| Subject | Date Asked | Expert |
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| clunky transmission | 11/1/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: Michael, Some owners of Saturn's of mid-90s vintage have complained of automatic transmissions that ...
A: From everything I have heard about this it is a harmless annoyance. I don't know of any major trans ...
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| Window leaks | 11/1/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: Saturn supposedly fixed the leaking window (or door) problem with the 1995 model year. Or so I've ...
A: I couldn't really answer that one. I know I have a 92 and the door leaks on the passenger side real ...
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| Odometer | 11/1/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: I purchased a 1993 Saturn SC1 two months ago. I've noticed since I purchased it that the odometer ...
A: Sorry this took so long to answer. My computer crapped out and just got it back up and running. ...
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| Did I lock it up (Saturn SL1) | 10/28/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: I hope that you can confirm something for me. I have a '95 SL1 5 speed with 98,xxx mi. It developed ...
A: Sounds like you locked the motor. The rings got so hot that they failed and caused the pistons to ...
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| oil leaks on 2000 Saturn SL | 10/27/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: unfortunately, my saturn is only 4 years old, but maybe its a universal question. I have been ...
A: Had the same thing happen to my car. Only mine was at 124,000 miles and I didn't do regular oil ...
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| Speakers | 10/24/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: I have a 1995 SL2. I need to know what sizes the speakers are (both the door speakers and the rear ...
A: As for what sizes they are I have no clue. Never measured them or replaced them. I can tell you that ...
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| 96 SL2 engine | 10/24/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: mike! you do a great deal of help here:-)i have a manual 96 SL2 with traction. when, either in idle ...
A: This could be any number of problems. My 1st thought is Catalytic Converter going. Do you notice the ...
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| 96 SL2 repair | 10/24/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: i just bought a 96 SL2 manual@ 132k miles. it needs a clutch change. i hear 'hut-hut-hut' noise from ...
A: Clutch will run you about $500 at a trans shop. The noise you describe sound like a wheel bearing ...
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| Cam shaft sensor circuit | 10/22/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: 1999 SATURN SL1 HI, My service engine light comes on and off every few days. so when i was getting ...
A: An EGR valve for your car is about $100 for the part at AutoZone. Easy to replace but costly. The ...
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| High mileage maintenance | 10/22/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: Just bought used 96 SL2 with 135000 miles on it. Since I do all my own wrenching, would like to ...
A: Well, my Saturn has 320,000 miles and I use Fram filters, PH3614 and Penskie high milage oil. Change ...
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| 94 Saturn SL 2 | 10/22/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: Went to start and everything is dead. Opened and closed door and it started right up. It was as if ...
A: That can be caused by corrosion on the batter terminals. If you don't find that then you could have ...
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| two questions | 10/20/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: i had both front and rear brakes including cylinders replaced last year. i only drove about 6000 ...
A: A high pitch squeel from the brakes is usually normal, but a cranking noise is not. I would suggest ...
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| Door Latch assembly | 10/19/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: 1993 Saturn SL 2, 111k, green/tan interior, automatic, sunroof Hi Mike, I bought my Saturn new and ...
A: Your pln of attack is a good one but here is one I got from the dealer to fix this. They used to CUT ...
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| Saturn SL1 AC problems | 10/16/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: My AC used to have an intermittent issue that is now all the time. The fan blower will not come on. ...
A: Have you check the fuse box? The relay you say you replaced, was that located under the hood in the ...
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| Cruise Control | 10/15/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: I have a 1998 Saturn SL2 with about 86,000 miles on it. I am having trouble with my Cruise Control ...
A: I wish I could give you an answer on this. I don't have any experance working on cruise controls. My ...
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| fuel filter | 10/13/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: ok, i have a '99 SL2 with about 78000 miles. the manual says the fuel filter should be changed at ...
A: I checked on the web at AutoZone.Com regarding the cost of fuel filter for your car. They don't ...
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| Timing Chain | 10/12/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: I have a 1991 SC DOHC with 250k miles. Time to do a Timing chain replacement. Been running on the ...
A: I wish I could give you an answer on this one. I had my timing chain replaced by the dealer when ...
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| 1997 Saturn 5 speed cooling fan | 10/11/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: Do you know about this year as the cooling fan comes on only when the ac is on.I have replaced the ...
A: Only thing I can tell you is this.... On 96 and earlier there are 2 sensors. Located on the drives ...
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| IDLE SENSOR | 10/5/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: I WAS TOLD MY IDLE SENSOR WAS GOING OUT, COULD YOU TELL ME WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE IDLE SENSOR GOES ...
A: Usually you will get the Service Engine Soon light showing on the dash. Also, if it fails or is ...
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| scared of SERVICE ENGINE SOON light | 10/5/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: Actually i have a '99 SL2. I guess you answered my first question. what I also wanted to know is ...
A: Yes, dealers do charge alot for service. BUT, a local garage can be just as bad. Most dealers are ...
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| low idle and stalls | 10/3/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: I have a 92 Sarurn SL, new plugs,wires,air filter, and coolant sensor. The car idles rough and will ...
A: Could be the Fuel Filter. It also could be clogged screens on the fuel injector located inside the ...
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| scared of SERVICE ENGINE SOON light | 10/1/2004 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: every time i see this light come on i know its going to cost a lot to fix whatever is wrong. what ...
A: This light is controlled by the PCM, Powertrain Control Module. It monitors everything from exaust ...
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| Electric windows | 9/4/2003 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: I have a 1993 Saturn SL2 model with electric power windows. The question is on the front drivers ...
A: The window regulator is shot. The regulator is a plastic strip with slots in it that the gear meshes ...
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| door won't lock any more | 9/1/2003 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: Have a 1994 Saturn SC2. The passenger side door just stopped locking. The door still opens and ...
A: Well, first you have to remove the outside door panel. To do this remove the door handle on the out ...
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| serpentine tensioner belt | 8/25/2003 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: I need a detailed explanation of how to change a tensioner for the serpentile belt. I have little ...
A: Basically, you need to jack up the passenger front side of car, remove the tire and splash shield. ...
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| brakes - non abs, master cylinder | 8/12/2003 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: 1996 Saturn SL2, non-ABS, 80k I just replaced rear drums, shoes, and wheel cylinders. The old ...
A: Since the fluid level dropped it is possible that you got a lot of air in the lines on that side. ...
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| Auto Trans | 8/12/2003 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: My daughter's '93 Saturn DL lost reverse. The shifter detent wasn't working and she accidently ...
A: This is not an easy fix. Your daughter severly damaged the transmission. I understand it was ...
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| whirring noise under hood | 6/24/2003 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: I have a whirring noise (left side as I'm facing it). I checked all my fluids and they appear fine.I ...
A: More then likly it is your water pump. It is located on the side you say the noise is comming from. ...
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| saturn - oil and coolant | 6/14/2003 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: I hope that you can respond as quickly as possible to this so I can go armed with any info to the ...
A: Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it really sounds like two problems in one. 1st, you ...
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| Changing a Tail Light | 6/5/2003 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: Michael, I know it's a stupid question but I've never changed a bulb in the tail lights and now I ...
A: Sorry it took so long to get back to you... Here goes. You have to remove the tail light assembly ...
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| Warming up car | 6/3/2003 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: I drive a 95 Saturn. In the mornings (warm weather only)I just start and go. My fiancee says I ...
A: In warmer weather you really only need to let the car warm up for about 15 seconds. Even in the ...
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| added a cd player, ignition will not work | 5/27/2003 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: My husband replaced the stock radio in my 2000 saturn sl2. all the electrical parts work, but when I ...
A: When he replaced the radio did he use a wiring harness or did he cut the connector off and hard ...
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| Battery/ Generator Warning Light | 5/22/2003 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: I was just sitting in traffic and my battery light came on. I have 96 SL4 and manual is essentially ...
A: Usually this means your altenator is not working properly. While it might be charging the battery a ...
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| Rough idle on Saturn SL-1 | 5/13/2003 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: I have replaced the #3 fuel injector, wires and plugs and had the fuel injectors professionally ...
A: Yea, the Egr could be starting to build up carbon. But, I would change your fuel filter first. If ...
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| Saturn oil and trans fluid leaks | 5/10/2003 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: I have a 95 Saturn SL with 95,000 miles. It has been consuming quite a bit of oil for years. I've ...
A: No, don't let them do it. Once they have the trans dismantled you would be looking at $1500 or more ...
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| Saturn Wiper Motor Suspect? | 4/7/2003 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: I know you hate electrical questions but any direction will be appreciated ... 92 Saturn SL1 ...
A: It more then likly is the whole wiper transmission. I just replaced mine. Got if from a junk yard. ...
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| TURN SIGNAL ALWAYS ON?? | 3/14/2003 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: I have a 93 Saturn SC2. The turn signal light wasn't working and also the side markers that are both ...
A: The goo is to keep the bulbs from rattling. Basically to seat them tight. When the blinker blinks ...
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| coolant temperature sensor | 3/13/2003 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: Were is the coolant temperature sensor located on a 1993 Saturn SL 1.9 liter motor with A/C single ...
A: It is located on the right side of the block just behind the upper radiator hose. When you are going ...
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| 96 saturn SL2 | 3/11/2003 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: On my 96 Saturn SL2 the fan stoped working so I picked up a new temp sensor but I can't find the ...
A: If you look at the engine, on the right side of it, near the upper radiator hose, you will see ...
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| 1993 Saturn SC2 coupe | 3/2/2003 | Michael S. Depetris |
Q: I recently purchased a 1993 Saturn SC2 for my daughter. I looked up safety recalls on the vehicle ...
A: The easiest way to tell is by the engine. If your spark plug wires are in front of the block you ...
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