weird car symptoms

[slyhatch]

I own a 2000 saturn sl1 that I am afaid to drive.I can get in drive 2 miles to the market come back turn the key,NOTHING.Put in a brand new battery NOTHING,had it towed to the garage,it started,took it home a few days later,did the same thing at the hardware store it started a couple hours later.Damn this car long story short it left me stranded 6 times.Took it to the garage they had it for a week and could not find anything wrong,I'm afraid to drive it I tell ya.
Sly

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: weird car symptoms

Key switch?
Dead spot on starter armature?
Starter safety interlock system (neutral safety switch if auto or clutch switch if standard) going bad?

Sounds like a possible electrical issue

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: weird car symptoms

Some of the old Chrysler's use to have that problem, they had self resetting fuse links that would open and kill everything, then when they cooled down would reset, used to drive me crazy.

I concur with Bob, it is definitely something in the electrical system...probably something in the starting system that is tripping then resetting after a period of time..

 

[Fireman431]

Re: weird car symptoms

Next time it won't start, take the shifter (if auto) out of park, run it through the range, and the back into park. Do this a little more aggressively than you normally would. The safety switch might just need to be adjusted.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: weird car symptoms

This is the second active Saturn problem in the Non-Technical Section........

 

[lncoop]

Re: weird car symptoms

This is the second active Saturn problem in the Non-Technical Section........

I was just thinking the same thing. Electrical issues can be such a pain. Is there a shop in your area that specializes in alternator and electrical issues? They might have a better shot at isolating the problem.

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: weird car symptoms

We have a 2000 Saturn that did the same thing. What it was for us is we wore out our key. If you have a spare key, try it. You can have another one made.

The key might look fine but might not work right in the lock. Try the spare and good luck!

 

[rogerwa]

Re: weird car symptoms

Do you hear the starter Solenioid click?? If not I would start with checking all the wiring to the starter. Temp could play a role here and create a bad connection. You could also measure the voltage at the starter and at the solenoid when the key is in the start position.

If you can hear the click, I would focus on the starter connections and then a bad spot on the starter windings. I had a taurus once that had a bad connection and I woudl get nothing. I just had to reach underneath and jiggle it and it would start.

Does it ever do this when it is cold and not been driven? If not, then it is very possible heat is causing the coomponent to fail temporarily. Then it cools down and it is fine.

 

[dolluper]

Re: weird car symptoms

Body module screwed ...600-1000 bones and reprogramed includeed }leave that{ common problem sorry to tell you

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: weird car symptoms

Body module screwed ...600-1000 bones and reprogramed includeed }leave that{ common problem sorry to tell you

Yes the body control module is a common problem........ I agree. One of those GM ideas where darn near everything from door locks, radio, and dash wiring is ALL routed through it.

I was warned by a GM tech that if someone power's down all 4 windows at the same time .....using 4 finger's (I have done it but no more) in a GM the Body Control Module is an easy failure!!

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: weird car symptoms

Saturn is a big reason people now will never buy another GM product. GM told us the saturn was going to be a great car....................not!

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: weird car symptoms

Test your crank position sensor. Very common in saturns.

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: weird car symptoms

Does your key have that security chip in it? GM had a problem with their passlock security system causing the exact symptoms your describing.

There's all kinds of info and tutorials on the net that will show you how to disable the failure prone security system for good.

Do not take it to the Dealer to get this fixed since they are not authorized to bypass the system and will only replace parts which in a lot of instances don't last long and the problem returns.

 

[avenger79]

Re: weird car symptoms

theft protection system in the car. may be able to fix by using new key but probably needs a new sensor (or whatever is in there) in it. Had the same issue on a 2001 vehicle.

look in your gauge cluster and you will probably see the theft light flashing when the car won't start.