Hey, my 2001 S1 Series has been having problems starting ever since I got it. Basically every time I turn it on I have to give it a lot of gas to get it going - and sometimes I have to do it a good 4 times before it actually starts. I know this is terrible for the engine, I have got it looked at once but that mechanic didn't know much about Saturns so he was no help. There was speculation that it could be the fuel injector needing to be replaced? Do you think this is the case? If so, could you tell me how much a new fuel injector would cost for this Saturn?

Once it starts running it generally has no problems; the only exception is that times when it takes 4-5 times to get it started, it will "bug-out" a bit and kind of jerk until I hit the gas and get it moving. It feels as though it is not getting enough gas to start but then when I give it gas it gets too much and revs the engine.

I really need to figure out the problem and get this fixed before the I screw up the engine from the way I have to start it.

Please Help!

 

Do you have this same problem once the engine warms up, or does it only act like this when the engine is cold ??

 

It doesn't matter really, it does it basically every time. The only random times it will start right away is if I haven't been driving for a while.

 

So just what Saturn do you have

SL
SL1
SL2

SC1
SC2

SW1
SW2

 

OA is thinking the same as me- It's probably the ECTS/connection problem. Usually that problem makes it more difficult to start after the vehicle has warmed up. Cold starts are usually not a problem. Has your temp gauge been acting erratically (it gets it's signal from the ECTS)?

 

It is an SC1.

Unfortunately my temperature gauge is not working so I have no way of knowing if it is erratic. Do you by any chance know what I would have to get done to it given it is a ECTS/connection problem, and generally how much it would cost?

Thanks for your help.

 

Sure -- the sensor itself (OEM type) normally sells for about $15 usd. The electrical connector for the sensor normally runs about $25 usd. I would suggest changing both. It is a relatively simple swapout - the sensor is located on the driver's side of the engine, below and close to the connection for the radiator hose. MAKE SURE THE NEW SENSOR HAS A METAL TIP! Use Teflon tape on the threads, and work on a car with a cold engine, so you don't get scalded. Oh, its a two-wire sensor ....

 

Thanks!