"service engine soon" on '93 SL1

My '93 SL1 with 143k miles suddenly had the SES light come on a couple
days ago. The light only comes on going 65 mph or greater on an upward
incline, or at 68-70 mph minimum on flat ground. Any idea what this
could be? It recently barely failed an emissions test, but I didn't
drive it much before the test.

Since I started a new job right down the street, I've very rarely
driven the car at highway speeds in the last 6 months.

I've been reading posts about how to acquire the trouble code, and
haven't had a chance to look at the car yet, but might as well ask now
if the connector that needs to be jumped is merely under the dashboard,
or is it inside the dashboard?

 

Actually to amend my first post - I used a paperclip to get the fault
code (this is all new to me), there is only one: 26 "quad driver output
fault"

It appears it could be the following: EGR solenoid (no EGR fault 32
though), evap canister purge solenoid, coolant fan relay, A/C relay,
speedometer output, coolant hot light, and traction control in '93
automatic model.

The compressor on this car has been dead since I bought it, and it
never sent out any faults before. As far as I know, the coolant fan is
functional as of last week, but better check again. The engine was
running cool when this occurred. Canister purge solenoid, whatever
that does, is suspect...guess for a $15 part it's worth replacing.
Sounds like it craps out on tons of Saturns in this year range.

 

you need to go to a garage (NOT dealer)to have it read. I had a SES and
the local garage found my coolant temp was zero (bad temp sensor). Cost
about $20 to replace.

 

Canister purge solenoid, whatever that does, is suspect...

This seems likely. My wife's car had similar symptoms (SES came on
while driving at medium to high speeds, Code 26) and it was the
canister purge solenoid. It's a bit of a pain to get to but if you get
under the car and use a mirror to look at the back of the engine it's
not so bad.

Could also be the EGR valve solenoid.

Tim.

 

Well, my SES light came on in my 97 SC1 and I was also experiencing a
rough idle. Had fuel pump replaced ($450) - light goes off. Few weeks
later, comes on again!!! Now I have to get something called an ignition
module replaced($330). They say it will fix the rough idle (dealer
mind you, yeah I know I know) and it does NOT. I dont know what else
to do. IT is also going close to overheating in traffic as well which
Im told is OK as long as it doesnt go into the red. Are these guys
rooking me or what? So, Im concerned about the rough idle. Any ideas?

 

How did you use a paperclip to get the SES code?

 

How many miles... When was your last tune up... What is the condition of
your plugs and wires... Did you go to long before a tune up... What are
your plugs gapped to... and What are the codes?

"My Saturns over heating" is all we hear on here every summer. The gage
is missleading, 2/3rds is nothing. When your engine reaches 220 degrees
your fan will kick on.

"You" cant, you just said yours is a 97.

 

112000 and YES, I also had a tune up which I prob didnt need because I
had one a year ago. Ive spent 1500 in the last month and I'm about to
pull my hair out!

 

112000 and YES, I also had a tune up which I prob didnt need because I
had one a year ago. Ive spent 1500 in the last month and I'm about to
pull my hair out!

 

112000 and YES, I also had a tune up which I prob didnt need because I
had one a year ago. Ive spent 1500 in the last month and I'm about to
pull my hair out!

 

Get the engine code. My guess given the lack of any other information and
with the 112K mileage (later message) stated is the EGR valve. I'd also
suggest a good cleaning of the throttle body to address the rough idle if
the engine was recently tuned.

Bob

 

AutoZone stores will read the codes for free...others may as well.

 

Ive had the codes read on two separate occasions in the last MONTH -
first set were P0300,P0341, P0656 - replaced fuel pump. 2nd set of
codes were P0300,P0341 - I now realized those are the same codes yet
they replaced a NEW part - ignition module. I still have the rough
idle even though I was assured by the dealer who serviced it that the
idle was gone. I also replaced 4 tires which stopped the car shaking,
although I think I still feel it shake a little bit still.

 

First time code also included P0171 - these guys are most likely
ripping me off blind.

 

I had a similar problem with the car idling rough (kind of bucking) and
replaced a butt load of parts. Turned out to be the EGR valve.

 

Sounds familiar. My '96 SL/1 idles a bit rough but runs fine. Engine
light comes on periodically. I ignore it. Brought it to mechanic for
its annual state inspection sticker. It passed the safety inspection,
but he told me he could not give me one because of the multitude of
sensor fault codes in the computer. I disconnected the battery to clear
the computer, and drove it for 200 miles. Brought it back to him, and
he stated I hadn't driven it enough for the computer to report
anything. I drove another 150 miles, all this without an inspection
sticker, and sure enough the engine light came on as I was driving it
to the mechanic! He stated the same bunch of codes were back in there
and it would be costly to diagnose and repair this situation. Its a
'96, worth at best $2000. http://www.kbb.com// I see you have already
spent about $800. Not me. Bought it new. Got 120,000 miles. I got my
money worth. I'll run it till she dies. Or, you wanna make me an offer?

Next thing you will need is an oxygen sensor, a catylytic sensor,
temperature sensor... cha ching! Cut your losses.

 

If your vehicle is sohc and code P0300 indicates general misfires. After
having
done all mentioned, the intake manifold gasket maybe leaking. a quick
check can
confirm the condition - you will need a spray can of carburetor clean, to
check
you need to spray the carb clean at the intake manifold gasket at cylinder
#1 area.
If the engine shudders it means the intake gasket is leaking. You will need
to correct problem asap, or unburn fuel will do damage to the catalytic
converter.