Intermittant Starting Problem

sc2_ct · 07-19-2002, 12:41 AM

I have a problem where occasionally my car will not start right away on the first try and will crank for about 4 or 5 seconds w/o starting. If I back off the ignition and then wait a second and try again, it starts with no problem. I didn't notice until it started getting hot out. I am thinking that it could either be plugs/wires or the fuel pump. I have heard that some year DOHCs had a fuel pump that didn't maintain proper pressure that ended up with a service bulletin. Can anyone fill me in on what year saturns and if there is any visible way to check? Also, what do you guys think - spark or fuel?

Joeybagodonuts · 07-19-2002, 01:33 AM

is it a 97? 97's had known fuel pump problems which resulted in delayed starting veyr much like you describe. let me know what year and model buddy

sc2_ct · 07-19-2002, 01:23 PM

Joey, yeah, it is a 97 DOHC. I think there was a service bullitin about this, so would it be covered by the dealer as a recall?

Joeybagodonuts · 07-19-2002, 01:33 PM

gee how did he know that? lol, man when you deal with saturns EVERY DAY and not just part time, you get the feel for these things.
now, that is SUPPOSED to be covered yet I have heard of many dealers squirming out , do not lalow this as this is why they did the recall on them ( i may use the wrong terminology there, it may be a tsb, tommy, if you read this can you fill us in the exact dealer temrinology and how he should go about getting this covered?)
these untis were defective and symptons start exactly as you describe and start taking longer and longer to start.

sc2_ct · 07-19-2002, 02:22 PM

Thanks Joey, I will bring it down to the dealer and try to have them take care of it. I was sort of worried that it was the fuel pump. The last thing I need is my car giving up on the highway since I drive an hour to work each day. Thanks again.

**Ssicarman** · 07-21-2002, 04:53 AM

Tell them, if they don't know, special policy bulletin 00029 April 2000.

Joeybagodonuts · 07-21-2002, 12:44 PM

tommy, thank you very much, now i wrote it down so I dont have to guess at it and know the bulletin #!we make a great team, so happy to have you on board!

sc2_ct · 07-21-2002, 11:02 PM

Thank you Joey, and you too Sscicarman. Does this happen to any other years? My father has a 96 SW2, my neighbor has a 96 SL2 and my buddy has a 98SC2.

**Ssicarman** · 07-22-2002, 02:22 AM

The special policy is only for 1997 and only if certain conditions are met. The conditions being time, mileage and the problems being displayed.