Tech Tip: Saturn Cranks But Won’t Fire – UnderhoodService

Main Navigation

Advertisement
Social Connect
Resources
Our Brand Family
Underhood Service Logo
Technical resources to help diagnose and repair engine-related service issues.
Post

Tech Tip: Saturn Cranks But Won’t Fire

Owners of 2002 Saturn SC Series 1.9L vehicles may complain that the engine cranks and will not fire at times; will stall when coming to a stop, and then start right back up; and that they have to open the throttle to help it start. Test the accuracy of the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor by ....

Underhood Service Staff Writers
By Underhood Service Staff Writers
Published:

From the IDENTIFIX Hotline Archive:

Related Articles

Vehicle: 2002 Saturn SC Series 1.9L, Vin 8, Mileage: 48000

Customer Concern: Engine cranks and will not fire at times. Will stall when coming to a stop, and the start right back up. Opens the throttle to help it start.

Tests/Procedures:

  1. Test the accuracy of the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor by measuring the coolant temperature in the coolant surge tank and comparing it to the temperature on the scan tool. They should be within 8° F of each other.
  2. Remove the ECT sensor’s electrical connector and inspect for corrosion. Replace the sensor and harness connector if corrosion is found.
  3. Test the resistance of the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor when it stalls. The resistance should be close to 900 ohms depending on temperature.
  4. Check for loose terminals at the CKP sensor and at the powertrain control module (PCM) terminal’s 08 Yellow wire and 30 Purple wire in the large connector.

Courtesy of IDENTIFIX.

For additional tech tips, visit www.identifix.com.

You May Also Like

Diagnostics

Ignition Coil Output

To see inductance inside the primary windings, use an amp probe placed around the positive wire for the ignition coil.

Andrew Markel
By Andrew Markel
Andrew Markel is the director of content for Underhood Service magazine. He has been with Babcox Media for 20 years. He is a technician and former service writer and holds several automotive certifications from ASE and ­aftermarket manufacturers.
Published:

Kilovolts or kV is the unit used to measure the output of an ignition coil. Some coils can output 20kV to 40 kV. So, how does an ignition coil turn system or battery voltage into these huge voltages? The answer is inductance. 

The ECM provides the voltage to the primary coil winding. The primary winding might have 100 turns around the coil’s core or plates. When the voltage to the coil is turned off, a magnetic field collapses. The collapsing field will generate more than 100 volts thanks to inductance. The energy is transformed by the windings in the secondary with inductance again, but thanks to the 10,000 windings, the voltage is boosted to 40kV at the spark plug’s electrodes. The best way to see inductance inside the primary windings is to use an amp probe placed around the positive wire for the ignition coil. With this setup, you can see the current ramping in the coil and the collapse of the magnetic field. 

Read Full Article

More Posts
Plastic Timing Chain Guides

Timing chain guides are designed to wear, but the guides are designed to last the engine’s life.

By Andrew Markel
Honda to Establish EV Value Chain in Ontario, Canada

It will strengthen EV supply system and capability with an eye toward a future increase in EV demand in North America, Honda said.

By Underhood Service Staff Writers
PRT Launches 30 New Complete Strut Assemblies

The new items represent more than 10 million vehicles in new coverage, PRT said.

By Underhood Service Staff Writers
BCA Bearings Unveils 2024 Endless Summer Promotion

The Endless Summer promotion runs from May 1 through June 30, 2024.

By Nadine Battah

Other Posts

Ford- Illuminated MIL/Engine Coolant Over Temperature Warning

This may be caused by the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor or knock sensor wiring harness.

By Underhood Service Staff Writers
Mobis Starts Construction of EV Battery System Plant in Spain

The new EV battery system plant will supply Volkswagen and is aiming for mass production by 2026.

By Underhood Service Staff Writers
What Causes the White Crystals in an SCR System?

This video covers how detergents and surfactants in Diesel DEF Medic Plus clean the DEF system. This video is sponsored by Rislone.

By Underhood Service Staff Writers
Navistar Surpasses 100 Authorized EV Dealers

Navistar will have more than 30% of its dealer locations ready to support the sale and service of both International and IC Bus EVs.

By Underhood Service Staff Writers