2000 Saturn sl2 starts then dies

[Adallen]

I have a 2000 Saturn SL2. It will start for a split second and then just die. I have changed out the fuel filter, I have checked the compression, spark and fuel pressure and all were good. I had the crankshaft Position Sensor checked and it is still good I also changed the plugs and wires. My dad and I both think it has something to do with the electrical. Anyone have any suggestions?

[Adallen]

Also just found the the oil pressure switch wasn't connected to anything and we can not find the wire to connect to it. Anyone know if that would stop it from being able to start? I wouldn't think it would.

[fdryer]

The oil pressure sending unit and disconnection has nothing to do with starting or running. All the oil pressure sending unit does is mechanically detect a certain minimum pressure to open the internal switch that turns off the oil light in the instrument panel. Your starting problem is from something else.

As a new member, remove the coolant sensor and check to see if its the original round nosed faulty plastic one. If it is, the engine is probably flooded from repeated starting. Replace the coolant sensor with a brass flat nosed one from any auto store.

In the mean time you can hold the throttle wide open to help lean out any possible flooding while starting or remove the plugs to check for soaked ones, dry them and blip the starter for a second or two to blow out any raw fuel before inserting the plugs back in. This should allow a good start.

[madpogue]

Is the SECURITY light on, either steady or blinking?

[Adallen]

So I just looked at my engine, and it does have the plastic coolant sensor you were talking about. I will go to town a little later and get that. It was running before and it would just be hit and miss to begin with where it wouldn't want to start. Yes the Service engine light is on solid. Earlier when I had the codes checked it was something to do with the EGR. I can't remember the exact code right off. I changed the EGR valve as the code suggested it might be, and it didn't make any difference.

[Adallen]

Also the SECURITY light turns on when you first turn the key on, but it shuts off after a second.

[madpogue]

The code does NOT necessarily suggest the part to replace. The code refers to the part REPORTING the problem. Replacing that part is akin to shooting the messenger. In your case, a code reported by the EGR valve could easily be simply one of the passages to the EGR being blocked by carbon buildup.

Get the code(s) again and report them here.

[RobertGary1]

Originally Posted by Adallen

So I just looked at my engine, and it does have the plastic coolant sensor you were talking about. I will go to town a little later and get that. It was running before and it would just be hit and miss to begin with where it wouldn't want to start. Yes the Service engine light is on solid. Earlier when I had the codes checked it was something to do with the EGR. I can't remember the exact code right off. I changed the EGR valve as the code suggested it might be, and it didn't make any difference.

If its the common code that we often get on the EGR all you needed to do was to spray some carb cleaner into the old one and clean it up a bit. It will come back in time as our EGRs tend to get crudded up easily.

-Robert