Drivers seat stopped moving forward/back - dash lights are out

ELLA FREEMAN

MEMBER
2001 SATURN SL1
12,800 MILES

The cable is detached I can see, however I need to know how to get to it and what I should use to fix it. Also, I learned that the Saturn's are notorious for oil consumption problems. I have replaced the pcv valve with the autozone part, it lasted all of a couple months. I just replaced it again with the ome part and whoa what a difference! However, I noticed that I have traces of where oil is now coming from two valve cover bolts(?), Ever so slightly. I read up on the oil problems others have had and learned that I may need to clean the valve cover, and the plates which are beneath those two bolts(?). Due to Saturns oil puddling because of buildup in the passageways, the valves, etc. I need your help with telling me if I am understanding this correctly. Because of Saturns problem with oil sludge building up on and in all these areas, that there is so much now sitting in the upper valve cover that it is seeping out of the two spots on top of the cover. Is this factual and if so what can I do to keep my car in tiptop running shape? Should? Should I remove the valve cover and clean it out? If so what do I use? Should I change the weight of my oil? I appreciate your time and value your knowledge that you can share with me. I am unemployed and really need this car to be dependable while looking for a job, not to mention getting there when I get one. Thanks again, ellie in las vegas nevada

5 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

So the wire that runs across both of the seat tracks broke or came unhooked?Also how much oil does the car consume in 3,000 miles?As far as the oil leaking out of the valve cover bolts felpro has a valve cover gasket set that includes new valve cover bolt groments I used one on my 1999 SL2 and the bolts no longer leak. The gasket is about 20 at auto zone just clean up all the bolts and washers with brake cleaner and a rag. Before you put the valve cover back on make sure you put a bead of silicone on both the T joints where the front cover meets the head or you will have a big leak from there.I recomend using permatex ultra grey silicone.

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Monday, October 31st, 2011 AT 4:03 AM

ELLA FREEMAN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Saturntech9, thank you for your suggestion. As for the seat, yes, it has broke, I am guessing since I am having a hard to getting to it. How am I suppose to fix this without having to pull the seat out? You seem adversed on the Saturn car so, I'd like to ask another question. I obviously bought this car second hand, since the day I got in it I have had no lights over the dash when driving at night with the lights all turned on. How do I get to the place to replace any lights? Also, what would be the part numbers for the replacement bulbs? If you know any of these questions answers, please feel free to contact my personal email. I have no problem getting ALL my emails & txts on my Blackberry. So if you need to relay any information I might ask or you think I might benefit from, let me know if I can give you my email address. I will share my email address when you tell me if I can do this safely.

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Monday, October 31st, 2011 AT 4:57 AM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

It is possible to replace the seat release wire without pulling the seat I have done it many times. Worse case senerio you have to remove the seat or atleast pop it up enough to do it. Yes I know my saturns I have work for saturn repairing them for many many years. As far as your dash lights inop is you ac back lights inop along with light to tell you what gear the car is in?Also do your running/parking lights work?If its only the dash lights check to make your dimmer switch isnt turned all the way down.

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Monday, October 31st, 2011 AT 10:07 PM

ELLA FREEMAN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

As far as dashlights, I should have worded it differently. Only about 1/5 of the instruments on the dashboard are lit up. I cannot figure out how to get into the dashboard to replace the bulb/bulbs>? And just cause I'm a GIRL dosent't mean I am illeterate about cars. I've been taught by the best (my exhusband) OF COURSE I CHECKED THE DIMMER SWITCH:D Really all kidding aside, I cannot see the dash at night. I use the street lights as I pass, etc. I also have illegal tint on all windows except windshield, so I have a have a hard time seeing out let alone getting any "light on the subject."

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Sunday, November 6th, 2011 AT 6:12 PM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

I posted how to remove the cluster to replace the bulbs. Heres some tips the two bolts holding the dash top above the passenger side air bag those bolts are 8mm. The screws holding the column shrouds around the steering column are 5.5mm and like one 7mm bolt. The side a/c vent is held in with 7mm screws. To disable the air bag before you start removing the cluster first on the passenger side right in front of the center console. There will be a panel that is removable under it there is fuses you will remove the 10amp air bag fuse. Then at the base of the steering coulmn you will find a yellow connector remove the safety lock from it then unplug it. Now your ready to remove the cluster after reinstalling the cluster then plug the yellow connector then reinstall the safety lock and put the air bag fuse back in. The part number of the bulb you need should be bulb number PC118. Let me know how you make out.

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