1997 Saturn S-Series Consumer Discussions

Saturn S-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 1997 saturn [togfleon2003]

  Written by: rbillieuxsr on Sep 23, 2011 4:41:08 PM

  what would cause mis-fire--maybe put fuel injector cleaner in? mil light was flashing then came on steady car does funny things like p0404-egr comes on wnen gas low cleaned it many times

• Re: 1997 saturn [rbillieuxsr]

  Written by: togfleon2003 on Sep 23, 2011 4:29:57 PM

  i think it the right one, you would see gas on this plug if misfire. check all 4 the one thats wet is misfiring. but thats just a code it might be fuel injector too.

• 1997 saturn

  Written by: rbillieuxsr on Sep 23, 2011 4:16:00 PM

  p03001 code--number one cylinder mis-firing spark plug??? and which one is number one when facing engine?

• 97 Saturn SC2 starting issues

  Written by: s2adams on Jun 28, 2011 2:31:09 PM

  I have had a problem with my car not starting randomly for over a year. Its a 1997 Saturn SC2, 1.9 liter dohc, 185k miles. Two different times, months apart, I would go out to my car and it wouldnt start. Both times, I would send it to the shop, and they would tell me it started right up. They mentioned it being flooded with fuel. Now the car is having ... Read More

Saturn S-Series Starting Problems

• 1997 Saturn SL1 1.9 engine

  Written by: bunt2 on Jun 19, 2009 6:20:09 AM

  Re problum 1997 Saturn, after a lot of grief it turned out to be a heat sensor and cost me $14.95, worth checking. Hope this works for you.

• Saturn sl1 starting problems Dire Help!

  Written by: jeffkeller1989 on Apr 15, 2011 8:11:55 PM

  I have a 1997 saturn sl1 1.9 sohc i am a single parent with two kids and i have no way of getting to where i need to ... i bought the car about 2 weeks ago and the day i got it i tried starting it and it would crank but no start .. i pulled the plugs out to check for spark.. nothing so i thought maybe ignition problems ... Read More

Saturn S-Series

• Re: 1997 Saturn SC2 (AT) transmission problems HELP PLZ! [nate91304]

  Written by: willie761 on Dec 15, 2010 4:11:48 PM

  sounds like transmission shift sensors have car checked with a computer try auto zone they will put it on your car and tell u why your check engine light is on

Saturn S-Series Water Leaks

• Re: Water leak [normarby]

  Written by: lilydale on Aug 1, 2010 1:19:54 PM

  I found this advice that might be the problem: http://www.2carpros.com/forum/1997-saturn-sc2-water-leak-vt478714.html mine leaks in the trunk and sometimes the back seat. there are rubber hoses that come detached periodically back there, so when i notice all my stuff soaking wet, i have to push the rubber hose pieces back together. but this link is answer to a leak with the water coming in the front, and possibly will help you

Saturn S-Series Maintenance and Repair

• saturn sc2 manual tranny leaks

  Written by: lukemorell on Jul 12, 2010 9:55:45 AM

  I have been trying to find out how to fix leaks in my saturn. It is a 1997 sc2 5 speed manual transmission with 130,000 miles on it, i drained the tranny fluid and refilled it with lucas stop leak and dextron III like the manual said, it's not leaking so much from the bottom of the transmission now, but leaking at the top near the clutch, but i didn't overfill ... Read More

• Re: Saturn 1997 SL1 ECTS [shopdog97]

  Written by: 442dude on Feb 16, 2010 6:39:18 PM

  You should replace the connector with the ECTS - the connectors go bad when the sensors go bad. ECTS= Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

• Re: Saturn 1997 SL1 ECTS [billja]

  Written by: shopdog97 on Dec 28, 2009 12:22:18 PM

  Hi, billja. I have a similar problem on my '96 SL-1. Over a year ago, I replaced the thermostat, flushed the cooling system and also did the Temperature sensor while I was at it. And yes, I got one from Autozone cheap. Almost immediately I had issues. The temp gauge went up to the halfway mark as soon as I started it, and the electric fan also started as well. The ... Read More

• 1997 saturn wont start when a/c on

  Written by: tony2shoes on Aug 22, 2009 9:36:51 AM

  Hi, 1997 saturn wont start when a/c fan and a/c buttons are on position can start first time in morning a/c can be left on position and fan can be left on . but once the car is running for a while with a/c on can not restart car unless i shut a/c down and turn fan off help. i was told it needed a fuel pump,fuel filter, alternator(generator) etc.etc. its ... Read More

Saturn S-Series Electrical/Lighting

• Re: 1997 Saturn SC Power Windows [mcavicchio]

  Written by: boregard9 on May 28, 2009 2:04:00 PM

  it seems that it is possibly the window motors. I have experienced window motor failures on different cars. One way to find out is to have a helper and one person sit in the car and actuate the window. If it fails to operate, bang on the door with the heel of your hand. If the motor has bad contacts or brushes as most electric motors do, it will start to ... Read More

Saturn S-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Saturn 1997 SL1 ECTS

  Written by: billja on Mar 9, 2009 6:24:16 AM

  Hi, I had a problem with rough start,high idle,had to floor gas pedal to start sometimes.I saw on a forum to replace the engine coolant temp sensor.I got one at autozone for $10.50 and installed it,took 5 mins.This did not help at all. I then replaced pcv valve,plugs and wires (they were due to be replaced anyway) also the O2 sensor.Car ran better but still had same problem starting.Took car to ... Read More

• high idle and vibration

  Written by: unklepaulie on Feb 25, 2009 4:42:02 PM

  I have a 1997 Saturn SL1 5 speed manual. When i start it in the morning i get a loud annoying vibration coming from the engine when its cold, and i have a idle problem where the idle shoots up when i change gears, worse when it's cold. anyone know why i'm having this problem? the car has good pick up and has no kind of hesitation when i give it ... Read More

Saturn S-Series

• Re: Saturn SL2 1997, Timing Chain Noise. [nissan7271]

  Written by: bstrickhouser on Feb 15, 2009 5:56:29 PM

  Hello, I have a 1997 Saturn SL2 and it sounds like I am experiencing the same sounds you describe in your posting. Could you tell me what the problem ended up being and waht the fix was. Thanks Brian

Saturn Sl2 DOHC transmission problems

• Saturn Sl2 DOHC transmission problems

  Written by: ajmarron on Nov 29, 2008 11:47:14 AM

  I have a 1998 saturn sl2 DOHC 5 speed and the transmission is shot. Can I replace the it with a transmission from a 1997 saturn sl2 DOHC 5 speed?

Saturn S-Series Electrical/Lighting

• Re: 1997 Saturn SL1 serive light comes on [downstigger]

  Written by: 442dude on Nov 17, 2008 4:02:55 PM

  Go to Autozone or another auto parts store - they will read the codes for free. Make sure you get the actual codes and then post them here. I'll keep an eye out...

• 1997 Saturn SL1 serive light comes on

  Written by: downstigger on Nov 8, 2008 5:52:55 PM

  My stepson and myself installed an after factory stereo and now when I start the car within seconds the service light comes on and stays on. We have tried disconnecting the positive post on the battery and waiting as long as 15 minutes. Is there something I am missing? Everything works and I have had no problems with the car since I purchased it 2 weeks ago. Any suggestions, before I ... Read More

Saturn S-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Wierd Noise.

  Written by: juliomex4ever on Sep 8, 2008 4:34:05 PM

  WIERD NOISE Hi i drive a 1997 Saturn SC2.. every time i turn on my car and then make a turn it makes a weird scratching or like juggling sound (its like a soft sounding grinding or rubbing) also if there are steep turns. I have heard its the old suspension coils or something?? maybe even the steering wheel or something? or is it just the ABS working??? CAR STARTING Also ... Read More

• OIL in my first spark plug

  Written by: juliomex4ever on Aug 15, 2008 4:16:41 PM

  i was gonna change my spark plugs when i found oil in one of the holes there was quite a bit. . .only in one in my 1997 saturn sc2. . . Does anyone know whats wrong and how to fix it???

• Service Engine Soon Light

  Written by: a2shato on May 7, 2008 6:52:07 AM

  Hello, My name is Jackie and I have some questions on what I should do. I have a 1997 Saturn SL1 and have had it for about a year and half. The car has been wonderful, but I have recently had the issue of the service engine soon light coming on. I have regularly had the oil changed and it's not due for another change for another month or so. It ... Read More

• car accident bumper repairs?

  Written by: juliomex4ever on Apr 21, 2008 1:51:45 PM

  i was in an accident today some guy hit my back bumper and he scraped the back bumper and chipped some paint how much to repair? i dont need to but a whole new bumper do i its not that big of a deal. . 1997 Saturn sc2

• 1997 SC2 Broken Passenger Seat

  Written by: juliomex4ever on Jan 27, 2008 9:34:41 AM

  I own a Saturn Sc2 and for some odd reason my passenger seat wont slide back anymore. That lever under the seat moves a little bit and when i try to move the seat front or backwards it wont move at all. I think some rail moved or a mechanism broke, I tried fixing it but no good. I dont know if I should take it to the mechanics and get ... Read More

• Re: 1997 SL1 problems [saturnlvr]

  Written by: 442dude on Apr 8, 2008 6:16:20 PM

  Hello saturnlvr.... I was a poor college student once...here's what you're going to do: 1. Replace O2 sensor...p0133 means that your front oxygen sensor is bad...open the hood & look straight down...right behind the fan you'll see something mounted on the exhaust manifold with a wire coming out of it - that's what you need to replace...Autozone has an online manual for S-Series saturns link title the sensor should be under ... Read More

• 1997 SL1 problems

  Written by: saturnlvr on Apr 8, 2008 4:45:28 PM

  I have a 1997 Saturn SL1, manual transmission, with 158,000 miles on it. Until recently I've never really had any probmems with it (except I had to replace the shifter cables last year and it drinks oil a lot now) but lately my check engine light has been coming on and sometimes when I put it into 2nd gear, it really loses power (mostly when the air conditioner is on). I ... Read More

• How much for a tune up?

  Written by: juliomex4ever on Apr 4, 2008 6:13:40 PM

  I drive a 1997 Saturn SC2. I just wanted to know how much a normal tune up would cost. I am a full time student and low on cash so i am trying to save as much money as possible.

Saturn S-Series Starting Problems

• 1997 SC2 Starting Problem

  Written by: juliomex4ever on Jan 27, 2008 9:46:23 AM

  My Saturn doesnt have much of a problem the thing is when i try to start it it chugs and sometimes doesnt turn on. . Should i hold the key turned and continue chuggging it or stop cuz it might mess up the car. Also i think the problem could be old spark plugs is that the problem? This is my first car and i would like to know as much ... Read More

Saturn S-Series: Fuel System

• Special Policy: 1997 Saturn Fuel Pump Failure

  Written by: satidle on Dec 30, 2007 1:47:16 PM

  Has anyone had experience with this? I bought my '97 SL1 in Sep 1999 with 24K miles. By Nov 1999 I was already having problems with it starting hard, or starting and running then dying suddenly. Saturn Svc was unable to verify/duplicate problem: No codes, battery OK, PCM Temp Sensor reading properly. In April 2000, I received a letter from Saturn Corp re their "Special Policy relating to 1997 model year ... Read More

Saturn S-Series

• Re: 1997 Saturn SC2 (AT) transmission problems HELP PLZ! [sideways2]

  Written by: gar2 on Dec 1, 2007 11:12:06 PM

  I have a 2002 SC-2 that down shifts very hard from 3rd to second and sometimes very hard going into second. Soft throttle shifts or full throttle shifts are no problem and it does not do this all the time and seems to be more prone to doing this when cold. It first did this at 30,000 miles and I took it to the dealer where they tightened the input shaft ... Read More

Saturn SL Engine Management

• Saturn Overheating

  Written by: malessia on Nov 7, 2007 9:57:55 AM

  I am the proud owner of a 1997 4dr SL. I have replace the thermostate, radiator, water pump, and heater coil. Still, I overheat per the gauge 3 or 4 times in a 25 mile stretch. The gauge reads in the read a while and then theres some noise and it cools down. I also do not have heat. Yes, again I have change the thermostate twice. I am good on ... Read More

Saturn S-Series

• Re: 1997 Saturn SC2 (AT) transmission problems HELP PLZ! [nate91304]

  Written by: sideways2 on Sep 5, 2007 8:49:24 PM

  ok i ownd that same car till it was totaled, but anyways the thing with the saturn SC2 's are the transmition solenoid, wat that does is basicly tell ur car how to shift, until i found this out i whent through my motor mounts and to save u a lota lota money if u can do the work urself then u need to get a new transmitions solenoid or (air ... Read More

Saturn S-Series Electrical/Lighting

• 1997 Saturn SC Power Windows

  Written by: mcavicchio on Aug 3, 2007 4:27:38 AM

  Hello, I have two power windows which intermittently get stuck . One is the driver's side, the other is the sunroof. They eventually go back into place after starting the car later on. I have tried everything short of replacing the switches for each window. I have cleaned the contacts and it seems like the contacts need to be replaced. Has anyone had similar problems and if so, was it indeed ... Read More

Saturn S-Series Starting Problems

• Saturn Wagon STUCK IN PARK

  Written by: wopaho on Jul 3, 2007 4:38:10 PM

  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.

• 1997 SL2 has trouble starting

  Written by: brently527 on May 21, 2007 9:00:51 PM

  I hope someone can help me. 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?

Saturn S-Series

• Motor

  Written by: gregholman on Mar 18, 2007 5:58:51 PM

  Can Some one tell me what the average milage you can get out of a 1997 Saturn 1.9L motor I was told that 250.000KM was the best.

Saturn S-Series: Fuel System

• Re: Saturn fuel problem? [jaritars]

  Written by: abressel on Feb 11, 2007 10:24:26 AM

  I recently bought a used 1997 Saturn SW2 and it has some of the same problems I've just read here. It sometimes gives me a hard time starting up (although it always does) and sometimes jumps a bit when I first press the gas. Nothing showed up in my last tune up and I guess I'm not too concerned about that yet. My real problem is that I seem to be ... Read More

Saturn S-Series

• saturn sc2 trany problems .

  Written by: mike314 on Jan 28, 2007 2:35:14 PM

  I bought a 1997 sc2 with 120k on it. The service engine soon light will not go out. the trany will down shift from 4th to 2nd when you hit about 45 mph..If you remove the single wire (ground wire?) from the neutral safety switch assy. the car shifts properly. I have had it to Saturn and was told the valve body was shot. I drove it to a local shop ... Read More

• 97 saturn with electrical problem

  Written by: cwishes on Dec 26, 2006 5:49:23 PM

  Have a 1997 SL1. It was running fine until my daughters boyfriend went to replace the stereo. He cut all the wires that attached to the stereo. Now the car does not turn on. All the lights, power windows, locks etc.. are working. I have checked the fuses both under the hood and in the car and the only ones that are burned out are the radio and door chime fuses. ... Read More

• Saturn SL2 1997, Timing Chain Noise.

  Written by: nissan7271 on Nov 4, 2006 9:16:16 AM

  Can anyone tell me if they have ever experienced engine "clatter" whilst driving an SL2 DOHC? The car was bought primarily out of necessity and as a means of transportation to and from my place of work. Last Monday, whilst performing an overtaking maneuver I was shocked to notice a loud clattering noise coming from under the hood, at first thought I considered the possibilities, lifters, valve springs, the valves themselves, ... Read More

Saturn SL Engine Management

• Re: Auto Window Switch / Check Engine Soon Light [rockwilder194]

  Written by: paulorlo on Sep 30, 2006 1:41:23 PM

  Many auto parts stores like Advanced Auto/ Auto Zone etc, will read the error codes off your PCM for free. A Saturn Dealer was charging me $41, but they also check that part that the error code suggests is faulty to see if it is indeed responsible for the error code. I would suggest buying a repair manual at the same time you have your error codes read. I own a ... Read More

• Re: Saturn SL2 coolant/engine troubles [cemincer]

  Written by: paulorlo on Sep 30, 2006 1:13:12 PM

  I own A 1997 Saturn SL. With the temperature gauge below "C" after the car has been running/ is the service engine soon light on? I would first suspect a bad Coolant temperature sensor. Engine overheating can be caused by a plugged radiator/stuck thermostat/ serpentine belt not turning water pump/ or coolant temperature sensor bad . That is why I asked about the SES light being on. If it is always ... Read More

Saturn S-Series

• Re: 1997 Saturn SC2 (AT) transmission problems HELP PLZ! [nate91304]

  Written by: krony on Aug 9, 2006 6:34:21 PM

  Sounds similar to what I had this Spring...Saturn dealer started by replacing electrical stuff (battery and cable) and sent it home. Same exact thing when I pulled off the lot. I was suspicious from the start with the "have to start with elecrical first..." They then adjusted the input nut in the transmission and sent it home. Pulled off the lot and bad 2-3 shift was fixed but still slammed in ... Read More

• 1997 Saturn SC2 (AT) transmission problems HELP PLZ!

  Written by: nate91304 on Aug 5, 2006 12:38:49 AM

  About three days ago I bought an automatic Saturn SC2 from a used car dealership for a little less than blue book value. When I took it for a test drive it drove ok, the car was a little jumpy around 30mph though. I assumed it was the transmission but took it lightly cause the car had 177,000 miles on it when I bought it and thought it was normal for ... Read More

• SIDE DOOR MEASUREMENTS

  Written by: randilynn on Dec 16, 2005 9:30:15 AM

  DOES ANYONE KNOW THE FRONT DOOR MEASUREMENTS FOR THE 1997 SATURN SL1?

• RE: SIDE DOOR MEASUREMENT HELP

  Written by: randilynn on Dec 16, 2005 9:27:50 AM

  Hi Saturn owners. My husband and I have a Saturn SL1 from 1997 and we have started our own business. For Christmas, I want to surprise him with a business sticker for his front exterior doors and I don't know the measurements. Can someone tell me the measurements of the front doors so that I can get the right size sticker for his car? Thank you, Randi

• Cold tachometer not working

  Written by: michelst on Dec 9, 2005 9:40:07 AM

  I have a saturn SW2 1997 (twin cam) when the outside temp is bellow 0 deg celsius my tachometer is nor working at all and when the engine is heating up it's start working again but sometimes it's just show a low RPM and is stuck there. is it the computer, I checked the plugs on the distributor and they are fine. what is it ?

• 1997 Saturn S-series : wiper fluid injectors.

  Written by: thomasc4 on Nov 19, 2005 9:48:25 AM

  My '97 s-series saturn's wiper fluid won't spray. I checked the sprayers and they don't seem blocked. it also looks like the fluid housing is leaking. Related issues? What should i look for?

• 1997 Saturn SW2 Chime problem

  Written by: bobby263 on Nov 16, 2005 8:51:42 AM

  The chime used to indicate that the lights were on or keys left in. Now, however, Chime operates continuously when door is open (regardless of lights or keys). So the chime doesn't provide any useful info anymore! Fuse is OK but I can't locate the chime (behind the fuse board??) Any ideas on how I should approach this problem?

• no title

  Written by: jc1973 on Oct 12, 2002 2:14:24 PM

  hi everyone i just bought a 1997 saturn sl2 for 4000 it has 101000 miles on it i paid 3900 is this a good car any info much appriaciated

• Reprogramming the Keyless Remote

  Written by: dch0300 on Sep 23, 2002 12:22:59 PM

  Can anyone tell me how to reprogram the keyless remote on a 1997 Saturn SW2 so that the horn WILL NOT honk when I press the Lock or Unlock buttons on it? Thanks, -David

• The S series

  Written by: afk_x on Mar 19, 2001 10:51:34 PM

  Is extremely reliable. In the past you would expect to have some or all of the following problems. Altenators - Due to their position behind the engine they tended to get extremely hot. In 1998 Saturn went to a dual fan. Since then there have been very few problems in this area. Engine mounts - Due to a lot of engine vibration you would need a new mount every 50-60K. Since ... Read More

• .

  Written by: clary on May 30, 2000 6:16:54 AM

  I move that we rename this topic "Autophilia Hubris - The Rise and Fall of Saturnboy" And now for a Saturn car question. My SW2 has 56 000 miles on it. Is there some major service or investment in new parts that I ought to do that is not mentioned in the owner's manual? For example, when do I put new struts on? The Book says nothing on that matter. Also, ... Read More

• Back with Avengance (Against Saturn Exposed) he's a FRAUD

  Written by: saturnboy on Apr 11, 2000 11:19:39 PM

  To those people who actually believed this rubbish posted by the site creator of SaturnExposed.com , here is a general account of why Mr. Right had so many problems with his SC2 which were all brought on by himself alone. This is a direct transcription of a "statement of facts" as printed by saturn of KC. Typing errors are mine. I am merely copying information they are already disseminating. -----begin poor ... Read More

• 97 SL2 Oil use

  Written by: sruth on Apr 2, 2000 4:53:33 PM

  I have experienced what I would call excessive oil consumption in my 1997 Saturn SL2. Has anyone else seen this in a Saturn? At 47,000 miles, I would not expect there to be a major engine problem.