Common questions

Why does my 1996 Saturn SL2 not start?

Why does my 1996 Saturn SL2 not start?

The battery in my 1996 SL2 discharged because the car was sitting for several months unused (I know, I know — I should have disconnected the battery!). So I recharged it (pretty sure, anyway). Now the lights come on, etc. but when I turn the ignition the car cranks for about 1 second then stops cranking and there is a loud rapid clicking noise.

What’s the problem with my Saturn’s series?

I have a 95 Saturn s-series with trouble starting when cold. Sometimes it take 5-10 minutes to get it started. When it does start it is all you can do to keep it running. I have had it to 2 different repair shops spending way too much to not have the problem fixed.

Why is my Saturn’s series making a clicking noise?

Now the lights come on, etc. but when I turn the ignition the car cranks for about 1 second then stops cranking and there is a loud rapid clicking noise. I’ve seen this symptom before in other cars but I can’t remember what they mean. Can anyone help?

Why does my Saturn wagon keep getting stuck in Park?

1997 Saturn Wagon keeps getting stuck in park. Push on brakes, rock the car, wiggle gear shift. Doesn’t always lock in park. just every few days. :confuse: After sitting with the car running for a few minutes I popped the clutch on my Saturn.

The battery in my 1996 SL2 discharged because the car was sitting for several months unused (I know, I know — I should have disconnected the battery!). So I recharged it (pretty sure, anyway). Now the lights come on, etc. but when I turn the ignition the car cranks for about 1 second then stops cranking and there is a loud rapid clicking noise.

I have a 95 Saturn s-series with trouble starting when cold. Sometimes it take 5-10 minutes to get it started. When it does start it is all you can do to keep it running. I have had it to 2 different repair shops spending way too much to not have the problem fixed.

Now the lights come on, etc. but when I turn the ignition the car cranks for about 1 second then stops cranking and there is a loud rapid clicking noise. I’ve seen this symptom before in other cars but I can’t remember what they mean. Can anyone help?

Why does my Saturn 104k not start up?

My ’97 Saturn (104K) starts well in the morning. I drive home everyday about noon. When I try to start it, it cranks, and will eventually start, but it takes a good 8 to 10 seconds to get it going. The weather is hot when I have these problems, not sure if this has anything to do with it. Any thoughts?

What should I do if my Saturn ignition is not working?

Turn the ignition key and try to start the engine. If the battery is known to be fully charged, the Saturn should start. If there is an error in the ignition switch, you will not hear the typical faint “click” when you initially turn the ignition key to the “III” position to crank the engine.

When does a Saturn’s series engine fail?

The aftermarket replacements have a quality problem; best bet is to find a low mileage junkyard replacement or order the OE part (~$70). Not hugely common, but still a recurring failure. They usually fail when the engine is hot. You’ll be driving along, and suddenly the engine dies, and won’t restart until it cools.

My ’97 Saturn (104K) starts well in the morning. I drive home everyday about noon. When I try to start it, it cranks, and will eventually start, but it takes a good 8 to 10 seconds to get it going. The weather is hot when I have these problems, not sure if this has anything to do with it. Any thoughts?

Are there any problems with the Saturn’s series?

Saturn experimented with making these out of plastic, it was a huge failure. ALL of them failed, if you still own one of these cars and it hasn’t been replaced, it has failed. Symptoms include hard starting, rough idle, temperature gauge not working, awful fuel economy, poor performance, and stumbling, among many other things.

Why is my fuel pump not working on my Saturn s?

This is caused mainly by overdrawing from the 12v socket, or high power aftermarket accessories drawing from the same circuit. There will be melted plastic around the fuse. The radio, chime module, dome light, 12v socket, and fuel pump are on this circuit. You will probably know about it when the fuel pump stops working.

What kind of spark plugs do Saturn’s series use?

Most copper plugs fit this description. Narrow fine wire electrodes almost always cause problems, usually a p0300 and running like the car needs new plugs. The easiest thing to do here is just use the OE spark plugs, they’re inexpensive and just work. NGK BKR5ESA-11 (DOHC) and BKR4ESA-11 (SOHC). These have a higher than normal failure rate.

What causes a Saturn’s to slam into reverse?

This causes the car to “slam” into reverse and/or harsh upshifts, depending on which is worn. It will eventually destroy the line pressure solenoid, which will make for very hard upshifts. If left for a while, it will knock the input shaft nut loose, further worsening the condition of the shifts.

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Ruth Doyle