2001 Saturn L300 starting problems

[algie1100]

Hi

I have a 01 L300. It will start up the first time, but if I drive if for awhile and then stop for awhile, it may not restart. But then the next day it will start again. Any ideas on where to start looking?

Thanks
Al

[fdryer]

Welcome to Saturnfans!

Is this a battery issue that may be due to an older battery not powering the starter or another issue?

If you're describing a cranking but no engine firing after the engine has stayed warm, this may be the crank position sensor (CPS) fault that's now intermittent. This would be the worst type of cps failure as it doesn't fail outright (you'll still be able to turn the engine over but it'll never fire up) and fails randomly when you least expect it at the most inopportune time. When the engine cools down (overnight or several hours later) and able to start and run describes the same problem. If this is so, replace the cps. located next to the oil filter, mounted with one bolt. Be sure to seat the replacement all the way into the hole before tightening the bolt to ensure this one will detect the 'teeth' on the crankshaft in order to operate correctly.

The cps must output precise timing signal data continuously, as long as the engine rotates, as the ECM depends on the cps signals otherwise the entire EFI system is dead - the equivalent of an electronic heartbeat.

[algie1100]

fdryer thanks for the reply. that is exactly what it is doing. the engine cranks but doesn't start, but if I leave it till the next morning it starts right up again. I'll get a new cps and see if that fixes the issue.

Thanks
Al

[fdryer]

Buy it from any auto store, online (if you're willing to wait), and Saturn. Cheapest online, local store next highest, and Saturn the highest price unless your local dealer is reasonable on parts pricing.

[algie1100]

Replaced the cps and the car runs great. Thanks for the great call.

Thanks
Al