2001 SL1 misfire trouble

Discussion in 'Saturn S-series' started by princessrapunzel, Sep 10, 2006.

  1. I'm looking for a little help here please:

    We went away on vacation and ur 2001 SL1 sat for about 10 days. I tried to
    start it when we got back and it ran very badly to say the least. It was
    misfiring, had a strange odor from exhaust, and had no power. I let it run
    for a few minutes and gave up. I came back later and started it up, and it
    gradually ran smooth again so I took it for a spin, and figured I'd get to
    it later if it happened again.

    The very next day my wife went to use it and it was running bad again, just
    like before. It has not cleared up since, and here is what I have
    discovered/done:
    - it has fault codes P0300 (random misfire) and P0340 Camshaft position
    sensor.

    I know it doesn't have a CPS, so I replaced the spark plugs and wires (they
    were due anyway), and took measurements on each of the wires and coils. The
    coils and wires measure normal.

    Someone mentioned it could be a clogged catalytic converter, so I
    disconnected the O2 sensor on the manifold and it had no affect at all on
    the engine power/misfiring. There is also a large amount of flow from the
    tailpipe (enough to blow the rocks in my driveway out of the way from it).

    Anyone have any ideas on what could be causing this? What are my options
    here?

    Thanks in advance for any and all help!

    Justin
     
    princessrapunzel, Sep 10, 2006
    #1
  2. princessrapunzel

    Joe Guest


    When I recently had the same problem, it was Cyl. 3. Oil fouled plug. BUT
    you changed the plugs and wires, right? PCV sensor / valve or whatever it
    is called... Could that cause this problem?

    Clogged fuel injector?

    Joe in Northern, NJ - V#8013-R

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    Joe, Sep 10, 2006
    #2
  3. princessrapunzel

    Bob Shuman Guest

    A couple of thoughts for consideration:

    Look carefully at the ignition coil/plug wire tower. They have a tendency
    to corrode over time and can cause misfiring. Removing and cleaning is
    fairly simple and good preventive maintenance.

    Make sure you gapped the plugs correctly. I'm not sure of your year, our
    '96 lists .060" in the manual, but is supposed to be .040".

    Make sure the plug wires are run identically (and cross themselves in the
    same place and manner) to the way they were from the factory/previously.

    Make sure your battery is putting out the desired voltage and definitely
    over 12V since the computer can do strange things with a bad cell causing a
    low voltage situation.

    The connectors to one of the fuel injectors could be dirty/oxidized or not
    making good connection. These can be easily unplugged and sprayed with a
    good electrical contact cleaner/lubricant available from radio shack or
    similar electrical store.

    The Crank Position Sensor could be bad causing the OBDII code you are
    seeing.

    Saturn's are notorious for having the Coolant Temperature Sensor fail and
    not setting that code. Typically this could cause the engine to run badly
    upon start up. These are cheap and fairly easily replaced.

    You could have gotten some bad gas last fill up. Try adding a good fuel
    injector cleaner (I use Dupont Techron) and running the tank down as far as
    possible before refueling.

    Good luck.

    Bob
     
    Bob Shuman, Sep 10, 2006
    #3
  4. princessrapunzel

    BläBlä Guest

    ECT sensor could behave like this. If it gives a "cold" value when you
    start it up it will run far to rich. What "brand" and type of plugs did
    you buy? Sometimes a .040 gap works better on the s-series.
    Below 15k ohms is good.
    Other than ECT sensor I would still focus on the plugs and wires and
    also look at fuel pressure and I should go ahead and ask when you last
    replaced your fuel filter.





    -- .. ... - . .-. ..-. .- -.-. - / .. ... / .- -. / .. -.. .. --- -
     
    BläBlä, Sep 10, 2006
    #4
  5. Well I have discovered that number 4 cylinder is not getting spark at all.
    I don't know why but I do know that for a fact. I am going to check all
    connections again and re-measure everything to make sure I didn't miss
    something.

    Any ideas oon what would block the signal to #4 cylinder?
     
    princessrapunzel, Sep 10, 2006
    #5
  6. princessrapunzel

    Bob Shuman Guest

    Clean the corrosion from the ignition tower block...
     
    Bob Shuman, Sep 10, 2006
    #6
  7. princessrapunzel

    Q Guest

    Is the engine single overhead cam? SL1, SC1 use SOHC design - This
    engine misfire
    problem besides plug, wires and ignition coils - the intake manifold
    gasket aslo leaking
    You can check by spraying some carburetor clean at the intake manifold
    cylinder #1, 2
    area. If misfire that is the vehicle problem. Part for this is cheap
    but labour take about
    3-5 hrs with proper equipment an tools.
    As for the rotten egg smell is from the catalytic converter. this
    occurs when trying to burn
    of excess fuel due to the misfire. If left unrepair will permanetly
    damage the catalytic converter. I recommend fix the problem ASAP.
     
    Q, Sep 30, 2006
    #7
  8. princessrapunzel

    Roy Guest

    I have what sounds like the exact same problem except mine is cylinder #1.
    If you find it let me know. I too have replaced my plugs and wires as well
    as cleaned the contacts on the ignition tower. Mine is a 98 SL1. 169,000 km.
     
    Roy, Sep 30, 2006
    #8
  9. princessrapunzel

    Steve Guest

    Steve, Oct 2, 2006
    #9
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