Need help with '96 SL temp sensor/service engine light

I have an intermitant problem with my '96 Saturn SL.
The engine runs fine for a few days, then the "Check Engine" light
comes on, and once in a while the coolant temp warning comes on, even
with the engine still hardly even warmed up. The engine runs rough at
idle and surges while accelerating. The coolant temp warning will
usually go out, but the service engine light will stay on, sometimes
for several days. Then the light will not come on for a few days, and
the engine runs smooth again. Maybe the next day the light will come
on, repeat above.
I'm thinking the coolant temp sender is bad.
I had it replaced at the dealer a few months ago during another repair
- they said it was cracked and leaking. Looking at my bill it's a
pretty cheap part, 14 bucks for the sensor and $32 for the connector
to hook it up, but it must be a bitch to replace, because they charged
1.5 hours of labor to replace it.
I'd imagine the warranty was only 30-90 days on the part.

Should I buy a new sensor and try to replace it myself?


Any advice would be apreciated!

Larry
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Larry Grapentine
IPMS #40310
Peoria, Arizona, USA

visit the IPMS Craig Hewitt
Chapter web site at
www.ipms-phx.org
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Changing the coolant temp sensor should be less than fifteen minutes of work
for most people - including the connector. The dealer charged 1.5 hours to
replace it because they can.

Lane [ lane (at) evilplastic.com ]