1996 Saturn SL1

BIGREDWAGON

MEMBER
1996 SATURN SL1

Engine Mechanical problem
1996 Saturn SL1 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

I have a problem. When I start my car after I have stopped at a mini mart or something, it wont turn over unless I give the car full throttle. Also once I have it started and try to pull out of a parking lot or take off from a stop light, it spudder like its going to die, and even has died. What is the problem and what should I do?

1 Reply

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,870 POSTS

When u say it wont turn over untill u give it full throttle do u mean it wont start?If thats the case sounds like ur engine is flooding. Sounds like u have a bad coolant temp sensor saying the engine is colder then it is so when its hot its adding more fuel like the engine is cold causing it to flood. The sensors are under 20 its the sensor screwed into the head below where the upper radiator hose goes on with two wires going to it.U unplug the connector by squuesing it. Look at the connector to see if it is corroded sometimes the the sensors crack and leak coolant into the connector.U can unscrew the sensor and see if its cracked too but becareful u will loose coolant dont do when the engine is hot. Make sure the new sensor has a brass tip not a plastic one thats what I would start with. Do u have any codes u can get those read at the auto parts store. Let me know on that one. The sensor takes a 13mm deep socket use a 1/4" drive so u dont over tourqe it when u put the new one in. Also start the new sensor by hand its a very fine thread and easily damaged. Also if the connector is corroded it will have to be cleaned or replaced. Let me know how it goes.