2002 Saturn SL2 died on highway

WHRIONTE

MEMBER
2002 SATURN SL2
113,500 MILES

A couple of days ago I was driving on the highway when the oil lamp indicator starting flashing, slowly then faster, until it turned on. About half a minute after that I sensed a loss of power in the car and then the battery lamp went on and the car died out. I managed to coast to the shoulder of the highway. I tried to start the car again, but the car would not start, no turning over and, ultimately, not even clicking (the starter). As time passed, the flasher lights went out. I had to tow it.

I do not know if it is related, but around 5 weeks before, the check engine light went on for a couple of weeks then went out without showing again. I did not get it checked, so I don't know what codes got registered. But then, why would the light turn off, just like that?

5 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

Sounds like the alternator has failed Have the battery charged and tested to rule that out. Also make sure the battery cables are clean and tight. Do you have a multimeter?

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Monday, December 12th, 2011 AT 8:20 PM

WHRIONTE

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Battery is new, I bought it from Walmart in May 2011; it is still under warranty. Yes I have a multimeter.

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Monday, December 12th, 2011 AT 9:14 PM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

Use the meter to measure the voltage of the battery and let me know what the readings are. Also measure the voltage while trying to start the car and let me know what the readings are.

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Monday, December 12th, 2011 AT 10:41 PM

WHRIONTE

MEMBER
5 POSTS

I took the car to a mechanic who told me the engine has welded together and the car needs an engine replacement as such. Problem is, I read online that the engine would die out after the driver hears knocking or some other noise from the engine compartment, which I did not notice. Is what the mechanic is taking about feasible, or he just wants to get more money from the auto job? I asked him if he checked the altimeter but the way he phrased the answer led me to believe that he tried to crank the car but it did not respond so he made diagnosis of dead engine. He kept saying that the oil was like tar and that it needed more frequent oil changes, but I have always been changing the oil once it hits the 3k deadline set by any place I change oil at.

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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 5:21 PM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

The engine can lock up without any noticable noises.I would try turning the engine over by hand with a breaker bar. Thats how I tell if the engine is locked up.I also once saw the nose cone of the nose cone of a starter break off and lock up a engine so you couldnt turn the engine over.