2002 Saturn L100 Engine sputters when idles

Tiny
SEGBERT
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 SATURN L100
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 124,000 MILES
My 2002 Saturn L100 recently began to idle and drive rough. The Rpm's would drop and the engine would begin to cut out but as you began to get going again it would be fine. The service engine light came on and I took it into a local shop. They gave the car a tune-up, fuel system cleaning, changed the oil, oil and fuel filters. It seemed to be running fine, but a day later the problem returned, not as bad unless you run the AC. I have read posts about vaccumm hoses, replacing radiator caps etc. But I am not sure what I need to do. I am hoping that it is something simple that I can repair myself as funds are really short after the last repair bill! Or at least go in knowing how much something like this would cost to fix.

Thanks so much.

Steve
Sunday, September 19th, 2010 AT 6:41 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
If check engine light still coming on 1st step should be is to check for codes
most part stores can scan it for free once have codes let me know
check coils tower and base if corroded
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Sunday, September 19th, 2010 AT 8:47 PM
Tiny
SEGBERT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The code that was returned was P0304 a miss fire in cyinder #4. Although as I stated before, I just had a tune up and fuel system cleaning and filter change.
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Monday, September 20th, 2010 AT 4:11 PM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Recheck the coil and wire (very common to have corrosion at the coil )
check injector and do an injector leak test
do a compression test
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Monday, September 20th, 2010 AT 11:02 PM
Tiny
SEGBERT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have done all the checks and still have the same problem. There is a compression difference in the 4th cyl. I have a feeling that it may be a timing chain issue. That is a bit beyond my ability though, however can you tell me how much I am looking at to replace or repair the timing chain? Thank you for all your help!
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Friday, October 1st, 2010 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
If its a timing issue that should effect all cylinders and NOT just one
next step should be cylinder leak test
i will look up the cost for timing and let you know
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Friday, October 1st, 2010 AT 6:30 PM

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