8th Sep 2010, 08:58
1996 Saturn SL2 manual with 487k miles. So these can last a while if taken care of? The only issue I have is that I need to add a half quart of oil every time I fill up with gas. As another poster already stated, if you are having intermittent problems starting the vehicle or it just shuts off while you are driving, it is most likely the crank position sensor. Had to replace mine three times.
30th Jan 2011, 18:19
I have a 96 SL2 the tranny will not shift into 4th gear unless the engine temp is a little hotter than normal. I have replaced the thermostat and the EGR valve, not because of the tranny problem, but because it had SES light on. Just for grins, I put cardboard in front of the radiator to cause the engine temp to run a little hotter, and it seems to work. I have wondered about the coolant sensor being bad and plan to replace it.
I sometimes have the same starting issues, but have found that making sure I have a good EGR valve will help if the fuel pump is good. One way to check is when the key is first turned on, you should hear the sound of the fuel pump running for a 5 or 6 seconds. Shut the key off, and try it again, and if you hear the pump run again, it could mean that the fuel pump is not pumping enough fuel to the engine. Have the fuel pump checked or replaced: warning, it could be costly, because the pump is in the fuel tank, and it has to be lowered, and the pump itself is not cheap. One thing I have found is, to start my car occasionally when it will not start, is to hold the accelerator down all the way until it starts. Good luck!
24th Feb 2011, 09:20
So Saturn lovers,
If it's not starting, change the crank position sensor.
If it's having coolant problems (radiator light) change the engine coolant temperature sensor.
96 and newer cars use obdII and any Auto Zone checker etc will diagnose for free. Bad catalytic converter will be checked here.
What do you do if it has knocking? I'm using 10-30w what my manual calls for. It has 132k and I'm using Lucas oil stabilizer and it seems to quieten it down a bit.
Also dash board lights don't turn on. Bad bulb maybe? How do you change, if so? Any other solutions?
6th Jun 2010, 13:17
Just bought 96 Saturn, other than some muffler noise it ran great, no problems, no sign of oil leaks.. Cleaned the engine and now oil is bubbling out around the rubber boots. Any ideas what is causing this and how to fix it?