1997 Saturn SL1 Engine stalls in gear

POPPAJIM1

MEMBER
1997 SATURN SL1
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
135,000 MILES

The engine starts and idles a little rough in park and neutral but when I put it in gear the engine slows to a stall without ever feeling like the transmission locked in. It will restart fine and run but stall again when put in gear.
The problem started while driving home with it not running over 35 MPH and running rough, it made it home but once parked in driveway the above situation started.
I have replaced the cat. Converter pipe assembly(bolt up version), 2nd oxygen sensor(after cat.). Valve cover gasket, spark plugs, both ignition coils, serpentine belt, belt tensioner & belt idler pulley.
I have a small oil leak that appears to be due to the auto shop not installing the filter tite enough but no other apparent leaks of liquid or air/vac. The engine temp. Gauge doesn't appear to be working normal.

Are there any common issues this sound like?

3 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

With the symptoms and the temp gauge not working correctly I would say replace the coolant temp sensor its really common for the sensors to fail. Also inspect the inside of the coolant temp sensor connector if the terminals are blue or green instead of silver then you will have to replace the connector as well. Let me know what you find.

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Wednesday, April 15th, 2015 AT 7:58 PM

POPPAJIM1

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I replaced the coolant temperature sensor( connector looked clean, no blue or green) & I also replaced the crankshaft position sensor.
Both sensors looked very crusted.
Car started right up and idled just a little smoother, when put in gear it stalled. It started back up very easily but again stalled when put in gear.

Any other suggestions?

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Thursday, April 16th, 2015 AT 2:12 PM

SATURNTECH9