Have a 1999 sl2..... Problem with the Saturn SL 1999 SL Have a 1999 sl2..... Just had the cooling system flushed, new temp sensor installed along with a new thermostat. I STILL have very little heat. First thought was plugged heater core, BUT, came home from work the other night, noticed the cooling fan was running! Decided to take a look under the hood. To my surprise I found that the radiator was COLD and the fan was blowing ice cold air!!! Now, I will say my temp gauge is running about half scale... I checked the UPPER hose at top of radiator... HOT! Bottom hose leading to the thermostat is COLD! UPPER metal line to recover bottle (which IS filled and normal) and feeds the heater core is HOT, and reving the motor causes the level to bounce a little.. Could I still have a bum thermostat? The engine doesn't boil over in this condition... Hear from you soon... Thanks, Gary

Hello Mike..... thanks for adding your thoughts.. Another 'expert' suggested the NEW thermostat is installed BACKWARD! Well, I did take it to my FORD dealer (my other car is a Taurus SHO) and perhaps they did put it in reverse.. I know the location is different then most standard vehicle locations being at the BOTTOM of the radiator/inlet to engine...

I will be calling them next week to discuss this with the service manager and see what they find...
Thanks for your idea on my problem..

......Gary Hello Mike..... thanks for adding your thoughts.. Another 'expert' suggested the NEW thermostat is installed BACKWARD! Well, I did take it to my FORD dealer (my other car is a Taurus SHO) and perhaps they did put it in reverse.. I know the location is different then most standard vehicle locations being at the BOTTOM of the radiator/inlet to engine... I will be calling them next week to discuss this with the service manager and see what they find... Thanks for your idea on my problem.. ......Gary

that would be almost too hard to believe, and I don't think that would be physically possible-no clearance to install it upsidedown, I think. This leads me to believe you have a blockage in the radiator or the thermostat is defective, it does happen. good luck that would be almost too hard to believe, and I don't think that would be physically possible-no clearance to install it upsidedown, I think. This leads me to believe you have a blockage in the radiator or the thermostat is defective, it does happen. good luck

Hello again Mike... I think what may have caused confusion (still speculating), most engines the thermostat is ON TOP of the motor and connected to the upper hose of the radiator. This thermostat sits SIDEWAYS is fed from the LOWER radiator hose and is toward the BOTTOM front of the engine, so its not the usual setup... I think I will look up a diagram and see just how that is to be mounted under the thermostat cover... Thanks again for your input. Hello again Mike... I think what may have caused confusion (still speculating), most engines the thermostat is ON TOP of the motor and connected to the upper hose of the radiator. This thermostat sits SIDEWAYS is fed from the LOWER radiator hose and is toward the BOTTOM front of the engine, so its not the usual setup... I think I will look up a diagram and see just how that is to be mounted under the thermostat cover... Thanks again for your input.

I have a 99 SL2, and know where it is (I have changed mine)..my SL@ has 177,000 miles on it and still runs great with no oil consumption to speak of (rare). these are great cars IMO and are very easy to work on/maintain. I still think it would be hard to put one of them in backwards, but if it was done at a dealership, well-I'd like to hear how this turns out-Mike I have a 99 SL2, and know where it is (I have changed mine)..my SL@ has 177,000 miles on it and still runs great with no oil consumption to speak of (rare). these are great cars IMO and are very easy to work on/maintain. I still think it would be hard to put one of them in backwards, but if it was done at a dealership, well-I'd like to hear how this turns out-Mike

Thanks Mike. WOW, mine has a little over 172,000. So I am right behind you (O: Mine does consume oil, always has since I bought it second hand fresh off a two year lease back in 2001... It had 36k on it at the time... Friend of mine bought a 1994 sl1 NEW, and his always used some oil, so he thought it was normal that mine would also.

What mine doesn't do, is leave any oil in the driveway. There is a little seepage around some gasketing here and there, but no drops, and of course, the cooling system is tight. (car came with the orange stuff)

I have not touched the clutch yet - MTX trans works same as always, or any of the belt driven engine accessories, and I am STILL on the original struts!! I don't know why they have not worn out yet...(still get only ONE bounce out of suspension, front or rear..)

There is however some clunking in the front end... Not sure if this is worn swaybar bushings or tie rod ends, but the darn steering is so tight, NO free play in the steering wheel, and it always passes inspection, go figure. The inside is still like new, no torn seat fabric or stuff like that.

My HEADLINER is another story. It is sagging past the overhead light back to the rear window. I have the sunroof, so its all tight around that area up front.. I DID see one the other day, and I could see the headliner flapping around in the rear window! Not that bad on this one yet...

Have you changed anything out on yours outside of tires etc? Is yours an ATX ?

Ok, well, I will certainly keep you posted on what happens next.

Thanks for the replies as always.

.....Gary Thanks Mike. WOW, mine has a little over 172,000. So I am right behind you (O: Mine does consume oil, always has since I bought it second hand fresh off a two year lease back in 2001... It had 36k on it at the time... Friend of mine bought a 1994 sl1 NEW, and his always used some oil, so he thought it was normal that mine would also. What mine doesn't do, is leave any oil in the driveway. There is a little seepage around some gasketing here and there, but no drops, and of course, the cooling system is tight. (car came with the orange stuff) I have not touched the clutch yet - MTX trans works same as always, or any of the belt driven engine accessories, and I am STILL on the original struts!! I don't know why they have not worn out yet...(still get only ONE bounce out of suspension, front or rear..) There is however some clunking in the front end... Not sure if this is worn swaybar bushings or tie rod ends, but the darn steering is so tight, NO free play in the steering wheel, and it always passes inspection, go figure. The inside is still like new, no torn seat fabric or stuff like that. My HEADLINER is another story. It is sagging past the overhead light back to the rear window. I have the sunroof, so its all tight around that area up front.. I DID see one the other day, and I could see the headliner flapping around in the rear window! Not that bad on this one yet... Have you changed anything out on yours outside of tires etc? Is yours an ATX ? Ok, well, I will certainly keep you posted on what happens next. Thanks for the replies as always. .....Gary