Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
ECM - Inter. No Cooling Fan/High Coolant Temp/Idle High
1992 Saturn SL L4-1.9L SOHC VIN 9SECTION ECM - Inter. No Cooling Fan/High Coolant Temp/Idle High
NO.:
92-T-48
DATE:
October, 1992
GROUP:
Engine
CORP. NO.:
286001
SUBJECT:
Intermittent No Cooling Fan or High Coolant Temperature, A/C Does Not Get Cold or Engine Idle May Be Increased (Cycle Ignition On/Off)
MODELS
AFFECTED:
All 1991 and 1992 Saturns
CONDITION:
An internal powertrain control module (PCM) serial peripheral interface (SPI) communication failure.
With an SPI communication failure, technicians and some customers may comment on intermittent:
^ Cooling fan operation or high coolant temperature
^ A/C does not get cold
^ Increased engine idle speed, in Park or Neutral
^ No RPM signal or tachometer inoperative with vehicle running
An SPI failure causes all of the listed conditions to happen at the same time.
CAUSE:
An SPI communication failure occurs during an incorrect PCM power down that can be caused by repeated cycling of the ignition, calibration download, battery connect or disconnect.
CORRECTIVE
ACTION:
Turn the ignition off, wait 10 seconds to reset the PCM and then start the vehicle.
NOTE:
If engine coolant temperature is 42~C (106~F) or above, it may take up to five minutes of ignition off time to reset the PCM.
If any of the vehicle symptoms of intermittent no fan operation or high coolant temperature, no A/C cool down, increased idle, or no RPM or tachometer inoperative still exist, refer to the appropriate Saturn Service Manual section.
92-T-48
DATE:
October, 1992
GROUP:
Engine
CORP. NO.:
286001
SUBJECT:
Intermittent No Cooling Fan or High Coolant Temperature, A/C Does Not Get Cold or Engine Idle May Be Increased (Cycle Ignition On/Off)
MODELS
AFFECTED:
All 1991 and 1992 Saturns
CONDITION:
An internal powertrain control module (PCM) serial peripheral interface (SPI) communication failure.
With an SPI communication failure, technicians and some customers may comment on intermittent:
^ Cooling fan operation or high coolant temperature
^ A/C does not get cold
^ Increased engine idle speed, in Park or Neutral
^ No RPM signal or tachometer inoperative with vehicle running
An SPI failure causes all of the listed conditions to happen at the same time.
CAUSE:
An SPI communication failure occurs during an incorrect PCM power down that can be caused by repeated cycling of the ignition, calibration download, battery connect or disconnect.
CORRECTIVE
ACTION:
Turn the ignition off, wait 10 seconds to reset the PCM and then start the vehicle.
NOTE:
If engine coolant temperature is 42~C (106~F) or above, it may take up to five minutes of ignition off time to reset the PCM.
If any of the vehicle symptoms of intermittent no fan operation or high coolant temperature, no A/C cool down, increased idle, or no RPM or tachometer inoperative still exist, refer to the appropriate Saturn Service Manual section.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.