My 1998 saturn sl series idles to high even after 100 mile drive

I would suspect a clogged fuel filter. They normally go bad above 60k miles.

white smoke can be water in the exhaust if you park with the rear end facing up hill it will store water in the cat and take a few miles to clean out. 2000 rpms is a bit fast. should be around 800-900 rpms. it could be a sticking idle control. take it off and give it a good clean out.

I have had this happen on saturns before and it has turned out to be a bad intake gasket. The gasket cracks allow extra air to get into the engine causing it to idle high. It also will normally have the check engine light come on indicating a cylinder misfire. 4 thumbs up is appreciated if this helps

I would check the TPS (throttle position sensor) as that would cause a jump and decrease in idle when sitting in park, or in drive with foot on brake. Im not sure exacly where it is located on your car, but they are usually on the passenger side of the fuel injection system.

Could be a few things, either a) idle air control valve, or b) a vacuum leak. Ive replaced a couple saturn intake gaskets for wearing out, even with only 87k miles ive seen it happen.

Hi Darlene,

These engines can go well beyond 500,000 miles, and I know several people that can attest to that. There is one important thing you must know. ALWAYS check your oil at every gas fill up! Your SL2 is probably burning oil and needs to be checked. If you let it get too low you will spin bearings in the engine and it will be rendered useless. Check the oil and keep it at the top of the hatchmarks. It's a good idea to get two quarts of oil and leave them in the trunk this way you can fill as you need it.

The idle is probably the Idle Air Control valve (IAC). It is probably dirty and needs to be cleaned. Removing the throttle body and cleaning with carb cleaner to get the carbon off will get your idle working again. You cannot reset idles on these car and DO NOT touch the idle stop, that is not how idle is managed nor adjusted. The idle should be 1,200 RPMs cold and 800-850 warm.

Thanks,
Joe

Check for vacuum leaks, especially at the intake manifold where it bolts up to the engine at cylinder #1 (passenger side of engine). Also check your TPS and your IAC.

Spraying a little carb cleaner at a vacuum leak will change the idle of the engine. Use caution as the stuff is flammable.

has the engine electronic control system been tested for trouble codes?

Intake manifold gasket. Leaking where intake meets head.

Your 2002 Saturn car has an electrical recall .I think its the ignition modual.Owners should contact saturn @ 1-800-553-6000, Prompt 3
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