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1993 Saturn SC2

Saturn SC2 Hot Start Problem

shared by 4 users

By Melissa - usenet poster


I have a "new" Saturn. It's a 1999 SC2, same 1.9 Liter engine
as the others.

Problem is that it start fine when cold. After
driving for 10 minutes or so, I turn the engine off at
the store. Walk out after 2-3 minutes and turn key.
NO START. the starter doesn't turn over. Doesn't
even click the solenoid.

I wait another 5-10 minutes and it starts right up. No
problem. I changed the temperature sensor on the
block with a new one. No help.

Any ideas? Car runs great, other than this "Hot
Start" problem.

By the way. NO check engine light. NO battery low or
charge light. Once it sits for a few minutes, turning
the ignition off, then on - it starts like normal. Go
figure.

kim
I have the same problem
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3 Other Users Have The Same Problem

Posted by andgeorg1 on Dec 01, 2008

I also am having the same problem, like the previous post. But, my Saturn is a 2000 SL2. My car will start fine when it is cold. Then I go turn the car off, go into a store, and come back and it won't start. The lights, radio, and AC will all come on. The car will rev up, and then never idle out. It seems like the tempeture gauge is running a little hotter. I took it to the shop and they said I had a bad spark plug connectiong, that they said they fixed. Then almost a week later the same problem keeps happening. Could it be that the car is overheating, or maybe a bad sensor? Or, is it a spark plug problem? Any solution would be helpful. Thanks.

Posted by rhtfe on Aug 29, 2008

Hello- I just bought a used 97 SC2 and am having a similar problem. It doesnt seem to have anything to do with how warm or cold it is though. It's completely random- i always have to guess' ok are we gonna start today or not?" :| The starter turns over but the engine wont fire up. We just replaced the spark plugs, wires and head gaskets. Once the car starts and we're on our way it runs great. Any input is appreciated.
Thank you!!

Posted by ifbarryon on Aug 11, 2008

1998 SC2

At first, I had the same problem- seemed to happen when it was warm. Then, it happened in the morning when it was cold. Now, it has totally quit working for 24 hours, after about a 2 mile run. Was going on for 6 weeks or so until this point.

Can hear fuel pump in "on" position, lights, radio, all accessories work fine. No drain, or load seems to be on battery (lights do not dim when trying to start), so it appears no voltage is reaching solenoid.

Replaced battery with a new one- no change.

Someone mentioned a "starter relay"- Is there such a thing in an SC2 before the starter solenoid?

Solution #1

posted on May 14, 2008
Not Rated (0)

Melissa

Rank:Apprentice Apprentice
Rating: 0%, 0 votes
If you do not even get a "click", then I'd suspect one of the following:

corroded/dirty or loose battery, starter, or engine block connection
defective or dirty starter solenoid contacts
defective starter relay
defective ignition cylinder switch
Bad battery (not likely, but there could be an open cell)

I'm not sure why it behaves differently when cold or warm. You also do not
say if the lights, radio, blower fan, etc. all still work or not when it
will not start. My guess is this may not be dependent on the temperature
so keep your eye on this ... at the minimum, I'd remove, clean (with a wire
brush), and tighten both the positive and negative battery posts and
connectors. I'd also do the same with the engine block and starter
connections as well while the battery is disconnected.

Good luck

Bob
.

...
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Solution #2

posted on May 14, 2008
Not Rated (0)

Melissa

Rank:Apprentice Apprentice
Rating: 0%, 0 votes
All other electrical functions are "normal", radio, heater, lights,
dash, etc. function. Its just the "brains" between the ignition
switch and the starter that seem faulty. As I said, after a few
minutes more cooling time it starts normally. Battery functions the
same, start turns over and start just like normal, no noticable drain
on the batter. Not even a hard start. thanks.

Kim
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Solution #3

posted on May 14, 2008
Not Rated (0)

Melissa

Rank:Apprentice Apprentice
Rating: 0%, 0 votes
I would suspect a bad starter, based on your description of symptoms.
When the starter gets hot, the resistance in the unit goes to infinity
and "locks up". Good Luck...
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