New or Returning S-Series owners' checklist Version 3.0

[MLX10]

Haha don't get too jealous I just hit 88k and I'll be packing the miles on her. plus my "mechanically sound" comment was premature. doing work on her constantly but I love her just the same.

[MrAnon]

Eh, it's a good excuse to get out of other work. "Sorry, honey, can't do the lawn today - gotta work on the car. The flux capacitor isn't fluxing like it should..."

[Pitcher]

Wheel Lug Nut Torque: All S-Series lug nuts are to be torque'd to 100 ft/lbs.

[nateandrews6]

this is not so much a reply...i'm getting a 1993 SL@ next weekend.what i'm trying to locate is either a burgandy sunroof exterior panel,or glass.maybe even possibly the motor.i'll know more when i get it.does anyone know where i can either find a used one,or cheap aftermarket?

[gas3987]

This is a fantastic wealth of information. I'm looking forward to owning one of these SL2s, and hoping I get a good specimen!

I do have a question on the "reverse slam" that I have read a lot about. Is it more prevalent when the engine/transmission are cold, good and hot, or just all the time?

I'm going to take a look at a 2001 with 159000 miles on it that, by the pictures anyway, looks in real good shape and they claim well maintained.

Thank you for sharing this!

[Skippy3410]

Hey everyone, I'm a new member and can't seem to figure out how to make my own post, so I was hoping someone could help answer some of these mystery's... I have 2001 SL2 Saturn and it has 258*** with a manual trans and I have extremely high RPM's at 55... Just changed plugs and wires. Cleaned injectors. It made a difference for about a week, but it went back to running like poo. I went from 400+ miles on a full tank and I'm down to 250 if I'm lucky. Check Engine Light is on. code that comes up is EGR. I was told that the EGR would not be causing the RPM problem.

[Saturn2002SL2]

See below...

[Technologist]

Originally Posted by MrAnon

Alright, that's just not fair! Here I was thinking I was the low-mileage 95 SC2 champ at 86k and you come along with only 85k. Cheater! Meanie! Evildoer!

I am the new owner of a "primo" SL2... bought it with 75K miles on it and just turned 76K miles. It was garage kept until last year, so most everything is really sweet!

Pics to follow...

[jpags729]

Good day/evening to all:

I just purchased a 1999 Saturn SL2 with 126000 for $800 to save some miles/gas on my daily driver. I've been looking at this thread in anticipation of purchasing the vehicle and noticed that I am having some of the issues mentioned, including:

1) ECTS - I have the service record that says the thermostat was changed (and possibly the ECTS as well) but my coolant level is just sitting at the quarter mark after driving it (as shown in the picture provided on the first page). Any tips or advice before I go changing both?

2) Two engine codes - P0133 "O2 Slow Response Bank 1 Sensor 1" and P0404 "EGR Range/Performance." Any way these could be related? Found the youtube video that shows the cleaning which I am prepared to do on a warmer day (it is getting pretty cold here in NJ).

3) Needs a new headliner. Any websites anyone can recommend for OEM or like replacement?

4) Rust is present on the passenger back door right where you step into the car. Anything anyone can recommend to prevent further rust +treating existing rust would be greatly appreciated.

Other than that engine and trans are good. No visible leaks. I'm excited to learn more and help others too with my experiences. Sorry if I am posting in the wrong spot or hijacking a thread. All apologies and have a good one to all! And a big thank you to all who have helped so far and to all with further guidance to give!

[trottida]

Originally Posted by jpags729

Good day/evening to all:

I just purchased a 1999 Saturn SL2 with 126000 for $800 to save some miles/gas on my daily driver. I've been looking at this thread in anticipation of purchasing the vehicle and noticed that I am having some of the issues mentioned, including:

1) ECTS - I have the service record that says the thermostat was changed (and possibly the ECTS as well) but my coolant level is just sitting at the quarter mark after driving it (as shown in the picture provided on the first page). Any tips or advice before I go changing both?

2) Two engine codes - P0133 "O2 Slow Response Bank 1 Sensor 1" and P0404 "EGR Range/Performance." Any way these could be related? Found the youtube video that shows the cleaning which I am prepared to do on a warmer day (it is getting pretty cold here in NJ).

3) Needs a new headliner. Any websites anyone can recommend for OEM or like replacement?

4) Rust is present on the passenger back door right where you step into the car. Anything anyone can recommend to prevent further rust +treating existing rust would be greatly appreciated.

Other than that engine and trans are good. No visible leaks. I'm excited to learn more and help others too with my experiences. Sorry if I am posting in the wrong spot or hijacking a thread. All apologies and have a good one to all! And a big thank you to all who have helped so far and to all with further guidance to give!

You really should have opened your own thread rather then post to this one. I'm going to open one for you and you can find it here >> http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=235783

[BustRucket]

Useful set of tips wish I woulda found this sooner woulda saved me a bit of troubleshooting

[Somar]

Thank you, so much! I'm new to this site. I'm still trying to figure it out. I just wanted to show appreciation for this Information. This is gold. You can't get this in a manual!