Get the latest advice about your car

Get Started
Advice » Q&A » 1997 Saturn SL

Q&A

Ask Your Question

1997 Saturn SL

Question: Cylinder #2 Misfire & Check engine light blinking

Question

rachey88, Choctaw, OK, February 12, 2009, 13:25
Profile_thumbnail
 Rookie

I have a 1997 Saturn SL1. It has about 154000 miles. I replaced the spark plugs two days ago because it was misfiring. Now when I drive it it doesn't want to go. I will be stopped at a stop sign or light and it will idle very low and then I will go and it will not pickup and go. Like it gets stuck in gear. If I put in park and rev it and then shift into gear it will go sometimes. I put the Lucas stop leak tranny fluid in it yesterday but it has not helped. I don't know what to do and I have to drive it 100 miles tomorrow. Will it make it?

1 Answer
Answer It
Flag This

  • Answer #1

    Andy Y February 12, 2009, 14:22
    Profile_thumbnail
     Master

    If the light is blinking, it is not a good idea to drive the car. You can learn more about the light here
    http://repairpal.com/check-engine-light

    The misfire should be diagnosed as it can be caused by a number of things. Did you replace the wires (if equipped) or coil? Did a shop diagnose this for you?

    When I had to rent a car, I think the small car was $20 for the day. I would consider this as an option so you don't do major damage to the catalytic converter

    Flag This

  • Reply

    rachey88, February 12, 2009, 17:50
    Profile_thumbnail
     Rookie

    I replaced the wires and so far so good. I will see what happens when I get off work. but one of wires was broken I think because the metal part that connects to the plug came out of the wire.

    Flag This

  • Reply

    Andy Y, February 12, 2009, 23:03
    Profile_thumbnail
     Master

    I hope you got it fixed! Very often if you replace a spark plug that has been on for a long time, the wire or coil boot is not far behind. They get baked on and very hard so they can get compromised when they're removed.

    Reply
    Flag This
Answer Ranks

This week's top 10

1 globalhelper 6 TimGoodreau
2 milesauto 7 obdcar
3 csubak30 8 raiderron
4 jose8889 9 Merrimack Auto
5 Autohaus Lake Norman 10 Camster