99 SL2 multiple question

ANDREWROMA

MEMBER
1999 JEEP

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.

6 Replies

PEPPERMRJ

MECHANIC
1,158 POSTS

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

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Friday, March 10th, 2006 AT 5:40 PM

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?

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Saturday, March 11th, 2006 AT 10:04 AM

PEPPERMRJ

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. :)

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Saturday, March 11th, 2006 AT 3:44 PM

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.

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Monday, March 13th, 2006 AT 10:08 AM

PEPPERMRJ

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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. :