New Member saying thanks....

[jay11789]

Just wanted to say thanks for all your help.

I have a 1993 Saturn SL1. Its my commuter car, about 80-90 miles a day! After being charged almost $900 to repair my rear brakes...I knew it was time to take advantage of my 2 car garage...and learn this stuff myself. So, by searching threads in this forum, i was able to do the following on my own...

-Replace Tensioner (belt was screaming louder than my wife at a coach sale)
-Replace Serpentine belt
-Replace front pads and rotors
-Oil and filter change (not fun, cant believe where the filter is located!)

Let me add in the fact that I burn about a quart of oil every 1500 miles.

Thanks for all of your info.

[OldNuc]

Progress!

You should also change the 2 pin ECTS and probably the thermostat. This will help good running quite a bit.

[Dan400Man]

I have to ditto Jay. In the past year...

I've replaced brakes and rotors on all wheels plus the calipers on the rear. The calipers were a b*tch, but mostly because Murrays sold me two defective units and I had to figure out that they actually were defective. (On one, the bleed port could not be closed to stop the leak, and on the other, the piston (?) was locked open; could not compress it.)

I replaced the rear swaybar links with a lot of help from members here.

And then there was that pesky coolant light that was resolved with filling the reservoir to the max line. (I continue to watch that level.) Saved me from having to do a lot of messy work in 20° crud. But this is a planned maintenance item for springtime, and I will reference the advice given me in the thread I started.

Unfortunately, I had to shell out $400 to have my alternator replaced last week. It was just too cold, and it's buried on the bottom, and I just didn't have time to muck around with it. Had it been any other season...

I deeply appreciate all of the help given here, especially with the extensive knowledge. Not only for the money I saved, but also gaining the knowledge to confidently perform work necessary to keep my Saturn running in great shape. I'm teaching my boys (19 & 17) as well. I only wish I had this resource when I was 17! Better late than never, eh?

So, again, many many thanks, and have a prosperous New Year!

- Dan

[jay11789]

Originally Posted by OldNuc

Progress!

You should also change the 2 pin ECTS and probably the thermostat. This will help good running quite a bit.

Ok....there a thread to help me get started on that one too?? I could use all the info I can get.

[DonP]

First couple sticky threads int he How-to Library forum.

And check the connector for corrosion while at it.

[Cheyne]

Here's a couple of links to the richpin videos.

ECTS replacement:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC0U53w_Htk

Thermostat:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEoLFrg8IUI

Your car has 2 ECTS, a one-wire that feeds the temp gauge on the dash and a two-wire that feeds the pcm. You definitely need to replace the 2 wire and probably should do the other as well. Check the ECTS connectors for corrosion and replace if any is found.

[richpin06]

Originally Posted by jay11789

I could use all the info I can get.

I am presuming you are new to your saturn but if you are not disregard what i am about to say.I see you have a 15 yr old vehicle and you live in the northeast.A saturn of this vintage can develop driveability issues related to something as simple as a couple of bolts on your motor that need a little cleaning.The ignition coils which are mounted to the ignition module which in turn are mounted to the front of the transaxle next to the engine dipstick can lose its ground through corrosion .A little time spent by you removing the four retaining bolts and cleaning any corrosion could prevent possible ignition related problems down the road.

[jay11789]

This is great stuff!! Thanks for all of your info. These videos are perfect! explains things so clearly.

[SLCraig]

Originally Posted by richpin06

I am presuming you are new to your saturn but if you are not disregard what i am about to say.I see you have a 15 yr old vehicle and you live in the northeast.A saturn of this vintage can develop driveability issues related to something as simple as a couple of bolts on your motor that need a little cleaning.The ignition coils which are mounted to the ignition module which in turn are mounted to the front of the transaxle next to the engine dipstick can lose its ground through corrosion .A little time spent by you removing the four retaining bolts and cleaning any corrosion could prevent possible ignition related problems down the road.

Thanks my friend, I will probably give that one a try come spring, just to be on the safe side

[jay11789]

Thanks again guys. Also, would anyone happen to know of a forum such as this one that could assist with Chevy Equinox questions?