Got a Quick, Technical Question?

5658 messages,  Last post on May 06, 2013 at 12:20 AM

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#5495 of 5658 Strange Vibrating by deekarmy

Feb 05, 2012 (3:55 pm)

Hello Everyone,
I own a 1998 Saturn SL2 and I was working on the car and found something odd vibrating. I'm not a car guy so I don't know the technical term, but I just know it doesn't look right. I took a video of my situation.
 
link title It isn't obvious in the video, but the second from the left is vibrating while the others are keeping still.
 
Also this is the second time in between oil changes that I had to top the oil off. And my milage has been much lower than I am used to (21-23 combined mpg, maybe 25 if 175mi of 200 are hiway)
 
So is this bad that my car is on its last legs or am I expecting a large repair cost?
 
Specs:
Year/Make/Model: 1998 Saturn SL2
Type & Size of Engine: 1.9L 124 hp I4
Transmission Type: (Auto)
Mileage: 80k
 
Thanks.

#5496 of 5658 Re: Strange Vibrating [deekarmy] by stickguy

Feb 05, 2012 (4:19 pm)

Replying to: deekarmy (Feb 05, 2012 3:55 pm)
I couldnt see anything vibrating (though I am using a laptop with a broken screen, looks like an ink blot test). But are you talking about the 4 rubber boots/wires in the center? that would be the spark plugs. And I assume on a '98 Saturn, it is just plain old spark plugs and wires, and not coil packs.
 
So I would pull the boot off and check that the plug is not loose, and that the boot is on tight.

#5497 of 5658 Re: Strange Vibrating [stickguy] by deekarmy

Feb 05, 2012 (9:20 pm)

Replying to: stickguy (Feb 05, 2012 4:19 pm)
Thanks stickguy,
 
You have it right that I'm talking about the four rubber boots/wires as you have worded it (I'm more of a computer guy than car guy) The second from the left vibrates like crazy. I'll go ahead and check it out.

#5498 of 5658 Re: Strange Vibrating [stickguy] by bolivar

Feb 05, 2012 (11:48 pm)

Replying to: stickguy (Feb 05, 2012 4:19 pm)
I couldn't tell anything from the video either. Actually sounded pretty good.
 
If only one is moving, then yes, as stickguy said, check that the plug wire is firmly on the plug. The plug might even loose.
 
At this milage, and especially at this age, 14 years, all you need might be a set of new plugs and new wires. Especially new wires. 4 plugs at what, $5 each, and a set of wires for $30 (?) for a total of $50 would not be throwing a lot of parts at an unknown problem. And if the motor has never had the plugs and wires changed, it surely could not hurt.
 
A spark plug socket and a cheap 3/8 inch rachet set should enable you to change these plugs. They look very easy, sitting on top of the motor, very accessible. For $75 or so you can get what a shop will call a 'tune-up' (plugs and wires) and would probably charge $225....

#5499 of 5658 03 Infiniti G35 starting problems by kokopuff

Feb 08, 2012 (1:52 pm)

I have replaced battery and it starts sporatic somtimes nothing unless I turn and wiggle the steering wheel. Any thoughts on what the problem is or my next step, worried my wife is going to get stranded.

#5500 of 5658 Re: 03 Infiniti G35 starting problems [kokopuff] by qbrozen

Feb 08, 2012 (2:15 pm)

Replying to: kokopuff (Feb 08, 2012 1:52 pm)
if wiggling the steering wheel is the cure, it sounds like the ignition switch is going.

#5501 of 5658 Re: 03 Infiniti G35 starting problems [kokopuff] by euphonium

Feb 08, 2012 (2:52 pm)

Replying to: kokopuff (Feb 08, 2012 1:52 pm)
Well, Valentines Day IS coming up.

#5502 of 5658 Re: 03 Infiniti G35 starting problems [qbrozen] by burdawg

Feb 09, 2012 (2:26 pm)

Replying to: qbrozen (Feb 08, 2012 2:15 pm)
Or possibly the neutral safety switch or harness connector inside the column.

#5503 of 5658 1994 GS300 Code 41 & 71 by lordy1

Mar 02, 2012 (1:59 pm)

I have a 1994 GS300 that consistently displays a 41 & 71 fault codes along with “check engine” & “TRAC OFF” and the “TRAC” light comes on intermittently, I haven’t been able to interrogate the codes when the “TRAC” light is on.
 
For code 41 I replaced the Throttle Position Sensor, for code 71 the EGR valve has been cleaned and the EGR gas temp. Sensor replaced. After replacing these parts and clearing the codes they come back within 20 miles of driving.
 
I’m unconfused and out of ideas. Please help.

#5504 of 5658 vacuum lines by bieks

Mar 23, 2012 (9:11 am)

hi, i have a 99 chevy tahoe. i'm looking for help finding the vacuum diagram for this vehicle.
any help would be great.
thanks
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