1997 Other Saturn Models Hard Start. Especially when Cold

Tiny
THOGAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 SATURN
Engine problem
1997 Other Saturn Models Manual 65000 miles

My Saturn Wagon is becoming a real hassle when its cold to the piont I cant Use it. I have replace the Coils, Plugs, Water Pump, Belt around Water pump, Fuel Pump and Fuel filter. Heres the issue. After the car has set over night on cold days it will not start right up. It tries very hard but fails 9/10 times. Some times I can crank it with pedal to the floor then turn the key to off. Crank it again at half pedal then up and down al while turning the key to off. If Im lucky it will catch and start. The engion makes a slugish sound at times like the pistons are having trouble moving then right before it can start it makes almost like a backfire sound. It runs great after its started and rarely has trouble the rest of the day. On warmer days it only takes 2-3 times trying to start. Oh ALso sometimes when it has problems starting the Check engion light comes on but not always. I am really just at my whitts end. I am tried of bring it to the mechanics having an issue fixed to resolve the problem an then still having the problem.
Tuesday, February 19th, 2008 AT 11:36 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,749 POSTS
First of all we should have it scanned to get the codes. Usually auto zone does it for free. Next have you checked the coolant temp sensor for the computer. If the coolant temp is higher than the actual temp then when cold the fuel mixture will be too lean to start right up. Also double check the ignition coil resistance. Measure across the tops of the coils with a ohm meter, it should be 5000 to 8000 ohms resistance. You said you replaced the ignition coils, did you change the ignition module? Check back with us
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Tuesday, February 19th, 2008 AT 11:49 AM
Tiny
THOGAN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I believe my mechanic did change the modular also. As it stands right now. The car is "Stuck" at the house and once again in need of tow to the proper mechanic. I believe I need to try someone new for the repairs cause Im tired of throwing money at the car with no true response. I dont think my mechanic hooked it up to any scanners either. Will Auto Zone scan it if the light is not on, cause every time I have had it running and willing to run to AZ to have it scanned of course the lights off. Just in case I can start it with the warmer weather this week. Also is it terribly expensive to have the CTS replaced and is it a hard Job?
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Tuesday, February 19th, 2008 AT 12:09 PM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,749 POSTS
The cts cost about $20 and takes about 15 minutes to change
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Tuesday, February 19th, 2008 AT 12:11 PM
Tiny
THOGAN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Ok new problem. Last TIme my husband tried turning over the engine he killed the starter or something related to the started. THe car was hooked up to another vehicle through cables. While trying to start the car went silent after several attempts. The lights dont dim when key is turned, the radio comes on and I here the fuel pump ingage but no noise. No clicks or cranks. So I assume its the starter. Does a 97 wagon have a relay?
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Wednesday, February 20th, 2008 AT 7:38 PM

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