First check the spark plugs. (color, burn pattern) next check for spark. Then check compression on all cylinders to see if they are equal.
How can i check compression to see if they are equal?
You will have to purchase a compression guage or borrow one from a friend. I have had a few different types, the screw in type is the best. You should be able to tell one cylinder is low by the way the spark plug looks. The reason you need the compression guage is after you check the compression and find one low, you then need to add about a tablespoon of oil to that cylinder and check it again. If the compresion comes back up to normal then you know that the cylinder rings are having problems. If it does not, then it the problem is the valves.
If the rings are having problems it could be that they are carboned up and all you need is a little solvent and let it sit overnight. Sometimes they will break free.
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SOURCE: Misfire
One question, have you replaced the ECTS (Electronic Cooling Temperature Sensor)? These cause no end of different seemingly unrelated problems on Saturns. Peice is about ten bucks and is an easy install. Just search on youtube for a how-to video. Even if that's not the problem it is reccommended to replace this peice just the same as they ALL end up going bad at some point.
If that's not a fix, start pulling plugs. Check to see if they're correctly gapped and if they have any damage/corrosion. If you're running Platinum plugs, immediatly change to a copper plug as Platinums have no place in these motors. Most people have the best luck with NGK copper.
Check to make sure that your plug wires haven't been crossed. This sounds like a plug or wire issue most likely so it has to be in that family, if the plugs are good, wires good and not crossed, sensors are fine, then time to replace your coil packs. If you've replaced everything up to the coil packs then that is most likely the cause of your dillema.
SOURCE: 1996 Saturn SL2 car won't restart after running
engine coolant temp. sensor is cracked pull it out it is on the side of the head.. easy fix you will see its cracked when you pull it 15 dollar fix
SOURCE: The engine in my 96 saturn wagon shakes when it is put into gear, reverse or drive.
remove the belt and spin all of the pulleys by hand to make sure they all spin freely. the knocking noise is probebly a pulley locked up.
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