20 Most Recent 1997 Saturn SL - Page 2 Questions & Answers

Does the engine start ? Is this a automatic transmission vehicle ? Do the brake lights work when you press on the brake pedal ? It probably has something to do with the Automatic Transmission Shift Lock The brake transaxle shift interlock (BTSI) system consists of the body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM), BTSI solenoid, stop lamp switch, and PRNDL selector switch. The BTSI system prevents the driver from moving the shift lever out of PARK unless the brake pedal is depressed while in RUN or CRANK. The BCM controls the output to the BTSI solenoid by grounding the solenoid which energizes it, preventing shifting out of PARK. When the BCM receives input from the PCM over the Class II link that the transaxle is in PARK and the brake pedal is depressed, it will stop grounding the BTSI solenoid or de-energize it which will allow shifting. After the transaxle is moved out of the PARK position, the BCM shall monitor the status of the PRNDL serial data message sent by the PCM and shall continue to de-energize the solenoid until the transaxle has been returned to the PARK position. In the event that the serial data messages are never received (approximately 5 seconds) by the BCM from the PCM, the BCM shall de-energize the solenoid to allow shifting. The transaxle can be shifted from PARK by placing the ignition switch in the ACC position. This eliminates power to the solenoid.

you have a ROD knock,,,,the oil level can be good and compression can be good,but the bearing on the rod to crank is shot and now has too much play and is causing excessive play and noise,soon the rod will come out the block and seize the engine,,if its knocking that loud then its too late to fix it,,your gonna have to replace the engine really soon,,,sorry but its normal of the dohc engine to do this usually between 90 to 130k miles they let loose but the single cam dont have this issue

Grinding could be your brake ,whell bearing clicking the stabilisator link are a very commom problem

yes but I would try the fuel filter first

cooling fan not working t-stat not opening head gasket

try youtube for this one

you need to find the leak and fix it

there is a pin under the handlethat you need to pull out then you can slide the handle off

during the repair of the car the battery probably went flat or was removed to facilitate the repair. This would have corrupted the CPU program in the ECM . try using a scanner to reset the program and probably the radio code as well

There IS a fuse under the hood...the green 30A big boy labeled power/convenience. Use a multimeter to check power coming into the relay...if it's not there probably the fuse. If it is there, could be the switches.

If it's the fuse, go to a junkyard and get one cheap. But then, they're pretty cheap new too.

Have you replaced the starter ? That might be the problem. It's actually the solenoid that does that sometimes.

You don't want to try to swap out the front or rear glass on these cars. Junkyards will break 2 of 3 trying to take them out, they're glued in with way too much window weld. The new glass will not want to fit, even with all of the old window weld removed. Auto glass places charge extra for saturns because they know they are no fun. Believe me, the little extra money is worth it.

Top of the transmission, under the battery tray.

Check your oil! then check for fuel pressure.I bet you're low or out of oil.

Take your title to the dealership, they can look it up there.

Inside the coolant reserve tank there is a sensor for coolant level.


Over time,this sensor can get stick.


Inspect the coolant reserve tank for crack or leak.

Locate the coolant level switch/sensor and soak it in clean warm water.

Make sure it's free to move up and down the float path.

Top off the coolant tank with coolant only.