2nd Aug 2008, 00:40

I bought my 2002 L300 in April 2005. While I had a few options with the money I was spending, I was smitten with the leather interior, sleek exterior, and overall attractive design. The following are the problems I had with the car.

The ECM went out on me after 1 year with the car in my possession. It was covered by warranty still, so the dealership replaced it, no problem. No ECM problems since.

The sun roof motor went out on me, would have cost an arm and a leg to repair. It was in the closed position, so I did not bother fixing it. I think it was broken when someone tried to break into my car.

The only other thing that happened was my brakes going out on me. I had left a smog test to get my registration, and noticed the ABS light coming on. After leaving AAA with my tags, I decided to return to the smog test station to get them to fix my ABS indicator. As I was going down a sloped street, my breaks went out, causing me to smash into some poor guy with a new car two hours off the lot. Nobody was hurt, but my car was a total loss. Still not sure if the smog test station is responsible (currently being investigated by my insurance company.

Despite these shortcomings, I really loved that car. Anticipated maintenance dates so I could get them done early, washed every Friday, used the high octane gas only, and it ran like a dream. I know there are a lot of disgruntled Saturn drivers here, and some of you have every reason to be. I just wanted to put my voice on here by saying that I am currently looking for a new car, and yes, Saturns are definitely getting first looks. Thanks for reading.

19th Aug 2008, 23:31

Hi to all. My last post was on 25th Oct 2007, 14:04.

2001 LW300 98959 miles. Latest comments:

Since my last post I had the following problems/work performed (above and beyond normal maintenance (oil changes).

Note: I now live in Santa Cruz, CA. and there is no Saturd dealer - so I go to the local mechanic - Comprehensive Mechanics.

1. Heard a noise. Took it in. Water pump going out. I think this was the 2nd water pump replacement - the 1st was under warranty. Replaced it an also the timing belt. $500.

2. Heard a noise. Sounded like bad wheel bearings or CV joints going bad. Took it in. They said the front brake pads were worn to the rotors. They replaced the rotors with aftermarket parts. Also had the rear hatch/door struts replaced and oil job. Also, had to replace oil drain plug (worn/wouldn't unscrew) and oil filter housing (cracked) Total cost ~$500.

3. Had the Reduced Power light blink on and off followed by the Service "wrench" light come on. Car started shifting horribly with jarring thuds. Got home and parked the car. No problems in the morning but the Missus was concerned something would go out soon and leave us stranded. Took it in for a diagnostic check. Code P1510 (BACKUP POWER FAULT THROTTLE SYSTEM LIMIT). OK at this time. Suspect intermittent problem with throttle motor. The part estimate was $470 from Saturd. They will check cost of aftermarket part. I will drive the car until problem resurfaces. Diagnostic cost = $98.50. Later Gator!

4th Oct 2008, 10:12

I own a 2001 Saturn L300 I purchased new in July of '01. It was nearly totaled in a rear end collision 2 weeks later, and after additional problems were found during repairs, would have been totaled according to total cost of repairs. I have expected to have many problems with this car as a result of this history, but must admit that I have been very fortunate.

My gas gage failed after about 2 years, but I didn't try to have it fixed since it doesn't effect the car's performance. When I had to replace the fuel pump at some nominal fee in 2006 (non-Saturn mechanic) I had a new gas sensor? included in the repair, but the gage on the dash still doesn't work. I had taken a road trip in the week that the fuel pump failed, and bought extremely cheap gas at a station near the interstate. My mechanic blamed that gas for the fuel pump failure.

After about 3 years of ownership I noted that my car seemed to be "eating" tires. The Saturn dealership acknowledged partial responsibility for the excessive, unbalanced wear and split the cost of a new set of tires with me.

Until mid-September 2008 I have had no other problems with my Saturn. This new problem is with the air-conditioning. My mechanic says it is the failure of a "switch" and that I need to take it to the dealer for repair. He was unable to find the "switch." I prefer not to take it to the dealer, since I no longer live near the dealer I bought it from.

If anyone knows anything about this "switch" I would appreciate the info.

Other facts about my Saturn: Mileage 110,000, runs on the least expensive gas (87 oct), gets regular oil changes at about 4000 mile intervals (oops), and still runs beautifully. Also, this is the 3rd Saturn owned by a member of my family ('93 SC2, '96 SL, and my '01 L300. We have been fortunate to have few repairs of these vehicles.

Thanks for any info you may have about location of the AC switch and any special tools or access problems.

Connie.

5th Oct 2008, 18:30

I need help - my water pump has gone out on my Saturn. It's an 01 LS and I don't know how to change it... can anyone help?

7th Oct 2008, 08:12

Connie.

I would take your LW300 to any reputable shop to have the A/C looked at. There is a low-pressure switch in the A/C system that will not allow the compressor to operate should the refrigerant pressure drop. This is intentional as the refrigerant also contains the lubricant for the compressor. You may have a leak in the system that caused the problem. Any reputable shop will have the equipment to test and find the leak, replace the part, and have you're a/C working again.

Good luck and happy miles in your LW!