Weird Electrical Stuff

[auntmashellys]

Ok, here is the rundown. My 2001 SC2 has 115K miles on it. Had it since it was new. Love it! BUT, seems like some weird electrical stuff is going on and I need some advice. Car has occasional check engine light on since it was all but new...so that doesn't worry me. Uses a little oil, but understand that is pretty common with this model and used oil since it was new too. In the past few years have had a few occasions where the thing just won't start, no power at all. Leave it alone for a while and then it will decide to start. In december it wouldn't start, tried to jump it still wouldn't start, then really got to look at the battery the battery connector was actually "blown" out and I had to dig the terminal out of the connector. Replaced the battery and it was fine. During this time I was experiencing problems with my trunk release. Next problem that came was the headlight going out. I don't think the headlight was related but who knows. Then trunk started working and remote key fob problems started, if I hit lock my alarm goes off. I can only lock car by actually hitting the lock button on the door. Sometimes driving lights will stay on, I have to go back and put the key in the ignition and then light goes off. Now, fuel guage shows empty even though its full, check engine light is on permenantly, and low fuel light is on. Any ideas????

[Earl43P]

http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44657 might help with the fuel gage problem.



http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59192 might help you re-program your key fob remote.


Go to an auto parts store that will read your codes for free.
Write down the code #'s (for example: P0140).

Post them here for assistance with diagnosing why your check engine light is on.

[madpogue]

Okay, wolfman may sue me for plagiarism for this, but:

Check ALL your fuses in BOTH fuse boxes. Fuel gauge/light issue sounds like it may be a fuse.

The above link for the reprogramming your RKE will NOT work on your Gen-3 car. You have to go to the dealer.

Do what Earl says about the SES light, or you can get a cheapo scanner at Harbor Freight for $50-ish (or a decent one for a few dollars more at any good parts counter).

This is water under the bridge, but if the SES light was on since it was nearly new, it could have been taken care of under warranty.

[auntmashellys]

SES light was checked and reset dozens of times under warrenty. They always blamed it on either emmissions problem and "made adjustments" or said the gas cap wasn't on tight, although I always make sure it clicks several times. I love about 90 minutes from the nearest Saturn dealer so its always a pain to get service. I have three Saturns, but think the distance is too great and will not purchase another Saturn.

[madpogue]

Hm, I know this varies state to state, but many states have a new-car "lemon law", that says that if the car comes back more than three times in the warranty period for the same reason, they have to get you a new car (probably minus the wear and tear on the existing car). Again, water under the bridge, but perhaps not. You might be able to use this to argue with Saturn that a problem that has existed since the car was under warranty still hasn't been fixed, and that they should correct it. They should at least give you considerable relief on the cost.

Do you have the reports from all the times the SES light was checked, corrected, reset, whatever, in the past? Codes from the most recent trip(s) might be informative.

[sherrill]

Dear Aunt: It sounds like your battery leaking acid may have damaged your battery cables and connections; possibly in several places. This would account for your strange electrical problems. If you had to "dig out" the connector from the battery because of severe corrosion, I would first check the condition of all the battery cables and each of their connectiors on each terminal, INCLUDING the body ground connections and where they connect to the starter. Any corrosion present would cause the problems you are describing. Replace all cables,. wires and connectors that show damage from battery acid. Those that have very light corrosion, can be cleaned and soaked in PB Blaster to remove corrosion. - Sherrill