power loss
 

I have a 94 SL with approx 350k, manual tranny. It was "bucking" under load, I replaced the plugs, but got no improvement. It recently stopped bucking, but will not exceed 3,500 rpm. Any ideas?

thanks,

jr

Other things to check would be. Ignition system : Cap, rotor/ or pick up, possibly coil /coil packs. Fuel System : fuel filter /injectors.. connections to fuel injectors!! Check all your connections and all your Grounds!!

Lets face it, you have 350,000 miles on that thing.

ummm, no cap or rotors on Saturns, TW...

Any SES codes?

Clogged EGR w/r/t bucking behavior? Might want to pull and clean that....

Also, the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) on these cars is involved in air/fuel delivery calcs and ignition functions and could also be an issue. If it is not sending correct information to the PCM, this could also be a source of wierd air fuel mix or strange ignition timing. The VSS signal goes to the PCM before going to the speedometer, so it also may be giving false rpm readings if the VSS is faulty.

Never had to replace one, but also don't know anyone with 350K on a S car.
Well Done!

On a 93? I wasn't sure that's why I included "pickup" and coil packs.

I do agree with the VSS also

thanks, this is helpful. I didn't even know there was a vehicle speed sensor. my problem seems to be rpm related more than speed, could the VSS still be a suspect?
My next step is to replace the fuel filter and add drygas. The problem seems to have started pretty much at the same time I fueled up.
This has been a great care for me, 350,000 is way more than I initially expected, but it's run so good for me, I'm going to see how far it goes before a major expense occurs.
I have two other Saturns for my daughters: a '99 with 175,000 and a 2002 with 130,000. Based on my experience with mine, their cars are still quite young.
:)

A Possible Clue??
 

Hmmmmmmm -- ya think ya may have got a bad load of fuel ?? Guess anything is possible

DUDE!! Please include ALL pertinent info when posting......(sigh)

Derf -

It has been "bucking" much longer than the last tank of fuel, so that can't be bad gas related. Also, the start of the problem wasn't immediately after fueling up, it started about 1/4 tank in. I'm just working the simple, inexpensive fixes first.

I'm out of town and won't be able to work on the car for a few days. I appreciate your feedback.