Help,


My 1996 Saturn SL2 failed the emission test. According to the diagnostic report, the following items need tobe repaired:


P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected.


P0341 Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance.


P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)


P1406 Manufacture's code.


Also:


MIL Engine Off: FAIL


MIL Command Status: FAIL


Could you guys please tell me how much it will likely cost to get the aforementioned problems resolved.


Any help will be greatly appreciated.


Thanks,

try a tune up

A tuneup may fix the multiple misfire, but what about the cam position! If youre going to keep the car, its stuff you need fixed. I'm sure that based just on those readings you are wasting a lot of fuel. I'm sorry I can help you with a price... I'm just not sure.

i can't tell you a price without seeing it first hand

So Ott, are you a mechanic or a hobbiest?

1) P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected.

P0341 Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance.




Indeed it is a misfire issue -- however, the "random" part of the code
is usually b.s. -- its usually one cyl missing but the computer gets it
wrong. Cam Sensor code will usually set if P0300 sets b/c the computer
is way confused.



Change wires and plugs (per ottjoe's tune-up suggestion) and get codes
cleared. Drive for about 25 mi after codes are cleared to see what
codes are left. If you get a single cylinder misfire code (P0301-P0304) with new plugs and wires, check ignition coils. If they are ok, you may have a compression issue in that cylinder (we won't go there yet...)



Car must be running pretty rough....


Cost: $50/30min








2) P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)




My guess is you're burning a ton of oil, and probably some raw gas
(from the cyl that is not firing) in the exhaust. The front 02 sensor
(before the cat) can corrode and get fouled with crusty residue -- this
will give a false signal to the computer and trigger a P0420 code. You
won't get an O2 sensor code b/c the sensor still works --- it just
passes a bogus value to the computer.


Of course, your cat may indeed be trashed, but pull the front O2 sensor.....think simple first....


Cost: $90 (?) for sensor --






3) P1406 Manufacture's code.



Per some hunting on the Internet, this is a code for EGR pintle position. EGR valve (part of emissions system) is probably gunked up with carbon from all the oil you're burning and the pintle is not moving freely -- have EGR valve cleaned or replaced.Note -- this is consistent with failing emisions and although costly, I doubt you will pass without addressing this one......


Cost: $200 ishHope this helps

Please post resolution

Derf

THANKS guys, especially Derf, for your wisdom. I have an appointment with an emission repair shop this morning.The informationyoushareplaces me in a better position to deal with the emission repair shop. I am hoping that the repair cost does not exceed$400.00. I will keep you guys informed.


Thanks again,


Jacques

Thank you for all the help you had provided regarding my 96 Saturn SL2that failed emission. I had a tune up done last December. The mechanic NEVER clearedthe code.


* I cleared the codes by unplugging the battery


* Icleaned the EGR valve


Another mechanicscanned the vehicle for me. The Computergenerates code P0326 (Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 or Single Sensor).What needs to be done to clear that code?


The vehicleidles high (about 1500 rpm) then goes down to 1000 rmp seconds later. What is the reasonable idling level? Engine Coolant Temparature is also high. Do I need to change the Coolant sensor? If so where is it located?


I appreciate your continued helpguys.


Thanks in advance,


Jacques

Its either your temp sensor or your PCV. Mine did that and it was a PCV. Thats only a three dollar part, and real easy to change. If you havent changed it for a while then it could be bad. I normally throw in a new one when I do my fuel filter at about 30K

by the way eroc i work and fix thje saturns that my dad sell through his dealership, so i have learned saturns pretty well over the last 4 years

If you've never changed the ECTS--->Change the ECTS (Engine Coolant Temp Sensor) and connector.

Get replacements from Saturn parts dept -- sensor must be the brass one, not plastic tipped

Connector corrodes easily -- do not cheap out -- get the new connector....

ECTS is located on driver's side in the cylinder head and will have two wires coming off it. Squeeze the connector to remove it.

13mm deep socket should do the trick for the replacement, I believe. Be speedy about it and you won't lose much coolant.

ECTS probably sending constant "engine is cold" reading to car's computer, which then sets the air/fuel mix to be way too rich. Like running with the "choke" on all the time on an older engine....
_______

Knock sensor: Engine may be knocking if the air/fuel mix gets far enough out of whack - -change the ECTS, clear the code and see if it comes back....
________
Idle Speed

Bad ECTS may cause your higher idle speeds, especially if it fails as described above....


I believe Saturn specs for the twin cam are:

Twin Cam, Manual = 800-900 RPM in N
Twin Cam, Automatic = 700-800 RPM in D (not sure what it is in N)

Please keep us posted.

Derf

Okay Ott... I was just impressed with your knowledge on these cars, and was wondering.

Thanks a million to Derf and all the other guys who help me. The vehicle PASSes the EMISSIONtest. I had to purchase a newdirect fit catalytic converter (Cost:$127) The mechanic put it in the vehicle for $85. The mechanic cleaneda few things (fuel injection system, Throtle body, etc...). I had replaced theECTS.Now thecar idles around800-900RMP.


Tune up was done last December. I notice that I am still not getting good gas mileage (about 200 miles for every fill up). The vehicle has atwin cam engine.WHAT CAN POSSIBLY CAUSE THE LOW GAS MILEAGE? What do I need to do in order to get at least 300 miles for every fill up? I have read on the board that some people are getting about 400 miles for every fill up.


Thanks guys for your continued help.


Jacques

Thats a good question Jacques. My 93 SL has the same problem. Im only getting about 23 miles to the gallon. I would be interested in hearing if anyone knows what could fix this. Fuel filter and plugs are new, and it does not smell like it is buring rich.


Glad the problem got fixed Jacques. We hope you will stick around and remain part of this forum.