My 1993 Saturn SW-2 is having problems running. It will start when it's cold, but as soon as it starts warming up, it shuts off abruptly.

SOURCE: 99 Saturn SC2 will not crank

Hi,

If I understand you right, the problem is at certain times the engine will not crank, that is turn over when you turn they ignition key to START. And at times it will start and run normally. Offhand, I would discount the possibility of the Ignition Module. To my knowledge it has nothing to do with cranking the engine but rather providing the spark at the plugs through the coil.

Having said that, might it be that the issue is with the starter system. The starter system is initiated at the ignition switch when the key is turned to start. At this point, the ignition switch then provides +12VDC to a starter relay. The relay is but a remote switch with slightly higher amperage capacity. The starter relay then engages and supplies +12VDC to the staring solenoid. The starting solenoid then performs two (2) functions. It provides the switching action (hundreds amps) from the battery heavy cable to the actual starter motor. The solenoid likewise pushes a small pinion gear along the shaft of the starter motor to engage the ring gear. The ring gear is of course on the edge of the flywheel which in turn is attached to the crankshaft.

Starter system problems could be corrected by:
1. check battery, battery cables and connections;
2. charge the battery if required;
3. clean brushes and guides of brush holders of the starter motor;
4. clean the commutator and commutator segments;
5. check/replace the armature or field coils if determined to be defective;
6. in some extreme cases it could be the drive pinion or the flywheel gear ring is defective.
7. often it is the big switch that the solenoid activates that looses contacts causing no +12V internally to the motor.
8. Most likely would be a defective starter relay or the IGN switch itself. Relative to this, you might try and check the connectors/terminals and electrical joints.

In the picture below, the upper portion is the starter solenoid while the one below it is the actual starter.

Given the amount of work to overhaul a starter, you might consider just replacing it. This page might be informative.

Hope this be of initial help/idea. Pls post back how things turned up or should you need additional information.

Good luck and kind regards.

Thank you for using FixYa.

Bruce Bracey

• 1000 Answers
• Posted on Feb 09, 2009

SOURCE: 95 saturn won't start when hot

Blair, I would take a look at he TPS (throttle position sensor) located on the throttle body. In other words, it sounds as thought sensor when heated is changing its value to "open" or "shorted".
If the car starts OK when cold, use a hair dryer to heat the TPS when the engine is cold to see if you can duplicate the problem.
Also is the a service engine light on? Codes?
If you have a "digital volt/ohm meter" available you can read the variable resistance of the sensor when the problem occurrs to determine if the sensor is defective.

SOURCE: 99 saturn will carnk but won't start

try cranking engine while holding gas pedal to the floor, this turns off the fuel injectors to clear excess fuel from cyls. eng my just be flooded. may need to crank for a long time. if engine starts do not let off gas until you are sure eng will run on its own.

SOURCE: 2003 Saturn Ignition and Security System Troubles

Sorry to say but it's probably the BCM (body control module) that's going in her car. The BCM controls everything inside your car, from the gauges, locks, daytime running lamps, ABS... and yes the security system. I have a 2003 L200 which had the same problem and I had to replace the BCM at some cost ($400-$600) depending on where you go. The L-Series Saturns seem to have a problem with their BCMs and it seems that it's pretty prevalent. Unfortunately it will only get worse as time goes on and it's not something that you can do yourself as it needs to be programmed by the dealer. You also will need to get your remotes reprogrammed as well with the new BCM. Hope this helps.

SOURCE: saturn ion fuel pump

Misnikie32 . .. I just had the same problem around the time you figured out your problem and I just got it fixed yesterday. For almost 3 weeks I had starting problems and I constantly smelled gas. The problem is a safety issue and the car needs to be recalled. The hose that is connected to the fuel pump is cracked. Since the hose is incorporated with the fuel pump, the entire mechanism needs to be changed. Look at spending about 700.00 . I informed saturn and told them my life was at danger. Please contact them on their website and goto your state's attorney general and launch a complaint, as well as the office of defective investigations and the NTSAB (google them). This needs to be brought to their attention and all owners of this car. I googled this and many other people are having this problem. Some are even on this forum. PLEASE DO THIS ! ! ! !