11th Aug 2010, 00:48
For the post on the lights flashing on and off and other abnormal occurrences, it ended up being my body control module was bad. Try that first! These online posts have been really helpful in diagnosing mechanical issues with my 2002 Saturn L200.
11th Aug 2010, 14:25
Have a 2003 Saturn L200 Automatic, 2.2L DOHC 16 Valve L4 engine with 104,000 miles, and the AC stopped getting cold. My mechanic said it was the compressor and needs to be replaced. Does anyone know what this should cost? My mechanic said $750, just want to make sure I'm not getting ripped off. Also, there is a thumping noise/rattle every time I drive over a bump, sounds like it's coming from the rear of the car near the axle. Anyone had a similar problem with their Saturn L200, any ideas?
20th Sep 2010, 21:31
Purchased 2002 L200 new.
At 7,000 miles, the computer went out (covered by warranty).
At 24,000 miles the catalytic converter went out (covered by warranty).
At 129,000, catalytic converter went out again (about $1,000).
The car is just under 150,000 miles and recently replaced oxygen sensor and fuel pump, and some other repairs (about $1,100).
Now the air compressor has to be replaced (home mechanic will replace for $600 to include the parts). Oh, and have had the issue with tires and brakes too.
Had a 1998 Saturn SL2 that I loved; wrecked/totaled it, and thought I had to have another Saturn. Unfortunately, got a LEMON. I definitely understand after owning this car why Saturn went out of business.
23rd Oct 2010, 13:37
2003 Sat L2k with 97K miles. Bought over 3 years ago.
Replaced alternator and battery 2 times.
Fuel pump replaced.
Brake issues since we got the car.
Shaky front end.
Flickering dash lights.
Smoke coming from steering wheel when brights are flashed.
Check engine light been on for some time, and found out it is the cat converter.
Just can't afford to continue to make repairs on this car. Still owe 9K from being upside down from the trade-in to get this piece of junk. I'm sure there are many more problems I've had with this car, but there were so many I can't name them all at this time.
It is certainly a LEMON! I truly dislike SATURN! Will never buy GM again.
22nd Jun 2011, 20:19
2002 SATURN L 200.
Purchased car NEW in 2002 (second Saturn, first one got totaled in a wreck). Currently, in 2011, it has only 75,000 miles on it after 9 years.
I join the rest of you with THOSE electrical problems! AC/Heater fan quit working, BCM is BAD, door locks quit working, all dashlights GONE, console lights GONE. The remotes (2) don't work at all even after cleaning, new batteries, and resetting them.
I have just replaced the fuel pump because the 90 degree "plastic" part that is on TOP of the fuel pump got a crack somehow and fuel was leaking bad. Should of been recalled by Saturn, but was not. That was a $587.00 job in June, 2011 the 3rd brake lights stopped working. Bulbs are available at AutoZone, but you have to cut the ends off, bend wires over, then insert to make them work. Much cheaper than the $7.00 EACH ones that Saturn charged. Tires do NOT last long on rear especially regardless of brand.
I paid about $22,000 for car new. It's paid for, but it's worth NOTHING pretty much as a trade in vehicle, so I will drive it until the wheels fall off. I don't think that will be much longer either!
We will buy us a new Buick LaCrosse I think. Remember the old slogan, "Hadn't you better rather drive a Buick?" (HA). Of course, the Toyota, Nissan and others like the VW are cool too. This old man is tired of all the Saturn STRESS! Their cheap parts made a
not so cheap car! No wonder they are out of business now!
I have got a 65 Plymouth Sport Fury III Convertible that is now only 45 years old now that is a much better car than any Saturn out there! Simple car to work on, no fancy thrills to break. Life was so good back in the 60s! Peace!
26th Aug 2011, 22:50
I have a 2002 LW200, 2.2, same problem, turn the A/C on and see if the A/C clutch is engaging. If not, it may be just the clutch. Firestone wanted 1400 to change the whole system, couldn't find just a clutch, so I bought a compressor from a junk yard, took the clutch off (not real hard, video on net) Had a mechanic change it for 200. Works fine for the last 2 months so far. Hope this helps.
6th Sep 2011, 14:16
...Tires do NOT last long on rear especially, regardless of brand.
Are your brakes dragging?
25th Sep 2011, 13:16
Your problem sounds like an alternator voltage regulator; you can have it tested at most reputable parts stores.
27th Dec 2011, 14:53
I have a 2003 L200, and since I have had it, I had to replace the water pump, fuel pump, timing chain, cat. converter, and battery. Oh my, I wish I had known what I was buying before I got it. The car only had one owner when I bought it at 10300 miles. Was running good until 10800, when it started acting up ever since. I made a promise to myself that I would never buy a Ford Taurus again, and now I'm adding Saturn to the list.
19th Nov 2009, 11:50
I own a 2003 Saturn L300. I bought it from a local used car dealer. It had 98,000 miles on it at the time I purchased it. It came from a car rental business in Texas.
I have, up until recently, been very pleased with my Saturn. Roomy enough for my family, great gas mileage, and great in snowy Wisconsin weather.
However, I too had an alternator go out. I replaced it with a used one. But now, I have lights flickering, but mine is not just my dash lights, its the headlights and I am afraid I am going to get pulled over! Also with the flashing lights, most of the other accessory lights flash and my "ding" alert keeps dinging.
I am going to try to find the cheapest new alternator and change that and see if it works.
Other than that issue, knock on wood, my Saturn L200 has been pretty reliable, but after reading previous posts, if I can get this blinking light and dinging problem fixed, I think I am going to have to trade it in. Can anyone suggest any places on line for cheap new alternators?