I have a 2002 Saturn. I was driving on the fwy and all the sudden the car started sputtering and all the gages repeatedly moving back and forth while jerking the car. It would not allow me to accelerate but eventually made the car come to a complete stop.


The car will start again after about 5 to 10 min and then repeat the above problem. Any suggestions as to what this might be?

 

Sounds like the alternator is at the end of its life. All the electronics including the ignition system are running off the battery.

 

OK! But the car has sat for almost two months and the car will instantly start when I turn it over. Ive had the car sit in idle for over 30 min in it wouldnt stall. its only stalls when I drive it for about 10 min did it begins tosputtering and all the gages repeatedly moving back and forth while jerking the car. It would not allow me to accelerate but eventually made the car come to a complete stop. I was thinking maybe a fuel pump but not 100% sure. Your thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated?

 

I would check your electrical connections then your grounds then the alternator. Usually it's just the connection to the battery terminals that I have seen cause erratic electrical issues. Clean them and reconnect if needed. You can also check the fluid level in the battery if it is not sealed. However, I doubt it's the battery sinceonce it begins shorting out it usually justdies in a few minutes.


I don't think fuel is the issue. if your engine dies with the ignition on then your gauges should not jump.


If your alternator would go the battery would provide power and allow the car to run for a little while, the gauges should still not jump. You would generally start to notice lower brightness on the lights before the car would die.To test the alternator you could complete a load test.

 

It sounds like a crank position sensor!!!! Cheap fix!! When the crank position sensor goes out, it seems like the car is having a sezuer or something. The engine violently stalls and the cluster goes crazy. Car is hard to start and problem comes back quickly. Edited by: Robertlamont80