idle problem

[Leroy]

I have a 1992 Saturn sc but has come up with a new problem. I cannot figure it out. Any advise would be appreciated. Here are the symptoms,


Idles fine until brakes are applied then idles down and dies

When you turn the right turn signal on, the left signal comes on also but does not blink, the right side stops blinking

When you press on the brake pedal, both turn signal indicator lights will faintly light up

[fdryer]

Three areas to consider; wrong replacement bulbs in either the turn signals or brake lights, very old corroded/loose wiring in the main fuse box or console junction box, worn out alternator/loose belt tensioner.

[adventureoflink]

Sounds like you may have a circuit unintentionally completing somewhere...

also, before you apply the brakes next time, I'd advise removing both brake light bulbs and try again.

Are any of your turn signal bulbs burned out?

[Leroy]

I took the brake lights out and the car would not start. reinstalled and the car started, sound weird. Also discovered that the brake lights on the drivers side or dimmer than the right. all of the lights were good, considering replacing the turn signal flasher, just to see what happens, possibility it is shorting out.

[fdryer]

Is the turn signal flasher original or a replacement? Wrong replacement part?

You'll have to be more descriptive. "Car would not start" can mean no starter sounds or the engine turns over but doesn't fire up. Two different descriptions of "the car won't start"....................

[adventureoflink]

Originally Posted by Leroy

I took the brake lights out and the car would not start. reinstalled and the car started, sound weird. Also discovered that the brake lights on the drivers side or dimmer than the right. all of the lights were good, considering replacing the turn signal flasher, just to see what happens, possibility it is shorting out.

Yeah, you've definitely got quite a few circuits crossed... the starting circuit has NOTHING to do with the brake lights...

[Leroy]

the car would not start, but will turn over. I replaced the turn signal flasher, that was not the problem. Also discovered that when I turned on the headlights, the left signal started blinking faster.

[fdryer]

With several problems possible, starting up may be a primary concern unless you're interested in fixing the turn signals first.............

Presuming you'd like the engine running first, checking two major items nay help - fuel and spark. See if fuel sprays out the fuel test valve with ignition ON and test for spark with coil wires removed and cranking the engine. These two tests are described many times in other threads.

Expect issues with a '92 that's 20yrs old; a worn out fuel pump and corroded/faulty ignition system. Throw in a worn out alternator if it hasn't been replaced.

[BV22]

This sounds like another recent thread and at least one much older one. Saturns have a common ground pack for all the lights in the back of the car. The fuel pump also grounds here. When this ground pack corrodes, lights in the back of the car do weird things, and often the fuel pump cuts off when the brake lights are on. The recent poster had an SW, and the ground pack was in the well behind the left rear tire. On SC's and SL's it is under the package shelf between the rear seat and rear window. The ground pack is a black box about the size of a smart phone with a bunch of wires coming out of it.

Not certain if this applies to a '92, but worth a look as the symptoms are identical.

[davidt321]

Sounds like the current is searching for a ground.Check all your grounds for corrosian and of course check your battery under load.Any burnt electrical oddors?When you took out the brake light bulbs and car would not start I think that was some of the current finding a ground/enough to be the straw that broke the camels back.If it was all the current going thru the bulbs for starting to find a ground it would have burned the small wires and or the bulbs.Check the big wire grounds.What happens when you turn your head lights on?