Saturn Maintenance & Repair - READ ONLY

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What is this discussion about? Saturn VUE, Saturn ION, Saturn L-Series, Saturn Relay, Electrical, Engine, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, SUV

#125 of 860 Saturn 200 SL2 SES Light Problem P0442 by greamer

Aug 14, 2004 (8:39 am)

This was posted on another board. Saturn Tennesee does not help me. Dealer knows nothing. Can anyone help me?
 
My car will be illegal to drive in New York State next year unless Saturn can fix the problem. They have had it 11 times on this all dealer maintained car. The problem started at 12990 miles 2 days after warranty and car now has 17600 miles. I may have to give this car away to charity.
Following is a long saga of dealing with P0442 code on a 2000-Saturn
SL2:
 
Saturn has yet to fix this vehicle with reliability or credibility;
the manufacturer doesn't seem to have the answer, either. Problem
started 2 days after 3-year warranty was up: Last visit, car was in
shop for three days. Car has never been to an outside mechanic.
Notice repeat part replacements on this low mileage car. Come
4/1/2005 this car will not pass inspection in New York State. In
fairness, Saturn has not charged me, but I can't even get another
dealer to take this car as a trade-in.
 
Any suggestions on what Saturn mechanics failed to do? They claim car
passes pressure tests and smoke tests -- that the car is mechanically
sound -- that there is no leak.
 
George
 
Date Miles Part and Part serial number and job
 
>04-Nov-2002 10622 PCM Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 21025106 Replace
>04-Nov-2002 10622 Connector 12117087 Repair ALDL/DLC/SES
>02-Jun-2003 12875 State Inspecrion
>10-Jun-2003 12996 None No Repair
>17-Jun-2003 13113 Seal-F/PM 21008100 Replace Fuel Pump Seal
>07-Jul-2003 13339 Solenoid, Evap. Emiss. Cannister Purge 10293954 Replaced Valve ASM
>07-Jul-2003 13339 Solenoid, Evap. Emiss. Cannister Purge 21007370 Replaced Tank ASM
>23-Jul-2003 13509 Fuel Vapor Pressure Sensor 16238399 Replaced
>11-Aug-2003 13773 Solenoid, Evap. Rmiss. Cannister Purge 21008461 Replaced Solenoid
>16-Sep-2003 14242 PCM Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 21025106 Replace
>21-Oct-2003 14605 Tank ASM 21007370 Replace Fuel Tank
>21-Oct-2003 14605 Cannister 17098073 Replace Fuel Vapor Cannister
>21-Oct-2003 14605 Valve ASM 10293954 Replace Vaklve for Evap. Emiss Cannister Vent Solenoid
>21-Oct-2003 14605 Pump Kit 21015152 Replace in tank Fuel Pump
>06-Jan-2004 15467 Fuel Tank Filler Neck 21008388 Replace fuel tank filler neck
>04-May-2004 16672 Engine Control Module (PCM/ECM) 21025128 Replace Computer
>14-Jun-2004 17217 PCM Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 21025106 Replace
>14-Jun-2004 17217 Fuel Tank Cap 22660002 Replace
>27-Jul-2004 17567 Fuel Vapor Pressure Sensor 16238399 Replace

#126 of 860 Saturn L300 by crb

Sep 01, 2004 (8:27 am)

I have recently had problems (well, I've always had problems with the car, but these are ongoing) starting my saturn. It cranks and cranks and won't turn over. I had this happen back in April, and they replaced the fuel filter and fuel pump. Then it started a couple weeks ago and they replaced the "crankshaft position sensor" to the tune of $200! That did basically nothing. now they have no real idea, only that it might be the ignition cylinder which would cost $400 to fix. has anyone else run into a problem like this?
 
Just a break down of the car, in case it helps:
- 2001 Saturn L300 (V6)
- 120K miles

#127 of 860 by kzumbahlen

Sep 30, 2004 (9:46 am)

I have a 2003 Ion 3 Quad Coupe and had a few minor problems with it. The front fog light help moisture, which Satun gladly fixed and now the paint on the driver side has started to chip off. I don't park next to people in parking lots and I don't open my doors up into other peoples cars. The paint chips are small but they are all down the door. Anyone else had this problem?

#128 of 860 Saturn 2000 LS-1 2nd BLOWN engine! by deputy53

Oct 23, 2004 (4:00 am)

OK! give me your opinion on this one: have a 2000 LS-1 81,000 and change on odometer. 1st engine locked up at 20,000 and change. Cause: main bearing failure on crankshaft. Saturn DID replace under warranty! 2nd engine gone at less than 62,000 miles on it. Cause: Timing chain broke on Interstate- valve's and piston's met-end of engine! Now, Saturn wants $5,000 for a NEW engine installed! I use Castrol Syntec oil, and change it and filter every 3K.(My father was a mechanic-taught me importance of filters and maintenance.)
Q: Do you think I should be 100% responsible for the replacement cost of this failure? AND when I go to trade it in, or sell, how do I explain THREE engines in 4 years to the buyer/sales person?

#129 of 860 by alcan

Oct 23, 2004 (5:06 am)

It's usually not the timing chain that breaks. The nylon rubbing blocks on the chain guides wear out, allowing too much slack in the chain. The chain jumps a few teeth and the rest is history. If it lets go at low speed it's usually just a matter of pulling the head and replacing all the bent exhaust valves. If it jumps at high speed there might be piston damage. Common Saturn problem.

#130 of 860 Re: Saturn 200 SL2 SES Light Problem P0442 [greamer] by jschafer

Oct 24, 2004 (3:32 pm)

Replying to: greamer (Aug 14, 2004 8:39 am)
There is a Service Bulletin concerning this problem and recommends that the computer need to be re-programmed. I had the same problem, and this is what the service tech said was needed. Hope this helps.
 
                             Joe

#131 of 860 Re: 95'SL1 oil burning pig [mush1] by needabeat

Nov 01, 2004 (8:38 am)

Replying to: mush1 (Nov 08, 2000 5:50 am)
I have had a 95 SL1 going on 9 years now. It have been burning oil for the past 7 years. The dealership can not find out why it is burning oil. I have been putting 10W 30 in it every week or two or three, depending on how much I drive it. They seem to not be able to come up with any solution. I recently have been having trouble getting the shift out of park, any problems with that?

#132 of 860 Re: Oil Consumption problem/Shift in park by needabeat

Nov 01, 2004 (8:46 am)

Replying to: marcina1969 (Jan 16, 2001 10:08 am)
PROBLEM 1 BURNING OIL
 
I have a 95 SL1 and I have had it for 9 years. For the past 7 years it have been burning oil. I fill it up with 1-2 quarts of oil every 1, 2, or 3 weeks, depending on how much I drive it. They can not find out what is wrong with it. The dipstick is completely black before I am able to get it into it's regularly scheduled 3,000 mile FREE oil change ($7 for the air filter) that I have been receiving for the past 9 years.
 
PROBLEM 2 SHIFT STUCK IN PARK
 
NOW I can not get my shift out of park. I can not get my car into the shop into the following weekend because they just went back to work after the 10 week strike. I have been leaving my car in neutral w/ the emergency brake on with the key in the ignition in my garage. Otherwise I am risking not being able to make it to my destinations. Is anyone else having this problem?
I WILL NEVER EVER PURCHASE ANOTHER SATURN!

#133 of 860 by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Nov 01, 2004 (12:38 pm)

Oh, if your oil is getting dirty fast you have blow-by from the combustion chamber into the crankcase. Worn rings probably.

#134 of 860 Re: Oil Consumption problem/Shift in park [needabeat] by alcan

Nov 01, 2004 (3:28 pm)

Replying to: needabeat (Nov 01, 2004 8:46 am)
Not sure who "they" are but any tech familiar with Saturns knows both problems well. #1 cause of Saturn oil consumption is the oil rings seized in their grooves in the pistons, especially in old single cam engines. The compression rings aren't affected so a compression test shows normal. A soak in GM Top Engine Cleaner as per instructions *might* free up the rings, otherwise it's a teardown with at least new rings but probably a rebore and new pistons.
 
Re the shifter, they like to break just above the support for the Park - Reverse detent. Shifter repair is possible but requires labour intensive disassembly, welding of the lever, and reassembly. Better to find a used shifter assembly in a recycling yard.

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