1999 Saturn SL2 Clicks But Won't Crank

1999 JEEP

ANDREWROMA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

hello everyone.

My grandmother recently gave me her 99 saturn sl2 (50,000 miles) as she purchased a jeep for herself. the car was very well kept, and checked religously for problems, however as luck has it, the problems are arising now that it is mine.

as i write this the car is sitting over at a jobsite due to the fact that it won't start. i shut it off for two minutes and returned to find it would not restart. everything works fine the radio etc (except for the dome light which hasn;t worked since i got it. though i have not had time to check the bulb.) the last time this happened (about a week ago) i let it sit for about 5 minutes, turned the key to acc. put the car in neutral and turned the key; started right up... this time is the exception. it has a new battery and the cables are fine. i cleaned the ground as it looked dirty but still didn;t fix the problem. what might this be?

2) when driving and applying the brake the interior lights on the radio the odometer, etc. become brighter until the brake is released. what is this?

3) door open chime refuses to go off if the drivers door is open (no key in ignition)

obviously the first question warrants the quickest response. the other two have not seemed to cause any problems except dreaming of chiming...very annoying.

alas I thank you in advance for any response. appreciate it very much.

Mar 10, 2006 at 7:23 AM

PEPPERMRJ

✓Experienced Mechanic
1,158 POSTS

Does it crank and not start or not crank over at all?

Mar 10, 2006 at 9:40 AM

ANDREWROMA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

thanks for your time in responding. just got back from the car, and following the instructions in the manual refering to 'starting your saturn (if your transmitter is lost or damaged and the saturn security system is armed.) - which i didn't even lock the doors when I initially got out of the car, however i tried thier method anyway which is;

use your key to unlock the door. the alarm will sound for about two minutes (the door want locked so I simply opened the door. lol)

after the alarm stops put your key in the ignition and turn your key to 'run' position.

turn your key back to the 'lock' position and remove the key.

after about 15 mintues yhou will be able to start your car.

this didn;t work.

there is an audible clicking when the key is turned but does not crank..,

whatcha think?

Mar 11, 2006 at 2:04 AM

PEPPERMRJ

✓Experienced Mechanic
1,158 POSTS

Start with your battery. Have it tested and charged. While it is out clean any corrosion off the connections and inspect the insulation on the cables.

A quick test is to turn the headlights on and turn the key to the start position. The headlights should dim if the starter is drawing current. This usually means a low or bad battery. It could also mean a bad starter. I would think that unlikely on such a late model with low miles. The headlights stay bright if there is a poor connection to the starter.

I have more info for you but one problem at a time.

Good luck and let us know. :)

Mar 11, 2006 at 7:44 AM

ANDREWROMA

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks for the assistance so far...

The battery was low. I placed it on the charger overnight and brought it back up. It is a fairly new battery so this is a bit strange that it would be taking such a big charge - isn't it?

Again I checked the connections and they are all very clean - I cannot see the connection to the starter though - as a matter of fact I really cannot see the starter - as it seems to be tucked up underneath and barely seen.

Still no luck starting. Turn the key all the idiot lites come on and all I get is a faint click.

Mar 13, 2006 at 2:08 AM

PEPPERMRJ

✓Experienced Mechanic
1,158 POSTS

Sometimes a newer battery can fail. Charge it and have it tested. The starter is behind the motor and is easily seen from underneath on the passenger side. Use jack stands and a wheel chock if you do get underneath any vehicle. If the battery and the connections are good then the starter is most likely bad. The starter should have 12 volts at the small wire with the key in the start position. Again use caution underneath a vehicle that might start unexpectantly
Good luck and let us know. :?:

Mar 14, 2006 at 9:35 AM

BOB G

MEMBER
25 POSTS

Like the man said could be the starter, if you jack it up and can get to the starter, with a small hammer wack the side of the starter case while someone else turns the key, if the starter works then you have bad brushes in the starter, this is a very old methodto check the starter, but it usually works.

Nov 15, 2006 at 1:16 PM

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Suggested Repair

Charge and load-test the battery, since a fairly new battery can still fail. Clean the terminals and inspect the cable insulation and connections. If the battery and connections are good, check for 12 volts at the starter's small wire with the key in start. A click with good power and connections points to a faulty starter. Use jack stands and a wheel chock before inspecting the starter from underneath.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1999 Saturn SL2 with about 50,000 miles could not restart it after shutting it off briefly. Accessories worked, but the key produced only a click and no crank. A security-system reset did not help. The battery was low; after charging it overnight and cleaning the connections, it still only clicked. The expert advised testing the battery, inspecting the cables, and if those are good, verifying 12 volts at the starter control wire and suspecting the starter. Two other issues—lights brightening when braking and a door-open chime that will not stop—were mentioned but not diagnosed.

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1999 Saturn SL2 Clicks But Won't Crank

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