1996 Saturn Sl2 Low power and high rpm shifts.
 

Hi,

I need some help working on my wife's car. It's having a problem with having low power. I think this is from the spark plug on cylinder two fouling. It looks like from oil.

Also there's a high rpm shifting problem but I think that's related.


Any help is appreciated. I'll try to post some pics if you guys can point me in the right direction.

Thanks,

Chad:)

I guess the first question is --> are there any stored codes, and if so, what are the code numbers? Please be specific

I threw away the Code from auto zone. I don't have the exact code #. It was for a cylinder 2 misfire. I could get the exact # on Monday. Is there more than one code for Cy 2 misfire?

Well, once you are working on a problem, it's best to keep all your notes/tests, etc., until you get the thing solved - but that's water under the bridge.

Any cylinder misfiring will cut your power, so we need to figure out why. Remove the plugs, clean them and make sure the gap is set properly. Before you put them back, run a compression test on the engine, and post your results .....

I should have kept the test. I don't know what I did with it. I've been trying to figure this thing out for a couple weeks.

Here's the troubleshooting steps I've taken allready.

1. Replaced all the spark plugs with new gaped ones.
2. Ohm'ed out the plug wires. They were in tolerance(Haynes Manual)
3. Pulled off the cable of the coil pack to see if it was firing to Cy 2.
4. Gave it an oil change for S's and G's.
5. I read that the coolant temp censor can make the car run rich and foul up plugs so I replaced that. ( thought it might be a cheap fix)


That's what I've done so far. How do you do a compression test and what will it show, rule out, ect.

I looked up the kit. I can probably get it next weekend. Is this something that an auto parts would let you borrow as a specialty tool?

Not sure -- some might, but I can't guarantee they will. Compression will show if the cylinder rings are damaged, or if the valves are not sealing properly. Should the compression test pass, then we need to look elsewhere....

you can loan-a-tool at autozone