2003 Saturn L200 Electric

Tiny
CVO7
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 SATURN L200
  • 120,000 MILES
Alarm activates randomly, gauges off and on, dome lights flickering while running, keyless entry does not work, headlights flicker (only when on the automatic setting) when the headlights are manually turned on they work steadily. The car starts, then will turn off seconds later. I can hear what sounds like an electrical arc around the waterpump when it activates.

-I've tested both the alternator and battery. The Battery had a low cold volt reading but passed. I did find little corrosion on the pos. Battery terminal. (Cleaned and re-attatched), I cannot find any bare wires, loose grounds, or burn marks anywhere. I've checked all fuses under the hood and inside the car. I cannot find the alarm fuse. I understand its inside the dash so I haven't dove into that yet. The BCM would be a good assessment of the problems I am having but its an expensive part and would like to troubleshoot any other possibilities first. I'm leaning towards an alarm issue due to it being the start of the issues and knowing the alarm relays electrical signals to all the issues im having.

- Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated
Saturday, July 20th, 2013 AT 1:18 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
So are you having the gas gauge or temp gauge inop when it doesn't start?Sounds like a bad bcm from the symptoms though. Very common on those cars I have replaced tons of those bcms on those cars for similar symptoms. The gas gauge is one of the most common being inop and it not starting. Also the keyless entry or door locks inop when they fail is common also.
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Saturday, July 20th, 2013 AT 4:25 PM
Tiny
CVO7
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Fuel gauge and im pretty sure its the BCM myself. I did a bit of shopping and found that its going to cost me upwards of 600$ ! Is there any way to have the one I have repaired? These are VIN specific and have to be new? I have found them ranging from 120.00 to GMC wanting 431.00 just for the part then 200 for installation and programed! Please tell me, is there another route I can look into?
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Saturday, July 20th, 2013 AT 8:32 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Go to eBay type in the search box Saturn bcm repair there is a guy that repairs them for 165 with shipping lifetime warranty. I believe you will still have your oringal mileage no programing required. Check it out let me know what you think. That's the route I would go.
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Saturday, July 20th, 2013 AT 10:43 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Was reading the listing for the repair said may need programing.I saw one repair that said mileage retained and now programing. Couldn't find that one though.
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Saturday, July 20th, 2013 AT 11:56 PM

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