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My 1998 Saturn SL2 has the red battery warning light coming on at times mostly at night when my lights are on. I had it checked out at Advanced Auto and they said that the battery and alternator checked out OK. About a week later while driving at night the light came on and my battery started to drain. After about 20 miles my lights kept getting dimmer and the car finally stopped. It had to be towed to my mechanic. He checked it the next day after jumping it and said that the alternator was charging. He eventually put a new alternator in and now about a week later the light is starting to come on again at times. Any idea where to go from here?
I have a 2003 Ion 2 that's doing the same thing. I had the battery and alternator checked also at Advanced Auto. My next step was to check the cable. Is there a good way to do this?I have a 2003 Ion 2 that's doing the same thing. I had the battery and alternator checked also at Advanced Auto. My next step was to check the cable. Is there a good way to do this?
AnonymousMar 16, 2014
It started with the car shuddering, then it stopped and wouldn't start again. I had the alternator replaced and the battery, it ran fine for two weeks and then the dash lights started coming on again, and the shuddering started again although it didn't cut out. I returned it to the mechanic and he sent it off to an auto electrician and he diagnosed a faulty on board computer which was replaced. It ran fine for two weeks again then it started exactly the same problem. So I returned it to the mechanic and he again sent it to the auto electrician who had it for four days and he said he couldn't fault it. But two weeks later it started again, both the mechanic and the auto electrician are at a loss to understand what is going on.It started with the car shuddering, then it stopped and wouldn't start again. I had the alternator replaced and the battery, it ran fine for two weeks and then the dash lights started coming on again, and the shuddering started again although it didn't cut out. I returned it to the mechanic and he sent it off to an auto electrician and he diagnosed a faulty on board computer which was replaced. It ran fine for two weeks again then it started exactly the same problem. So I returned it to the mechanic and he again sent it to the auto electrician who had it for four days and he said he couldn't fault it. But two weeks later it started again, both the mechanic and the auto electrician are at a loss to understand what is going on.
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you can reset it by disconnecting the negative battery terminal, leaving it off for 5 minutes, then hooking it back up again. Or you can use a scanner to clear the code-this may not last, though, since you do not know what caused the light in the first place. Before you do this, try to get the code(s) read, most commercial auto parts stores will check this for you at no charge. write down the code and come back on here for more help when you have the codes.
take the cover off the tail light lens and look at the bulb if there are broken filaments or burned spots there bad you can also check to see if your getting power to the plugs for the bulbs with a 12volt test light or meter.
The red square with the wavy light is a low coolant warning light. The check engine light could be on for many reasons. I would check the coolant and add some if it's low. Then you can take your car to many different places to have the engine code read. Most AutoZones and Advanced Autos and other auto parts places will have a customer use code reader and will pull the code for you for free. I would address the coolant problem asap, low coolant can cause your engine to overheat and blow the engine. The engine light may also just be on because you have the low coolant warning. If that IS the reason for the engine light, after cycling (car gets to normal operating temp then completely cold) the car about 3-5 times the light will go off on it's own. Good Luck!
Go to SaturnFriendsForums.com it's a great site with a WEALTH of info on saturn specific problem solving.
In the mean time have auto zone or other parts place read the codes for the service light,
MOST problems are caused by a bad water temp sensor on the right side of the engine down low ( looking at it from the front of the car ) it's called the ECTS sensor, get a BRASS one from auto zone for $8.00 it will solve a lot of problems that there may not be a code for.
you need a reader pluged into your car to read any codes unless it is bluetooth set up...most likely not...too early in time for that yet....um maybe the starter relay or even the starter solonoid or loose battery terminal or broken connection in main + battery lead somewhare or someones tried to hot wire it
I have a 2003 Ion 2 that's doing the same thing. I had the battery and alternator checked also at Advanced Auto. My next step was to check the cable. Is there a good way to do this?
It started with the car shuddering, then it stopped and wouldn't start again. I had the alternator replaced and the battery, it ran fine for two weeks and then the dash lights started coming on again, and the shuddering started again although it didn't cut out. I returned it to the mechanic and he sent it off to an auto electrician and he diagnosed a faulty on board computer which was replaced. It ran fine for two weeks again then it started exactly the same problem. So I returned it to the mechanic and he again sent it to the auto electrician who had it for four days and he said he couldn't fault it. But two weeks later it started again, both the mechanic and the auto electrician are at a loss to understand what is going on.
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