I own a 1995 saturn sl1. Just recently i started experiencing some problems, the first is that if the car is turned off for more that 2 or 3 minutes, but less that 3 or so hours, the car sputters real bad on take off, but if i put the pedal to the floor, its fine. The next problem is that the low cooland light is on, i checked the coolant, it is fine, so i replaced the sensor, started it back up, the light is still on and now the temp gauge doesn't work. In an attempt to fix the sputter issue, i replaced the fuel filter and plugs, didn't help. If it helps at all, the car does burn oil, about a quart every 1000 miles. If you have any idea what it could possibly be please reply, Thank you.Edited by: sw2cam

 

How did you replace the low coolant sensor? Its a permanent part of the resevoir tank. Did you replace the tank? Usualy when you get a low coolant light and the system has the proper amount of coolant, its due to a diert collant lever sensor. You'll have to remove the tank and clean it out with warm water and dish washing soap. This usually foxes the problem, but if it has gone on for too long, you'll need to replace the tank.

As for your other problem, inspect you coolant temperature sensor. Its on the drivers side of the head. There will be two of them. A single wire sensor higher on the head, this is for your gauge. And another one lower on the head with a two wire connector. This si the one you need to check. If its the original and had a plastic tip. Replace it.

 

I replaced the sensor on the top of the head, do you think i should replace the lower one too?
Edited by: sw2cam

 

Yeah. Replace the lower sensor. That one directly effects engine persormance. The top one just sends the temperature reading to the gauge. And remove your coolant resevoir and clean it out.

 

I replaced both of them and now my gauge is working, but the low coolant light still flashes and the car still sputters pretty bad, i have also noticed that i am getting horrible gas mileage. I appreciate the help very much.
Edited by: sw2cam

 

You didn't replace the low coolant sensor , thats in the bottom of the coolant bottle. You need to change the bottle and sensor as a unit.

LowSaturn told you that once already

All one has to do is read

 

I realize that thanks, i am wondering about the sputtering problem.
Edited by: sw2cam

 

hi,

I have a 98 sl2 with the dohc engine and had the same problem and what I found id you firs need to get a new set of plug wires, then pull each plug and clean the top
contact with laqauer thinner, then go to your satuen dealer and get (2) spark plug wire retainers that are on the 1999 and newer cars that mount to the top of the valve cover with a stud and nut, install these and this took care of every sputter and shake and my gas miliage is back to 31-35 mpg

joe

 

Sorry for the spelling on the earlier reply my typing is bad and I was in a hurry!!!!

Joe