1998 Saturn SL1

lindarella888 · 07-28-2012, 04:44 PM

Hi everyone,

Have owned my 1998 Saturn SL1 (I think it's the "1" version) for almost 14.5 years now. It has been a good car and I now have about 110k miles on it. I've only had a few problems with it above what would be expected considering age/mileage, etc. In the past couple of months, city mpg has dropped from about 23 to 14, while highway mpg remains at 35+ mpg. Makes no sense. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Linda

**Ssicarman** · 07-28-2012, 07:38 PM

Welcome to the Board.

The PCM coolant temp sensor and or connector would be a first suspect if it has not been replaced yet. Past that the thermostat.

RjION · 08-06-2012, 12:15 AM

Well hello and welcome to The Saturn Spot .. Another great new member that we'll likely never see 20 posts from.

lindarella888 · 08-06-2012, 12:18 AM

Apparently the rattle is from the compressor. It only happens when A/C is on and when I start the car.

The mpg city thing, my mechanic can't figure out, so he referred me to another guy to try soon.

lindarella888 · 11-12-2012, 11:00 PM

Just wanted to thank you. Long story short, I had the oxygen sensor replaced. It has helped somewhat with city mpg up to about 18 from 14. That mechanic said the belt tensioner I'd had replaced (another mechanic, 100 miles away) a few months before was faulty; hence the rattle. Took it back to the mechanic who'd replaced the belt tensioner and he replaced it (but said he didn't see that it was faulty) and I still have the rattling. Sometimes it happens even when I'm idling. It's an old car. Thanks so much for your advice/suggestions.