1997 Saturn very rough cold start

1997 SATURN
250,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
Avatar
DOUBLEPEDALDYLAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
this car has been though a lot. almost everything on it has been replaced, yet it runs great, until recently.

minnesota just got to its cold season, and my car will barely start. if it does manage to turn over, it is barely doing so, and sounds almost like a diesel, just barely running and then maybe will smooth out. other times, it wont even do that on its own. in that case, i have to put the accelerator to the floor and hope that it catches.

also, the engine is EFI.
Dec 3, 2007 at 11:42 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
BLACKOP555
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 10,386 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
With the slow cranking you probably have a bad battery or one that is starting to fail. For the engine not starting unless the gas is down probably relates to the slow cranking. if not then replace the coolant temp sensor and if you have a MAF sensor clean it.
Dec 3, 2007 at 12:19 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.