Saturn S Series Sedan SL, SL1, and SL2

running like crap

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 02-09-2012, 05:38 PM
08cummins67's Avatar
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 4
Default running like crap

I have a 1999 sl2 and has no power. the codes that come up are camshaft position sensor and misfire. I know it doesnt have a cps. I just bought the car and had to put a new alternator on it and battery. i then replaced the plugs and wires for the misfire. it didnt fix it so i bough one coil and swapped them between the 2 and nothing changed either way. the middle 2 cylinders are white as can be so i know its running hot and the outter 2 are black. i know the history of the car and it was parked in october running just fine. I know it was running fine cuz im with her everyday. it was only parked cuz her mom gave her her car since she got a new one. now it wont run right now. any ideas?
 
  #2  
Old 02-09-2012, 09:33 PM
derf's Avatar
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Slightly off center
Posts: 10,312
Default

which cyls were misfiring?
what plugs were used as replacement?
 
  #3  
Old 02-10-2012, 05:42 AM
08cummins67's Avatar
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 4
Default

I'm not sure the outer two are black the inner 2 are white. Autolite light plugs were used
 
  #4  
Old 02-10-2012, 07:53 AM
derf's Avatar
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Slightly off center
Posts: 10,312
Default

Need to know the codes then -- there are cylinder specific misfire codes (which point us in a direction) and a random misfire code. Please post the actual Pxxx codes.

As for plugs -- S car engines do not play well with platinum plugs (forgot to ask if you have them in there now)
Use the stock NGK plugs.

Also, sometimes aftermarket wire sets have resistances that are not close enough to the stock wires; the ignition system is very sensitive to this.

Notwithstanding, have you run any fuel system cleaner through it? 5 month old gas....
 
  #5  
Old 02-10-2012, 12:37 PM
sw2cam's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,278
Default

Use the stock NGK plugs as derf says, and has been said on this forum and every other one for the last 20 years.
 
  #6  
Old 02-10-2012, 12:46 PM
08cummins67's Avatar
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 4
Default

I'll get the codes and I put a bottle of dry gas in it.
 
  #7  
Old 02-10-2012, 05:23 PM
trike1946's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Southern NJ
Posts: 246
Default

Welcome to the Saturn Forum.

Like derf suggested, use fuel system cleaner not just dry gas. I use Justice Brothers but I'm sure there are others that work good. How much gas is in the tank?
 
  #8  
Old 02-11-2012, 10:49 AM
08cummins67's Avatar
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 4
Default

It only has about an eighth of a tank it did have a half but its sucking down the fuel since I've been working on it
 
  #9  
Old 02-11-2012, 11:20 AM
sw2cam's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,278
Default

fuel system cleaner, and top it off with new gas. check for vacuum leaks.
 
  #10  
Old 11-10-2016, 10:56 AM
baire702's Avatar
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 17
Default

not to be a smarty pants, but were you able to follow wiring diagramme for installing the plug wires?
 


Quick Reply: running like crap



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:19 AM.