engine idles way too fast now

1998 SATURN SL2
67,250 MILES
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GIL WOOLLEY
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1998 Saturn SL2 Auto transmission. Suddenly idles too fast right after I changed the battery. Is there a connector I might have knocked loose? In drive, the idle causes the car to go 20-21 mph and idle rpm is about 1900. In gear stopped, the idle initially is high but drops to 900-950 rpm. No check engine light. My wife normally drives the car. She reports she is now afraid she will wear out the brakes. I just drove it to confirm the above numbers.

I don't have a code reader. I can take it to a good shop tomorrow but they are closed today for the holiday.
Jan 2, 2012 at 10:26 PM
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RIVERMIKERAT
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Check and clean the IAC. Check to see if there is a high idle solenoid that might be stuck.
Jan 2, 2012 at 10:54 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Just to add to this one if the idle started high after the battery change try this.Unhook the battery for 1 min then hook it back up see if the idle returns to normal.I have had that happen to me many times.Let me know if it does the trick.
Jan 3, 2012 at 3:19 AM
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GIL WOOLLEY
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saturntech9. BINGO! You and my Grandson made the same recommendation and that recommendation worked.
I did disconnect the battery again, waited a couple of minutes and reconnected it. The idle has stopped misbehaving.
I guess that autoshop teacher at his high school or one of his buddies has taught him something.
Thank you and I am very happy to know that my grandson is really learning something practical and useful. And I am very glad to have an expert tell me that this works.
Jan 3, 2012 at 6:41 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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Your welcome let me know if you have anymore questions iam the saturn expert on here.
Jan 3, 2012 at 6:52 AM
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RIVERMIKERAT
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Watch how well he pats his back. heheh. Good catch bro.
Jan 3, 2012 at 7:14 AM