HELP !!

Have a 1997 SL1, manual transmission.
Left it at airport parking outdoors for 10 days (this is Toronto,
Canada. Average daily temperature approximately 3 to 5 Centigrades
below zero; approximately 22 o 30 Farenheit). Came back this morning,
when fetched it, started OK , no problem (a new AC Delco like original
one was replaced few months ago).
Drove 18 Km (11 miles) and then stopped at post office to fetch held
mail.
When came back the light "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" came in the panel.
Checked all fuses (under hood and inside cabin), they are OK, as this
happened to be the solution to same instance years ago.
I read this forum frequently.
Could someone PLEASE suggest a tentative sequence of tests/checks to
try?
So far, verified that oil level OK (synthetic 5-30 was changed about
600 miles ago), and checked with voltmeter that alternator charges the
battery OK.
I would like to avoid going to a mechanic without any specific
indication of what's wrong, it might turn to be VERY costly.
BTW, I have the shop manuals of the car, from Saturn.
ANY help will be greatly appreciated.

danielr

 

Take the vehicle to Autozone and have the engine diagnostic error code read
FOR FREE. Post the code here along with mileage, symptoms (if any), and
recent maintenance history. It might be something as simple as needing to
tighten the gas cap, a tune up, or an EGR valve. Without knowing the reason
the engine light was illuminated by the computer you have no idea where to
look.

Bob

 

And don't let them tell you they can't do it.

All the check engine light really means is that a sensor has reported a
value outside its normal range. This can mean there is a problem, or it
may be a simple sensor malfuntion due to sitting for a long time, and hten
only being driven a short distance. If it was a one time error, the light
may go off after around 10 start cycles. If it does, you still should have
it read, but it isn't quite as urgent. If the light flashes, that's a more
serious error. I got that often with my previous plug wires - I got a
misfire under hard acceleration. New wires cured that.

 

Gentlemen;
Thank you very much for your replies.
There is more infromation to complement my original posting:
Late last night, when going to enter the car in the garage (the engine
had been off of more than 10 hours and was definitively cool), the
alarm light didn't remain ON as before.
This leads me to suspect it might be related to heating condition of
either oil, or something else.
Nevertheless, I plan to go to Autozone (I located one here in Toronto),
but would be strange they do something for you FOR FREE. Mechanics here
are inclined to charge even for replying to your incoming "good
morning" greetings.
Will (indeed), keep you posted.

danielr

 

The fact that the check engine light has turned itself off is not uncommon.
As someone else pointed out, the issue is not all that serious and is most
likely a sensor reporting an out of bound reading. This could be due to a
real problem, a bad sensor, a wiring/connection issue, or a computer
problem. The problem will most likely return unless it was something as
simple as a loose fuel cap.

You still have not posted the mileage of the vehicle or the maintenance
history either. I asked for this since most SL 1.9L Saturn engines seems to
have the EGR valve get plugged up (part of the problem here is oil
consumption which you can help some by changing the PCV valve) so report a
code 032 error. Most have this develop between 80K and 120K miles. The
part is about $100 and easily replaced in about 30 minutes with pretty
common tools. I have had some limited success with removing, cleaning and
replacing the EGR, but the sticking reoccurred within about 20K miles so it
might be best to just bite the bullet up front if this is the trouble code.

Good luck.

Bob

 

Gentlemen;
Thanks again for your help.
Sorry for taking this long to update status, but coming back from a
trip, some other things took priority. Nevertheless, here it is:
1) The problem seems to be solved, because the telltale lamp "service
engine soon" no longer remains ON after start.
2) The main data of my car is this:
Bought from dealer (someone could not hold the lease any longer), with
23000 Km (1.6 Km = 1 mile), in January 2000.
Now it has 126000 Km.
At approximately 53000 Km installed K&N Filtercharger Air Filter, and
Platinum Bosh 4+ spark plugs: Dramatic improvement in mileage. Became
able to get approximately 600 Km (mixed 65 % highway and 35% city
driving) with 40 liters of 92 octane gasoline.
Since then, I wash the filter every 25000 Km with K&N kit. Still have
the plugs.
At approximately 85000 Km, belt changed.
At approximately 100000 Km, muffler changed.
At approximately 115 KM, changed brake pads, also right side inner and
outer rod end seals that leaked.
Last September battery was replaced with another AC Delco (didn't keep
record of mileage, but the original battery was 8 years old, and it was
time for it).
Currently running on Michelin harmony tires. Cost a bit more, but the
grip to snow and ice justify them. Furthermore, noticeable savings in
gas came as a surprise.
Regarding PCV : here in Canada, every two years is mandatory to undergo
the emission test prior to get the license. A hose is attached to the
exhaust, and gases chromatograph analyzed. Also, the sealing capability
of gas cup is tested.
Although this car is relatively new, given the fact that I extremely
dependent on it, to avoid failure of the test, I change the PCV before
the test, and also fill with Sunoco 97 octane gas.
Since purchase, I always used 5-30W Castrol oil, adding Bardhal #1 at
every oil change (every 3000 Km). It is interesting to mention that
prior to changing the oil, no burn was noticed. Just this last time
(about 2000 Km ago), for the first time I tried 5-30W Mobil Synthetic
Supersyn. To my surprise, last Wednesday when checking oil level
because of the telltale lamp ON, noticed a decrease from filled level
(its also drker; starnge thing after only 2000 Km). Replenished the
difference, but I am starting to believe that perhaps going back to
Castrol would be wiser (and cheaper), although more frequent.
That's all for this time.
Thank you all for you help, comments and suggestions.
(btw: Autozone checks the DTC -Diagnostic Trouble Code, only after
payment of C$ 45.00).

 

Gentlemen;
Thanks again for your help.
Sorry for taking this long to update status, but coming back from a
trip, some other things took priority. Nevertheless, here it is:
1) The problem seems to be solved, because the telltale lamp "service
engine soon" no longer remains ON after start.
2) The main data of my car is this:
Bought from dealer (someone could not hold the lease any longer), with
23000 Km (1.6 Km = 1 mile), in January 2000.
Now it has 126000 Km.
At approximately 53000 Km installed K&N Filtercharger Air Filter, and
Platinum Bosh 4+ spark plugs: Dramatic improvement in mileage. Became
able to get approximately 600 Km (mixed 65 % highway and 35% city
driving) with 40 liters of 92 octane gasoline.
Since then, I wash the filter every 25000 Km with K&N kit. Still have
the plugs.
At approximately 85000 Km, belt changed.
At approximately 100000 Km, muffler changed.
At approximately 115 KM, changed brake pads, also right side inner and
outer rod end seals that leaked.
Last September battery was replaced with another AC Delco (didn't keep
record of mileage, but the original battery was 8 years old, and it was
time for it).
Currently running on Michelin harmony tires. Cost a bit more, but the
grip to snow and ice justify them. Furthermore, noticeable savings in
gas came as a surprise.
Regarding PCV : here in Canada, every two years is mandatory to undergo
the emission test prior to get the license. A hose is attached to the
exhaust, and gases chromatograph analyzed. Also, the sealing capability
of gas cup is tested.
Although this car is relatively new, given the fact that I extremely
dependent on it, to avoid failure of the test, I change the PCV before
the test, and also fill with Sunoco 97 octane gas.
Since purchase, I always used 5-30W Castrol oil, adding Bardhal #1 at
every oil change (every 3000 Km). It is interesting to mention that
prior to changing the oil, no burn was noticed. Just this last time
(about 2000 Km ago), for the first time I tried 5-30W Mobil Synthetic
Supersyn. To my surprise, last Wednesday when checking oil level
because of the telltale lamp ON, noticed a decrease from filled level
(its also drker; starnge thing after only 2000 Km). Replenished the
difference, but I am starting to believe that perhaps going back to
Castrol would be wiser (and cheaper), although more frequent.
That's all for this time.
Thank you all for you help, comments and suggestions.
(btw: Autozone checks the DTC -Diagnostic Trouble Code, only after
payment of C$ 45.00).

 

"Dirtier oil" isn't necessarily a bad thing ... the synthetic does a better
job of dissolving sludge and suspending particulate. This actually is
"cleaning" your engine since that stuff was there. I use 10W-30 oil in the
summer and 5W-30 in winter in my son's 1.9L 1996 SL. Castrol is good oil.
Also use a good filter as well (stay away from Fram .. I like Purolator).

Good luck. Hope the SES light stays out, but I'd suspect the EGR (code 32)
if it comes back.

PS Our local Autozone checks the codes for free as I am told do the others
here in the US.

Bob
..

 

"danielr" <> typed until their fingers bled, and came up
with:

t, and also fill with Sunoco 97 octane gas.
97? I'm assuming you mean 87. If not, you're wasting $$. your car is
designed for 87 - it will not run better on higher octane.