1999 Saturn S-Series Consumer Discussions

Saturn S-Series Electrical/Lighting

• Re: 1999 SL1 Electrical Short? MAYBE [dkbrandy]

  Written by: tua82171 on Aug 8, 2011 10:05:07 AM

  I am having a semi-similar issue with my 1999 Saturn S1. I was driving down the highway at about 40 mph and I lost electrical power to my dashboard (lights went out, speedometer and gauges went down to 0, radio and AC went off). Everything came back within a few seconds but the radio and clock went back to factory settings. The only other thing that happened is that when I ... Read More

• Re: 1999 SL2 Electrical Short(?) [nshore]

  Written by: dkbrandy on Jun 8, 2010 12:07:24 PM

  How did this electric issue get resolved? My in-laws have a 2002 Saturn with electrical issues no fuel gauge, speedometer, gauges, etc. car dies, but when restarted seems ok for a while. Its been in their local auto repair shop running up the bill with no resolution. Can anyone advise?

• Re: 1999 SL2 Electrical Short(?) [nshore]

  Written by: tflan on Jun 1, 2010 8:57:12 AM

  Hey nshore. Did you find the problem to the issue you posted about the instrument panel being basically dead? I have a 2001 saturn sl1 and have the exact same issue. In fact, I drove it for approximately 20 more miles when I noticed the dash issue and then it died. It will turn over but just won't start. I'm stummped as to what it could be. Would be really interesed ... Read More

01 sl check engine light

• 1999 saturn sc2 check engine light

  Written by: bluesharp on Nov 21, 2009 8:43:54 AM

  i have a code coming up p0410 secondary air injection malfunction,.I have been trying to fix this with no luck.Everyting seems to be workin but the code keeps coming back.car will not pass inspection.any help out there?Thanks John

Saturn S-Series Electrical/Lighting

• Re: 1999 Saturn sci service light [442dude]

  Written by: wyelbill on Dec 23, 2008 2:52:08 AM

  Come to find out, the tailpipe/muffler bracket was broken completely off. Made a new one myself. After about 10 minutes on the road and another engine start the light was out and has not come back on. Cost: 2 hours of my time.

• Re: 1999 Saturn sci service light [wyelbill]

  Written by: 442dude on Dec 14, 2008 11:01:14 AM

  At the Dealer...they're Saturn specific codes and not every reader will read them. Its trying to tell you that something is wrong but its not emissions related. Sometimes its as simple as a burned out bulb somewhere.

• 1999 Saturn sci service light

  Written by: wyelbill on Dec 11, 2008 2:52:43 AM

  The service light stays on but not the service engine soon light. Oil change, plugs O2 sensor new. Had it scanned at Auto Zone came up with no codes. Any ideas how to clear this?

Saturn S-Series Brake Problems

• Relay Chatter from drivers dash when braking 1999 saturn SL2

  Written by: j1bhicks on Nov 16, 2008 11:24:54 AM

  Anyone have a problem with relay chatter noise coming from driverside firewall area when pushing on the brake while car is in motion ? Brakes seem to operate just fine.

Saturn S-Series Electrical/Lighting

• Re: 1999 SL2 Electrical Short(?) [timkarlberg]

  Written by: nshore on Jul 17, 2008 4:41:49 AM

  I drive a 2002 Saturn SL and have had various problems (steering column, ignition switch issues), which had to be fixed at the dealership. Now, my instrument panel is basically dead. I have no readings for my gas gauge, odometer, speedometer, rpm, or any sensor readings. My turn signals, emergency lights, and inside and outside lights work properly. My clock, cd player, and air work as well. I've troubleshooted some and ... Read More

Saturn S-Series Starting Problems

• 99 Saturn wont start in extreme cold

  Written by: dylan01 on Feb 29, 2008 5:56:00 AM

  Hi, my daughter has a 1999 Saturn, which only has 40,000 miles on it, so its in perfect condition (it was previously owned by my father). Anyway, when it is very cold, seems to be when uder 15 degrees....it won't start. It's not the battery, it cranks fine. Had previously brought it to mechanic, who put it on computer diag and of course found nothing. I notice that I don't hear ... 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 VS Pontiac Grand Am

• Saturn VS Pontiac

  Written by: bdborchert on Nov 5, 2007 3:18:45 PM

  I currently have two cars and I need to sell one. One is a 2000 Saturn SL2 with approx. 95000 miles, and the other is a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE2 with approx 110000 miles. They are both in very similar condition - normal wear and tear, and no major mechanical problems. They are both valued very close to the same price. I was just wondering if anyone has a suggestion ... Read More

Saturn S-Series Electrical/Lighting

• Re: 1999 SL2 Electrical Short(?) [belannafan]

  Written by: timkarlberg on Jun 17, 2007 10:34:17 AM

  Same thing here (as the post at the top, with the speedometer and tach guage problems)! It's equal parts frustrating and encouraging to know I'm not the only one. The symptoms you described fit my problem to a "T". I drive a 1999 Saturn SW2, and have had this problem for about two years, very intermittently. Replaced the battery first because it was relatively inexpensive and easy. Seemed to work for ... Read More

• Re: 1999 SL1 Electrical Short? MAYBE [morgan7987]

  Written by: dmnted on Feb 21, 2007 11:30:28 AM

  I'm experiencing the same issue with my 1999 saturn sw2 wagon. has there been any other resolution to this issue? I did notice when it happened that it was cold out side. This is not the first time it has happen to me.

Saturn S-Series

• Horn and odometer light don't work

  Written by: kburroughs on Nov 17, 2006 5:09:13 PM

  We have a 1999 Saturn SL1. Neither the horn nor the odometer light are working. I've checked all the fuses which relate to these malfunctions and this isn't solving the problems. Can anyone tell me what I need to do to get the horn and odometer light working again? We appreciate any help you can give us concerning this matter. Thanks!

Saturn SL Engine Management

• Saturn Air Condition problem

  Written by: nyclarry on Aug 3, 2006 2:42:31 PM

  I have a 1999 Saturn SL2 I have had fair results with it. My Milage is 57k I had a 3 year maintenance contract and everything was fine. Once it was up the problems started to come up. I got stuck on the road and Had AAA tow me to a Garage and was told that I never had a tune up??? after they tuned up the car it ran well ... Read More

Saturn S-Series

• Re: Re 1999 SL2 Oil consumption and Synthetic Oils [gstroud]

  Written by: perrymc on Jul 26, 2006 4:33:26 PM

  Yes, this year seems to be notorious for oil consumption ... no leaks ... just sucks it up! I have started using the high-mileage oil for older engines (its not the synthetic but it is significantly thicker - I think it contains Slick50) I also periodically us LUCAS oil treatment. All the auto stores carry them and they have cut my consumption about in half (still burns it tho!) You might ... Read More

• head gasket

  Written by: pstegner on Aug 17, 2005 8:03:15 AM

  i have a 1999 saturn sl 1 4 dr sedan... single cam engine... i also have a blown head gasket... which apparently is going to be a huge problem to fix... none of my local garages want to touch it, something about it being like a neon, hard to fix or something... other then actually tearring down the engine to get to the gasket, how hard is this going to be? ... Read More

• 1999 SL2 dies when turning

  Written by: o2it on Aug 3, 2005 3:22:29 PM

  I have had the car in the shop numerous times to find out why it dies when making a turn. The car is a 1999 Saturn SL2. It normally does this when the gas tank is not full. Will this show an error code in the computer if there are no error lights such as check engine lit. It doesn't happen all the time. Today, it is around 99 degrees F ... Read More

• chocolate in my peanutbutter

  Written by: blackpacific on May 28, 2005 11:17:34 AM

  I have a 1999 Saturn SW2. Back in November I noticed oil sludge in the coolant side of things, but no coolant on the oil side. I assumed that the head gasket had failed (@ only 72K), so I pulled the head, had it resurfaced, put in a new gasket, used the old bolts, and zipped it back up. I noticed right away that there was now lots of coolant in ... Read More

• wow, that sucks

  Written by: uga91 on Nov 24, 2003 11:01:50 AM

  It sounds like 2 professionals guessed wrong on this one--I don't know what kind of help you'll get here. How many miles on the '95? I had a 1995 SL2 and it ran fine--as did my 1999 SL2. It may be time for the almost 9 year old Saturn to retire. You can get an ION 1 with air and CD for about $179 a month. Good luck in getting it ... Read More

• Old recall not being fixed

  Written by: ochssk on May 21, 2003 1:10:16 PM

  Back in 1999 Saturn had a safety recall for the recliner in the front seats. My wife never fixed it and I finally got our '95 SL2 in for it's 90K service and asked Saturn to take care of the recall. They called and said the recliner is fine and doesn't need to be replaced yet. I thought NHTSA recalls were supposed to get fixed. Anyone have input on this? Steve ... Read More

• jas9297

  Written by: uga91 on Apr 19, 2003 1:46:25 PM

  I agree with the idea of getting a SL2 for the extra 24 ponies for your highway driving. I had a 1995 SL2 and a 1999 SL2 with no problems from either. In 1998, Saturn did some engine work, so you should be okay with the years you are looking at. Neither of my past Saturns leaked or burned oil--maybe I just got lucky! My opinion is going to be biased ... Read More

• good transportation

  Written by: uga91 on Mar 12, 2003 6:59:13 AM

  If you know anyone looking for good transportation to commute in or give to a teen, tell them to check out thier local Saturn store. All remaining 2002 S-Series in stock at the dealers are $4000 off sticker! We went and looked at our dealer and they had dozens of 2002 models in stock. We found a silver SL2 with auto, CD upgrade and sunroof that we like that will be ... Read More

• 60k mile service

  Written by: uga91 on Feb 21, 2003 2:24:55 PM

  My Saturn dealer said the 60k mi service on my 1999 SL2 with manual was about $650. This seems way high considering there are no timing belt issues. They don't do anything but change the oil, rotate the tires, clean the fuel injectors, and inspect the belts, hoses and wires. What have you Saturn owners done?

• kathysdogs

  Written by: saturnfreak01 on Dec 26, 2002 1:26:57 PM

  Hi, lets see.. years to avoid on the S Series... the more rounded looking S Series sedan and wagon came out in 1996, with the redesigned coupe a year later. I have heard that 1998 is the best year S Series, and 1999 and 2000 weren't too bad either. The most important thing is to make sure the vehicle has been well maintained, with maintenance records. Also, it is always a ... Read More

• rough idle

  Written by: wwhite2 on Aug 8, 2002 4:29:09 AM

  Our 1999 SC2 5spd with 102500 mi has never had a rough idle but it has had many other problems . It uses a qt of Mobil 1 approx every 800-1000 mi .Car does a 140 mi highway commute. The transaxle is becoming increasingly louder (The ASE =read 4th grade reading skills with some auto jargon thrown on top ) mechanics guessed and changed the hub bearings and both half shafts ... Read More

• Service

  Written by: 96lightplumsl2 on May 1, 2002 8:55:47 PM

  Hi, I just joined the website. I was reading the postings about servicing a Saturn and decided to sign up so I can share my story about my Saturn. I am currently in college and drive a 1996 Light Plum SL2. My mom gave it to me when my blazer died in 1999. (Because she gave me her car, she went out and got herself another Saturn). My Saturn currently has ... Read More

• service

  Written by: claywaterfill on Apr 5, 2002 6:38:29 AM

  I had my 1999 SL2 serviced at Saturn of Gwinnett in Duluth, Ga Monday. They changed the oil, replaced the wiper blades, inspected the brakes, adjusted the parking brake, washed the car and had me out the door in 45 minutes. That's pretty good in my book. Saturns may not be the most exciting cars on the road, but the dealerships show why people buy them!

• diva

  Written by: claywaterfill on Feb 20, 2002 10:12:57 AM

  You are right about the BS other dealers put you through. I forgot how easy it was to buy a Saturn. We bought the 1999 SL2 last night. I think between seeing it monday night and buying it tuesday night, I interacted with my salesman less than an hour. The finance guy asked me one time about this extended service plan, I said no, and that was it. On to the ... Read More

• diva

  Written by: claywaterfill on Feb 19, 2002 8:43:22 AM

  That sounds great on your new car. What made you get the SL1 in place of the Golf? We bought a new SL2 in 1995 and the new body style came out in 1996--we were mad about that. I knew the change was coming, but the salesman said it would be very minor "Just rounding the roof a little." I see a new SL comes out next year. I wonder what ... Read More

• 1999 SL2

  Written by: claywaterfill on Feb 18, 2002 1:59:40 PM

  Found a 1999 SL2 with 46,000 miles, manual transmission and CD player at a local Saturn store for $6982. Sound good?

• S series

  Written by: afk_x on Feb 17, 2002 9:35:03 AM

  Until the 1998 model year when Saturn redesigned their altenator you could pretty much count on neededing a new one every 60K miles. This is no longer a problem. As for leaking oil - that has never been a problem. Before the 1999 model year "some" Saturns would burn oil. For the vast majority of Saturn owners this oil burning was so slight it didn't affect anything. 1 quart every 3,000 ... Read More

• 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

• upadte on my experience

  Written by: traveler on Jan 13, 2001 11:50:55 AM

  At the very beginning, I said I would keep people posted on my saturn sl2 bought new in april 1999. So far I have 42578 miles on it. I am using mobil 1 and change the oil and filter at 12000 miles with a fliter and top off at 6000 miles. Have had two warranty repairs, exhaust that had stress cracks and a outer door panel. Only other problem is the ... Read More

• .

  Written by: saturnboy on Dec 12, 2000 11:56:56 PM

  Fred Well, that is why I put the seriously in quotes to signify the difference. Just wanted to clarify, and I also mentioned that things do fluctuate from time to time and things are not always perfect at my local retailer. However, they have come through for me in ways Im sure other dealers wouldn't and overall I am more then satisfied. I wish all Saturn owners could have the same ... Read More

• Saturn SL's to come......

  Written by: saturnboy on Nov 13, 2000 2:00:53 AM

  Chas If your car is only 6 years young, I would definitly hold on to it for a couple more years. Saturn has made improvements to thier original car line, quieter engines in 1999, better pricing on MSRP, and options for 2001. The SL2's Horsepower rating remains competitive with other current cars. The Saturn S series has not had a major makeover due to lack of investment dollars from GM. Dollars ... Read More

• .

  Written by: saturnboy on Oct 30, 2000 10:14:23 PM

  Stevieweevy Note that the Saturnexposed site has not been updated since dec, 1999. Saturn did offer to buy back his car even thou they had no responsibility for it's problems that were caused by him. He decided he wanted to try to suck money out of Saturn cause he felt it was "owed to his lazy A##". As far as the numerous complaints, many of those cannot be proved as to ... Read More

• Squealing brakes

  Written by: chasmala on Oct 2, 2000 2:46:36 AM

  My mother has 1999 Saturn with 9,000 miles on it and for a few months the brakes have been squealing. I brought it back to the dealer and they tell me there is nothing wrong and then the squeal goes away for a few days and then it's back. When she turned the car around to leave my house the other day I heard what she was talking about. The brakes ... Read More

• Traveler

  Written by: ken1776 on Aug 3, 2000 2:15:04 PM

  This was copied from the expert review on the 2000 SL's from Saturnboys bible JD Powers & Associates. I have maintained all along that although this car is different then GM products, it's still a GM product. Now the experts are calling it a division of GM, and the parts are being replaced by or redesigned by GM. So much for a new car co. JD Powers & Associates Since Saturn's ... Read More

• Mom's Saturn

  Written by: chasmala on Jul 10, 2000 4:12:30 AM

  I purchased a 1999 Saturn for my mother just as the '99 models came out. It is now just a month and a half short of being two years old. I periodically drive it when she comes over to my house to make sure there are no rattles or funny noises and because I enjoy checking it out and driving it. I am so very impressed with this little car. It's ... Read More

• Saturn Sales YTD

  Written by: dannyg on May 3, 2000 12:35:08 AM

  GM has released sales for all its divisions, including Saturn: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/000502/mi_gm_sale_1.html Total Saturn sales are up about 25% YTD (Jan-April) versus 1999. SL sales are down a bit, but LS sales more than make up for the shortfall. Still, Saturn sold about 47000 SL sedans YTD, more than a lot of GM sedans. I assume LS sales are more profitable, so I guess Saturn dealers must be doing OK. To move ... Read More

• Macarthur2/ who's immature again?

  Written by: saturnboy on Mar 14, 2000 2:07:58 AM

  Incase you have failed to notice, when I discuss reasons to buy a Saturn( which you oviously don't believe in because of their world famous "no haggle , no hassle") one price policy, I present my reasoning with COLD HARD FACTS. Saturn won the 2000 bovy award from www.intellichoice.com and have done so for the last 7 years . FACT. This was accomplished by a combination between low maintenance costs, low ... Read More

• Saturn leases

  Written by: saturnboy on Mar 9, 2000 8:47:09 PM

  Mary: Saturn did not start it's 39 month lease program untill the 1999 model year. Due to the fact that they switched from Chase Finance Corp. to GMAC, which I think was to help GM make some bucks after their dreaded strike by UAW workers in late 1998. In all fairness, Toyota is doing 39 month leases nationwide also. It's just a marketing gimick designed to make the car companys money. ... Read More

• Wind noise

  Written by: mishmo on Jan 16, 2000 7:36:40 PM

  We have a 1996 Saturn SL2 (bought it used Feb 1999) and in the past week we have started hearing a tinny sounding noise (like water dripping in a tin can) that seems like it's coming through the front speakers or the air vents. Has anyone encountered a problem like this? The noise started right around the first major snowfall of the year. We have brought the car to Saturn for ... Read More