Car starts RPMs fluctuating then stalls?

2002 SAAB 9-3
143,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • TURBO • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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XZAVIORSANTOS
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My heater hose had a hole and was spewing coolant i drove it home with no problems or overheating. I took the heater hose off and replaced it the upper radiator hose was in the way. so, I unplugged it from the engine had no coolant in the reservoir. so, I filled it up and now it will start but the RPMs go crazy and then the car shuts off.
Jul 22, 2023 at 1:49 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

Is the check engine light staying on when the engine does run? If it is, you need to scan the computer for diagnostic trouble codes. Here is a link that shows how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Also, make sure no engine vacuum hoses were damaged or disconnected.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Jul 22, 2023 at 10:32 PM
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XZAVIORSANTOS
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  • 4 POSTS
So, I’m pretty sure the hose I disconnected was the vacuum hose and not.
Jul 23, 2023 at 5:33 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

Were you able to reinstall the hose? Did it make any difference?

Let me know,

Joe
Jul 23, 2023 at 6:28 PM
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XZAVIORSANTOS
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I reinstalled the hose and I just changed the CPS and now it stays running but the idle is still rough.
Jul 23, 2023 at 8:46 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

You may have another vacuum leak. They usually cause a rough idle or even stalling. Take a look at this link and try what it explains to do:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Jul 24, 2023 at 8:19 PM