20 Most Recent 1998 Saturn SL - Page 3 Questions & Answers

there is a black nut on top of the box you need to turn

need to replace starter

need to replace or repare transmission

from under the car

is this car automatic? Need to know more info. Whats happening when you try to pull it in gear? Does it go into gear at all?

oxygen sensors in the exhaust down pipe one before the cat and one after the cat

power is not getting to starter, clean all thick wires that feed the starter, grounds, chasis to batt ground, chasis to engine ground. after, do a test if the starter works by sending 12v+ to the small conector in the starter's solenoid... (if only clicks, is the solenoid, for confirmation bridge the two large terminals in the solenoid, carefull lots of sparks!!, if still NO work, is the starter)

Is there a slow idle adjustment? Most newer vehicles have no idle adjustment (computer controlled) but this one is old enough that it just might. Good luck!

There are fuses that control some emission sensors(IE. fuel). But the engine computer is really what controls emissions.( all the other stuff)

ECM/PCM. engine control module/powertrain control module. Both are the same computer.

I'd check the wires to your starter there may be something loose. Also if your have a manual transmission there is an electrical connection that recognizes if your clutch pedal is engaged and if that connector is unplugged (it should be located above your clutch pedal) your car won't even try to start and have the exact symptoms your explaining. Make sure your battery connectors are tight. Hope this helps

your not going to like this but its in the fuel tank I included image see below

If your emissions sticker under the hood in the front was still legible, you would see a diagram of the serpentine belt components. Facing the car from the passenger side, the tension pulley is left of the engine's center and perhaps 8 inches down. It takes a 14 mm wrench pulled clockwise to release the tension. It's a tight space. A pass thru socket wrench would work, but so does a combination wrench with a rope or wire tied to the closed end. That gives enough leverage to move the pulley.

please go to the web link for diagram and firing order. It is the correct one.
http://autorepair.about.com/library/firing_orders/bl-fo-4959.htm

Hey there Brett.

It's fun. You go through the right front wheel well.

Before starting, consider a pressure wash of the areas in question. You'll need an easily movable light source too.

Procedure for pulling the alternator

1, Disconnect Negative battery cable.
2. Remove the serpentine belt.
3, Jack up the right front end.
!!! Use additional jack stands, engage e-brake and make sure the wheels are chocked. You do not want the car to fall while your working on, under or inside it !!!!
4. Remove the right front tire
5. Remove the wheel well splash shield. The splash shield is held on by a dozen or so anchors. Use a small flathead to pop the centers out. They should slide out. You'll get it. Remove the shield.
6. Remove the field and Bat+ wires.
7. Remove the two bolts. The alternator is now loose.
8. Remove the alternator through the wheel well. Don't get frustrated. It really can be done.

Mike

Remember: Good things come to those who Rate!

best place to find wiring diagrams -bing.com/images automotive diagrams

Any number of reasons. Take the spark plugs out of each cylinder, making darn sure the engine is cold. Are they wet or oily ? If not, then put the plug boot on the plug, then put it next to something metal on the engine , while an assistant turns over the key. Did you see a spark ? No, then the ignition is faulty. Replace the wires, plugs and rotor under the distributor cap, and the cap itself. I believe they are still rotor caps on this year Saturn.