cracks sending false data to the PCM. The PCM uses it for idle rpms, air/fuel mixtures, along with other systems. Tho in 2001 they switched to brass sensors, not all 2001 got them. replace the sensor asap

ablandin · 05-15-2008, 09:34 PM

Where is the ECTS located on the engine and what does it look like?

keller9431 · 05-15-2008, 10:04 PM

Just replaced the ECTS 2 days ago and so far so good. I will keep you posted. The sensor I had was the resin type and was cracked. My car is an '01 also. The sensor is located on the drivers side of the motor just below the valve cover. Remove your intake tube and you can see it.

ablandin · 05-15-2008, 10:26 PM

Does it point down into a rad hose via the block. What does it look like? I asked at O'reillys and they showed me something with a brass rod at one end and two metal prongs to connect wiring to.