My 99 Saturn SL2 has 133,000 miles on it. I had been noticing that it had been hesisating some while I was driving, and my gas mileage was getting worse. Yesterday morning I got in it to go to work, and it sounded terrible and would barely go, and it even backfired once. Any ideas on what this may be? I was thinking maybe plugs and wires. Also, I am going thru about 2 quarts of oil every 2 weeks now. It smokes like crazy, just wondering if it sounds like the end is near for my engine? My dad looked at it and doesn't think the oil is what is causing the problem right now, it seems to misfiring. Any ideas will be appreciated.

 

I think you Should take it to the nearest Saturn tech you can find.

 

You may at least want to pull the plugs and read them. Do a compression test while you have them out. This will give you a base line diagnosis. We can proceed from there. The plugs may be oil fouled.

 

I can't afford to take it to a Saturn tech! It would probably cost me more than the car is worth....My dad is coming to check it out today.

 

OK then ........

 

My dad has replaced the coil pack, spark plugs, fuel filter, and had the fuel pump tested. He said the car will start when it's cold and run, but when it's warmed up it the rpm's drop and it dies. As soon as he puts on the brakes or puts it in reverse. Any suggestions as to what he needs to check next? Thanks

 

Well - if it starts and runs when it's cold, but loses power and stalls when it's hot --> might be the sensor for the water temperature. The sensor is located on the driver's side of the engine, just below where the hose comes out of the engine and goes to the radiator. Might have to take the air intake pipe loose to see it. Costs about $20usd for a new part. While your dad's got it off, might be wise to replace the electrical wire connector as well (another $20 or so). The sensor controls the fuel mixture ratio to the engine and also reports the water temperature. Low temperature water readings would be a clue here ........

 

He replaced that already and it still wont run right...

 

Darn...........sure seems like alot of money has been spent on a car that still does not run .... Who and how was the fuel pump "tested"?

 

he took it to a auto part store and they tested it there. not sure how just know they did. i just wish it were fixed!

This is funny stuff .......