I have owned my SL-2 since new and currently have 44,000 miles on it. It has the usual high oil consumption and have had the dieing for no reason problem-(The vehichlewould diefor no reason and would not start for awhile) The problem was located after great effort and found to be a loose ignition wire inside the steering column.


Currently, my SL-2 has virtually no power at speeds from 0-45 MPH. The mechanic replaced the Mass Air Flow Sensor-no avail, and the Knock Sensor-no improvement. He wants it back but I am looking for advice. By the way, mySL-2 went through another stalling period and the solution was found to be a loose +battery clamp. (It did not look or feel loose but it did correct the problem)





Automatic, air, etc. 44,000 miles.[img]smileys/smiley6.gif[/img]

 

For Sale: 1998 Saturn SL-2, 44,000 miles, one owner, always garaged, never involved in an accident, regular maintenance, auto sunroof, pw, pl, tilt, cruise, high oil consumption, low power at slow speeds, new tires. Make offer or help me fix it.

 

Is the exhaust plugged? When you stomp on it does it sound different than before the problem started? Like a sort of deep hissing type nose and when you drive it and say try to pass someone do the rpms race up but you don't go anywhere or do they stay low even when the pedal is to the floor?

 

Well, enough time has passed to report that the throttle position sensor was indeed the problem in my '98 sl-2. The problem was that there was about a 75% decrease in power at low speeds (around town, etc.) but highway travel was normal. The TPS was not sending the appropriate voltage levels to the computer at low speeds which was attributed to TPS failure at the low end of the potentiometer which is also the most used area.

 

and that completely fixed your problems?

 

The problem was gone as of yesterday. However, as I mentioned previously, the knock sensor apperared to have fixed the problem for one day. I am optimistic this time. Several things have changed as a result of changing the TPS: The engine has less engine knocking noise at idle; the engine idles faster; the accelerator is much more responsive; and the shift point from low to second occurs earlier. I hope and pray that I am not mistaken here, but I think the problem is gone.

 

Ken, glad to hear that it sounds like it's fixed. It all makes sense now. The constant rubbing of the copper wiper arm against the carbon film resister would ware through the at the contact point, a specially at the low end due to stop and go driving. The PCM never gets the signal that your accelerating, it ether things your stop or you got your foot to the floor.

 

well, glad to hear that it worked out for you!