Starts but dies in 2 seconds

SOURCE: 2002 Saturn Vue won't start

Non-start situations basically boil down to two things: No Fuel, or no spark.

I you are looking to throw a part at it, start with the crank sensor. They are cheap and not too hard to replace.

A full diagnostic approach would be to determine if it was a fuel or a spark problem. Check fuel pressures with a fuel pressure test guage: Low fuel pressure indicates a bad fuel pump or a bad fuel presssure regulator. Lastly on the fuel side, check t see if the injectors are getting a signal to fire, usually done with something called a noid light, I believe.

Spark diagnosis begins with first determining the condition, then finding the cause. Bad coil, loose wires, even the crank sensor are all suspect. A good repair manual with a flow chart is probably the best procedure to follow.

In my case, my manual only had a passing reference to the crank sensor and no diagnostic procedure to test it or even lead me to it. I found the solution through extensive web searches. Once I replaced it, all was well.

SOURCE: 2002 Saturn SC1 - Starts fine and runs well until

Most Likely Coolant temp sensor & connector.Located in cyclinder head under upper radiatior hose.Two wires to connector yellow & black.Replacement sensor is brass (from saturn) Original is ceramic & cracks cause poor performance,stalling,idle issues.Also check plugs & wires for carbon tracking.Replace plugs & wires as a set all at once.Hope this helps

SOURCE: SL2 Won't start; previous codes=PO

I HAVE A 98 SATURN, WON'T EVEN TRY TO START EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. TURNS OUT TO BE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

SOURCE: 2000 SATURN SL 1.9 TWIN CAM-PO171 CODE

The code p0171 is a vac, leak. I would check all the vac, lines first. If they all look good, then the one thing I have ran across alot is the intake manifold will **** air in from the outside. Most of the time it will leak at #1 cylinder. Get a can of brake clean or carb cleaner with the engine running, spray around the intake and see if the engine stumbles. If it does then you have your vac. leak. Keep us posted.

Jta91

• 99 Answers
• Posted on Jan 28, 2010

SOURCE: saturn starts but will not keep an idle and dies

Sounds like you are pretty knowledgeable with the maintenance. With that said do you know if the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECTS) has been replaced? I'd put that at the TOP of the list of parts to replace next. If it hasn't been replaced it is the cause of a lot of problems.

The factory one is plastic and cracks. When it cracks it sends the PCM a signal that the engine is -40F below zero. The PCM will compensate by dumping A LOT of fuel into the engine to try and warm it up. It will cause all kinds of starting and idling problems.

Autozone or the dealer sells the better brass tipped one. The ECTS is located just under and behind the upper radiator hose. You'll need to remove the air intake tubing to see it or get to it. It has two wires going to it and goes into a connector. Squeeze the connector at the "ears" and it will come off. A 10MM DEEP well socket will take it out. Swap it quickly because some coolant will come out (a couple of ounces). Hand tighten it and snug it with the socket (not too much because it will strip out). Connector back on (either direction it's non polar). Put the intake back on and enjoy better starting and idling.

Testimonial: "thank you very much. youve been most helpful and i will let you know how it works out for me as soon as i replace the ects"