Saturn SC2 Hot Start Problem

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

 

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
..

 

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

 

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...