Need your opinion onstarting/running failure.

RWAVELL

MEMBER
2001 SATURN SL1
100,000 MILES

Pep Boys has diagnosed the problem to either crankshaft sensor ($550 to replace) or computer (>$800 to replace). Is their diagnostic equipment adequate? They say their equipment shows them that the crank sensor signal is intermittently dropping out but they can't isolate it to less than two possibilities. Do I need to take the computer or the whole car to the dealer? Your suggestions? BTW the computer was replaced 4 years ago and fixed a starting problem (could computer be under warrantee?). No sensors have been replaced.

4 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,870 POSTS

550 to replace the crank shaft sensor I wouldnt go back there the sensor is only like 20 and the labor should be no more then 1hr labor so that estimate is a total rip off. Even with another 1hr for diagnoses thats still way over the top price wise. So do you have any codes?If so what are the exact code numbers?Also what is your symptoms intermintant crank no start?If thats the case if your loosing spark its most likely the crank shaft sensor. Which is very common on those cars 1998-2002 last year they made the S model saturn had issues with bad crank shaft sensors. If your not loosing spark when its not starting then most likely a bad coolant temp sensor and or connector. Very common on 1991-2002 S model saturns I have replaced very few pcm computers on those and tom of crank shaft sensors. The sensor is very easy to change also both sensors. Let me know and I can help you out with this issue.

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Sunday, October 2nd, 2011 AT 4:57 PM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,870 POSTS

You can test the crank shaft sensor when its failing wih a common multimeter. All you do is unplug the sensor set the multimeter to 2k ohms scale and test the resistance across the sensors terminals and it should read about 800 ohms. When they test bad they usually read as a open circuit meaning no resistance value. They should know that if your handy with tools I can guide you thru the repair and diagnoses.

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Sunday, October 2nd, 2011 AT 5:21 PM

RWAVELL

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thx for your timely help! The $550 included replacing an Ignition Control Module (which they couldn't justify)so I got them down to $250, including towing and diagnosis. Your advice saved me some money. They got a 1599 code and couldn't do the resistance test due to the intermittency. I'd love to fix myself but not up for that anymore due to neck issues. I will be donating so keep up the good work!

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Sunday, October 2nd, 2011 AT 6:22 PM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,870 POSTS

Your welcome thats what were here for. Wow they really were guessing I would stay far away from that place. The ignition module is expensive and they rarely go bad on that car havent replaced too many. Sounds like the best bet is the crank shaft sensor.I bet they just didnt know how to test that or anything else because from the wide aray of guesses they were just throwing parts at it. Thats typical of people that just are parts changers good for them on your dime. But bad for you since you are paying for all the labor and parts. Keep me posted on what happens and if you have anymore questions. Iam the saturn specialist on here also thank you so much for your donation.

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Sunday, October 2nd, 2011 AT 8:06 PM