There is a rod from my clutch on my 2002 saturn SL1 hanging loose, now what?

Have you changed trans fluid and filter?

Here's your book info is below...
Most auto parts stores carry Haynes Manuals. You can order them from Haynes if needed. Or...often they are carried in your local library.

I have done Ford and Toyota clutches using these books. Clutch replacement is not hard, just time consuming...And easier if you have a lift.

Note: If like many vehicles, don't forget to replace the engine rear main seal while you have access with the fly wheel off.

You can call Haynes and ask specifically if the book covers the repair you are attempting. I have called them to get more specific wiring diagrams not always provided with the books. Very helpful in providing tech data... I have a Haynes manual for all my vehicles...makes maintenance and repair much easier than researching every I need to do something to my vehicles.

Best of luck finding the information you need...

Here's your book info.

Saturn S-series Haynes Repair Manual Online covering all 1991 thru 2002 models of Saturn SL, SL1, SL2, SC, SC1, SC2, SW1 and SW2
Part Number #E87010
Haynes Repair Manual Online for the Saturn S-series covering all 1991 thru 2002 models of Saturn SL, SL1, SL2, SC, SC1, SC2, SW1 and SW2 has clear instructions and hundreds of photographs to help you perform anything from simple maintenance to basic repairs. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, you can save big with Haynes!
Complete coverage for your 1991 thru 2002 Saturn S-series (SL, SL1, SL2, SC, SC1, SC2, SW1 or SW2):

--Routine Maintenance
--Tune-up procedures
--Engine repair
--Cooling and heating
--Air Conditioning
--Fuel and exhaust
--Emissions control
--Ignition
--Brakes
--Suspension and steering
--Electrical systems
--Wiring diagrams

Sounds like the friction surface of the clutch disc is slipping. You would have to install a new clutch (clutch disc, pressure plate, and clutch release bearing), and have the flywheel surface cut and polished back to perfect smooth by a shop.
Manual transmission gears don't slip like automatics. And lack of fluid in the transaxle or the hydraulic clutch system won't cause this either.

Usually these are replaced as assembly,with the clutch master cylinder and it all prebled.http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/1995-Saturn-SL1/Clutch-Slave-Cylinder/_/N-j1oexZ6o2ja

my car is a 2002 saturn sl1 i was woundering if you can help me with my car when i drive on the freeway up hills my car goes from fast to slow so i have to shift from 5th gear to 2nd or 3rd gear and i have to go like 40 mph on a 65 mph speed limit all the way home how do i fix that problem

Sounds like the clutch plate and or pressure plate are worn or damaged.Could be a bad axle.Does the speedo run up even though the vehicle is not moving,if it does suspect a bad axle.

not usually. in a front wheel drive car the trans should be dropped out of the way to allow clearance sorry but its really not much more work with a set of ramps supporting the car a floor jack can support the trans while you disconnect everything allowing you to remove it.

Call junkyards, look on ebay or craigslist, and find out. You are obviously going to need a used part. Having located a used part, find a mechanic to find out how much the labor will be.

Usualy it is not the motor which is faulty.The main rod where the vipers mounted use to rust together.The best thing to do is to take this parts off the car, dismantle it, clean it ,then assemble it with good quality grease.

go to www.saturnfans.com