23rd Jun 2011, 14:04
I have a 1997 Saturn SC2 coupe (5-speed manual transmission), and the shift linkage failed recently. The plastic grommet that connects the shift lever and shifter cables was broken. The comments on this forum helped when I opened up the center console to attempt a fix (thanks!). Dealers and repair shops want to charge hundreds for an assembly that includes the plastic grommet. However, NAPA Auto Parts has a "shift cable bushing", part # 620-1411 for Saturns (cost ~ $20.00). I installed it and the car works fine!
6-23-2011.
4th Jan 2012, 15:38
I bought a 97 SC2 DOHC 1.9 auto trans with 121k miles on it. Now I have 229k, and have had the oil burning problem since I've bought the car, but it's cut down a lot since I've been adding Roslone ring seal/stop smoke to it every oil change. I use 5w-30 Castrol Syntec blend. After I first bought the car, the service engine soon light would go on and off. Autozone scanner said misfire for cylinder 3 and cam position sensor. Well I know it doesn't have a cam position sensor, and the misfire is still kind of a mystery.
Anyway, the first thing that went out was the belt tensioner, which left me stranded. Replaced that and the belt.
Then the alternator went out. Replaced that, then the battery went dead. Got an Interstate battery with a 5 year warranty.
Then water pump went out.
Replaced: both control arms, both tie rods, full brake job, plugs many times, wires, coils, PCV valve, valve cover gasket (2), fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator (made BIG difference).
The tranny went out too, because I changed the fluid like an idiot at 226k. Works good now.
But I've got this rattle / knocking coming from what I thought was the motor mounts, but it's still doing it, but only in gear at low speeds and at a stop. But if you put it in N, it goes quiet, but the revs do go up a little for a couple seconds.
And got a rumbling coming from the front end; not sure, but I think it's the wheel bearings. Plus my MPG has dropped too. And when I'm pulling up to a light, I like to coast. I'll put it in N, and the revs go up to 2 and won't go down until I stop for a couple of seconds. Plus my revs are the same at 60 mph and 70, at 3 RPM. WTF? POS Saturn I guess. Is this O2 sensor? Or TPS. Need help please.
9th Jan 2012, 10:20
My car burns oil too. I think all old Saturn's do. Try Roslone ring seal / stop smoke. It helped my car a lot. Also with the hesitation problem, I would change the fuel pressure regulator and maybe fuel injectors too. After I replaced the parts in my car, it made a big difference. Good luck Saturn brother! :)
21st Jun 2010, 10:28
I own a 97 SC2 automatic with 150,000 miles on it. I have owned it since 2004 with 59,000 miles on it, and prior to that, all maintenance was done at the local Saturn dealership.
I have had a problem with it burning oil since I bought it, but read that was pretty much the norm. The car has run well and driven out nicely. Other than an incident at the job site, it has not been in any accidents.
I have put two water pumps on it. The coolant has been flushed several times. It has had two new batteries. The transmission was rebuilt a little over a year ago. The front differential was replaced, and after six weeks of working on it, they sorted out that after market parts wouldn't fit. The original fuel pump was recently replaced. Last week the starter went out and now the thermostat is working sporadically.
The car is burning up to 3 quarts of oil between oil changes. It sounds like it is popping popcorn as it cools off. The vehicle hesitates as it is accelerating.
I still think that it had potential to be a great car, but I am not up to replacing the motor. I personally think that the changes in fuel have not helped this car. I would still purchase a Saturn, but I'd be prepared for the increased maintenance costs after 100k miles.