2002 Saturn and good battery will not hold charge

2002 SATURN
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CHARLESGRACO
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  • 5 POSTS
I have a 2002 Saturn SL2 that I bought used over a year ago with no apparent problems. One day while sitting in a parking lot, with the engine idling, the engine cut off. I was able to start it right back up but thought that was strange. The next morning, I went to start the car for work and it would not even turn over. The battery was completely dead. I've been told that the battery is good and the alternater checks out okay. When I get a jump the car appears to run fine. I can turn it off and restart it just fine, but when it sits for hours, it will not start back up. What could be the issue? Someone told me that the battery cables could be corroded and that is where the connection is being lost.
Jan 16, 2006 at 4:10 AM

What to check next

Diagnostic guidance. Suggested checks and possible repairs are separate from the owner's reported results.

Have the battery load-tested, cable connections inspected and charging output checked. If those checks pass, have the vehicle tested for an electrical draw while parked.

Guidance references and applicability

Source: Original question and visible replies. Owner reports and other participants' experiences are distinguished. Next steps are editorial guidance for obtaining diagnosis or clarifying the reported findings; they are not a verified repair procedure or an independently confirmed component diagnosis.

Read the replies · Discussion summary and reported outcome

AI-ASSISTED GUIDANCE · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
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NAPAGUY
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  • 14 POSTS
How do you know the battery is good ? Did someone do a load test ? If so, they should have noticed corroded cable connections. Clean the cables first, thats the "quick & dirty" first step ( also the cheapest ). Have the battery LOAD tested. Have a mechanic check for something (short, light on, etc. ) that could be drawing the battery down. At the same time they can check the alternator output. Then you'll know for sure if the battery and alt. are really GOOD. Chances are one of them is not ! :lol:
Jan 24, 2006 at 9:24 PM

Discussion summary

2002 Saturn and good battery will not hold charge

A 2002 Saturn SL2 reportedly restarted after a jump but would not crank after sitting for hours. The owner had been told that the battery and alternator were good, without providing test results.

Reported outcome: No follow-up test results or completed repair were reported.

The reply recommended verifying the battery and charging-system condition rather than accepting unreported checks. No failed battery, alternator, cable or source of drain was confirmed.

Read the original discussion

AI-ASSISTED SUMMARY · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
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