02' SL1 accelerating when braking...HELP!

I have a 2002 Saturn SL1, and a good 1/3 of the time when I break (whether
on a hill or on flat road), the car accelerates up to 2,500 RPMs. It also
happens when I am almost completely stopped, which worries me because I
don't want to bump anyone on front of me. I am trying to find some
answers ahead of time so I don't have to pay an arm and a leg to get my
car evaluated at a Saturn dealer an hour away. The car has 71500miless
approx on it, and it is mostly driven around town and occasionaly on the
highway, and it is located in Vermont.

 

Examine the pedal cluster up under the dash. My guess is that when you push
the brake, it is somehow pulling on the throttle cable.

 

Sounds just like a faulty Engine Coolant Temp Sensor.

 

One would think that if the CTS was faulty, the idle would stay high
regardless. Is this linked with vehicle speed sensor?

when the engine is warmed up and idling (neutral, parking brake on) what is
the idle RPM? should be about 550.

 

It could be the power brake booster:

Sometimes the diaphragm tears, and it leaks vacuum when you step on the
brake pedal.

RK

 

I think this is a good place to start.

 

Worth checking on. If you feel OK driving without power brakes, pinch off
the vacuum line to the brake booster and see if you get the same behavior.

Any major vacuum leak could conceivably cause RPM to increase. Also check
PCV valve and charcoal canniser purge solenoid.