2001 Saturn L100 starting

LAIDBACK

MEMBER
2001 SATURN L100
168,000 MILES

When the key is turned forward to start the car, it turns over. I can hear the engine wanting to start, then nothing. This happened once, and after several turns of the ignition (getting sound as if the motor wants to turn over and start) it finally started. It wasnt the battery though. The service light is now on since then.

1 Reply

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,757 POSTS

The "check engine" light is an indicator for a system that monitors many electronic functions in the system, also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the computer monitors. Some are very important and can lead to further component or engine damage and some are emissions related not as serious but still a problem and need to be repaired.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retrieve the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will give you specific information about what the computer saw and will get you pointed in the right direction to find your problem. With a 1996 or newer and some 95 cars and you have an AutoZone or Advanced auto parts in your area, they will read them for free. Once you have these code numbers, we can be a lot more specific about what your problem may be.