Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Saturn SL1
Saturn SL1 Models:
Saturn SL1 Problems
Stalling/Charge Light Illumination Due to Failed Alternator
The alternator may fail causing the charge light to illuminate. Driving with this condition will eventually cause the engine to stall due to low system voltage.
Noise From Front of Engine Due to Timing Chain
The timing chain may come into contact with the timing cover, causing noise in the engine. Replacement or worn timing chain components will be necessary to correct this concern.
Transmission Fluid Leak From Cooler Line
The rubber section of an automatic transmission cooler line may develop a fluid leak . In some cases the leaking section of hose can be replaced. In others, the complete cooler line must be replaced to correct this concern.
Front Brake Rotor Wear Can Cause Pulsations
Front brake rotors can wear causing a pulsation felt in the brake pedal. Our technicians tell us this condition is best corrected by replacement of the front rotors and brake pads.
Poor Ride/Handling Due to Worn Suspension Struts
The front struts may show signs of wear, or be excessively bouncy ride at freeway speeds. This may begin to occur at around 75,000 miles.
Saturn SL1 Recalls (Recent)
Saturn SL2 Recall 02V020000
Summary: CERTAIN SEDANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES," AND NO. 214, "SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH WELDS BETWEEN THE DOOR STRIKER AND BELT-LINE THAT DO NOT MEET SATURN SPECIFICATIONS.
Learn more »Saturn SL2 Recall 99V045000
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME FRONT SEAT BACK RECLINER GEAR TEETH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY THROUGH REPEATED USE, AND COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BACK TO SLIP PARTIALLY REARWARD WHEN FORCE IS APPLIED.
Learn more »Saturn SL2 Recall 00V310000
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY. IF IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED, IT IS POSSIBLE TO SHIFT FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED.
Learn more »Saturn SL2 Recall 93V132000
Summary: THE GENERATOR ELECTRICAL WIRING IS NOT PROTECTED AGAINST EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE GENERATOR.
Learn more »Saturn SL2 Recall 00V309000
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE VENT VALVE WELD ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK.
Learn more »Saturn SL1 Questions and Answers
I am trying to locate the drain plug for the transmission. Is it on the driver's side? What is it near?
How many miles can I drive car without alternator working? I need to get car to shop. Thanks.
Wondering what could cause the car not to start. It turns over but won't fire up. Could it possibly be the spark plugs? Or even the distributor? Maybe the spark plug wires? I would get it to the sh...
how do i change the headlight on 92 saturn
have placed a new battery and starter on receiving fuel thru the fuel rail and spark coming to plugs however seems like slow drag
Saturn SL1 Stories
i purchased my 96 saturn sl1 for 400 bucks plus some rims w 205000 on it ive been driving this car for over a year and a half the best car i ever owned all i have put into it was two front tires new ball joins front brakes and a tune up now my car has 250000 miles and still runs its slugish but due miles its normal i think its a five speed so good gas milage overall a great car
I bought my 1999 Saturn SL1 used in September 2001. It had 31,000 miles on it at the time. Today (June 2011), my Saturn has over 218,000 miles on it and it still runs as if it was new. It still has about 80 percent of its original parts intact, and I've never had a major mechanical problem with it. Of course, over the course of its 12-year lifespan, it's had its usual parts replacements (brakes, battery, shocks and struts, plugs) but in all these years, I've NEVER had a major mechanical breakdown. The 1999 SL1 was by far the best model that Saturn's Spring Hill, Tennessee plant ever produced. Its fuel economy (automatic transmission) is actually better than many 2011 model cars on the rood today. At 60 miles per hour on the highway, I get up to 40 MPG. The only thing I DON't like about my Saturn is that it doesn't have cruise control.
I bought my SL1 new in 1996. Best car I ever owned. Great gas mileage even at 15 yrs old. Now has 106500 miles. Drove cross country, Colorado to South Carolina (1800 miles), and spent less than $400 on gas. Was in shop once for alternator (1999) but have not had a problem since. This is a great car!
i bought my 2001 sl1 new in november of 2000. it now has 143,278 miles on it. other than general maintenance (oil changes, brakes, tires, etc.) it has been the most reliable car i've ever had and know of. i've watched my friends and family spend thousands on car and trucks they've only owned a couple years and less. i keep all service and repair records. i recently added up all repair bills. the total was 713 dollars. if i could get a new car that would be that inexpensive to own i would.
Bought this car used with 25k miles on it in 2005 because my sister had one and said that the gas mileage got better as she drove it more. It also got ~10mpg better than anything else on the lot at the Saturn dealer. Hers has close to 150k (standard) and I've got 95k (automatic) miles and both are still running great. My only upgrade was installing a third party stereo head unit to add an MP3 player compatible line in. Perfect city and highway car. Just enough power.