Top 10 2002 Saturn L-Series Questions & Answers

Hi. As an engine ages, its timing chain stretches. In fact, this is really the main obstacle to long engine life. Some engines will experience piston-to-valve interference if the timing chain or belt skips or breaks. These engines are called non-freewheeling or interference engines. When this happens on a push-rod engine, push-rods will usually bend. Valve timing can become retarded (late) when a timing chain becomes so worn that it skips a tooth, as well. This will cause a slight tap, or valve noise. Late valve timing will cause poor low rpm performance. At higher rpm, engine performance might be acceptable.

If the timing chain has skipped and valve timing is retarded, suction will be felt at the exhaust pipe. This happens because the exhaust valve is still open during the piston's intake stroke. Valve train noises can also come from inside the timing cover. It can be caused by a bad timing chain or a loose sprocket or gear. The noise usually is a rattle or knock that becomes louder when decelerating.

For engines with a timing chain tensioner, a worn chain can become loose enough on the sprocket to rattle whenever the engine floats or cruises between load and coast conditions. In severe cases, a chain can actually wear a hole in the timing cover resulting in an oil leak. Severely worn cam bearings can also be the cause of excessive timing chain slack. Depending on the design of the lubrication system, this problem can also be accompanied by low oil pressure at idle.

same as any car.. climb underneath.. you'll see a pan with a bolt either on the side or the corner, unskrew that and the oil drains, then you unscrew the oil filter( cylindrical) it will be either right behind the oil pan(thing thats draining oil or on the side of your block) dip your finger in oil and coat gasket around new oil filter, screw it in where the old filter was ****DONT FORGET TO PUT THE DRAINAGE PLUG(the bolt you unscrewed) BACK IN**** then add 5 quarts drive!!

The security system shouldn't keep you from getting it out of park. Check to see if the security light is flashing. I can tell you how to reset the security system.

You have 2 switches on the lock, actually 3. One is the key itself, It is a cable running to the transmission shifter, 2 is on the brake pedal, an electric switch, and 3 is a physical lock run by a solenoid on the shifter itself, It is either worn out, busted switch or the cable is stretched. You can pull the boot off the shifter, find the lock and remove it. Or fix it. I would check the brake pedal switch first, check the fuse if it has one. To find out which one it is, you also have a brake light switch there, Get somebody to look at the brake lights, you switch the switches by hand. It will not shift if it is locked, key not on, or foot on brake, solenoid. You can't take the ignition apart without making a mess, trust me, but the boot should come right off. You should be able to see where it is hanging up, a file might fix it, or a welder. Check it out, hope this helps.

To Install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   • Timing chain drive sprocket to crankshaft
     1. Rotate the crank so the mark on the sprocket is at the 5 o'clock position
2. Assemble chain to the intake camshaft sprocket alignment copper link to the "INT" diamond timing mark on the camshaft sprocket
   
   NOTE: When lowering the timing chain rotate the assembly 90° to allow the chain to fall between the cylinder block bosses then rotate the assembly back so the camshaft sprocket is facing forward.
   
   
   
3. Lower the assembly through the chain housing opening on top of the cylinder head. Use care to ensure that the chain goes around both sides of the cylinder block bosses NOTE: The crankshaft sprocket timing mark will be at approximately the 5 o'clock position.
   
4. Route chain around crankshaft sprocket and align silver link to the timing mark
   
   NOTE: The camshaft sprocket bolts are not reusable; they are torque-to-yield and must be discarded to prevent premature failure.
   
5. Install or connect the following:
   • Intake camshaft sprocket loosely onto the intake camshaft then install the new camshaft sprocket bolt finger tight NOTE: It is not necessary to align the sprocket-to-camshaft offset notch at this time.
     
   • Adjustable timing chain guide through the opening on top of the cylinder head then install the chain guide bolt; torque to 89 lb-in. (10 Nm)
     
     
     
     
   • Exhaust camshaft sprocket loosely onto the exhaust camshaft with the timing mark on the sprocket aligned with the silver link then install a new camshaft sprocket bolt finger tight
   NOTE: It is not necessary to align the sprocket-to-camshaft offset notch at this time.
   NOTE: The camshaft sprocket bolts are not reusable; they are torque-to-yield and must be discarded to prevent premature failure.
   
6. Align the camshaft sprocket-to-camshaft then tighten the camshaft bolt using the following procedure:
   
   NOTE: Do not rotate either camshaft more than 1/2 turn in either direction with the crankshaft at Top Dead Center (TDC). To do so may cause valve to piston contact resulting in a damaged valve and/or a damaged piston.
   
   • Ensure that the sprocket timing mark is at the 5 o'clock position
   • Rotate the intake camshaft using a 24mm wrench on the flats of the camshaft until the sprocket-to-camshaft alignment notch seats
   • When the sprocket seats on the camshaft tighten the sprocket bolt finger tight
   • Rotate exhaust camshaft using a 24mm wrench on the flats of the camshaft until the sprocket-to-camshaft alignment notch seats
   • When the sprocket seats on the camshaft tighten the sprocket bolt finger tight
7. Verify that all colored links are aligned with the appropriate marks on the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets NOTE: If they are not repeat steps 1C through 4.
   
8. Install the fixed timing chain guide and bolts; torque to 89 lb-in. (10 Nm)
9. Install the fixed timing chain guide bolt access hole plug; torque to 30 lb-ft. (40 Nm)
10. Install upper timing chain guide and bolts; torque to 89 lb-in. (10 Nm) NOTE: Use a 24mm wrench to support the camshaft while applying torque to the camshaft sprocket bolt. Do not torque the camshaft bolts against the timing chain as it may damage the timing chain.
    
11. Torque the intake and exhaust camshaft sprocket bolts; torque as follows:
    • First Pass: 63 lb-ft. (85 Nm)
    • Second Pass: Turn an additional 30° using a torque angle gauge
12. Install the sealing ring and tensioner assembly; torque to 55 lb-ft. (75 Nm)
13. Install or connect the following:
    • Timing chain oil nozzle and bolt; torque to 89 lb-in. (10 Nm)
    • Camshaft cover assembly
    • Engine front cover
    • Negative battery cable; torque to 13 lb-ft. (17 Nm)

Its a warning light to let you know that your coolant level is low. When the engine is cold remove the reservoir cap. If the coolant is red add a mixture of 50/50 dexcool and water. If the coolant is green add a 50/50 mix of regular coolant and water. If you cannot tell what color it is add a 50/50 mix of all make/models coolant and water.

Fill until the level reaches the full mark on the bottle.

Sometimes it will take the light a little while to go out and sometimes you literally have to whack the reservoir a couple of times with a rubber mallet to get it to turn off.

If it goes low again in a fairly short period of time than you most likely have a leak in the cooling system.

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_d728a59f986299fa

Instant Repair Help over the Phone

6ya.com

Save Time & Money by instantly connecting to...

It's in the engine compartment. See removal instructions below from autozone.com.

1. Select the following settings:
   
   Turn the ignition ON Select Recirc in the OFF setting Turn the ignition OFF
   
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the wiper arm assemblies.
   CAUTION A sharp edge is revealed once the weatherstrip is removed.
   
4. Remove the weatherstrip at rear of the engine compartment.
5. Remove the cowl retaining nuts.
   
   

1. Remove the cowl screen assembly.
2. Rotate the locking tabs outward to release the filter assembly.
3. Remove the filter by lifting straight up.

1. Remove the wiper module retaining bolts.
2. Reposition the wiper module to the right.
3. Remove the filter housing attachment bolts.
4. Remove the filter housing.
5. Remove the blower motor housing:
6. Remove the blower motor housing screws

1. Release the locking tabs and remove the fan housing
2. Disconnect the blower motor electrical connector.
3. Squeeze the bottom of the connector and pull downward.
4. Remove the blower motor assembly by lifting straight out.

Hello: Open hood, on driver side there is a fuse box, remove the cover and check the fuse, if fuse is open, replace it. If you used a device in the lighter receptacle that may have caused the fuse to open.

This is not a small undertaking. You have to remove the Accessories like AC, Power Steering, belts, intake manifold, head Assembly, harmonic balance pulley and cover plate to access the Timing Belt. There are way to many steps and procedures you need to follow in order to explain how to do this correctly here. I recommend you get the Chilton's or Haynes repair manual on your vehicle so you have those procedures handy. One of those will explain the process of setting the motor to #1 TDC, a very important step to doing this job as well as how to remove the other items you will need removed or if the job will require pulling the motor. Both of these manuals should be available at any major Auto Parts Store, most carry at least one or the other.

It always seems that answers to Saturn L problems often derive wildly different solutions, and my GM dealer has performed extensive electrical work to the wiring harness & replaced the fuse block and after I paid the $751. It turned out all the front lighting was totally out of whack and they expect more $ to get that right! It seems to me that they recommended the work and now expect a blank check and keep finding more issues to charge me for. They even suggest that they replace the BCM... Please BEWARE of Ed Rikne GM in Center Line MI. There very HUNGRY for the $$$!