1997 Saturn SL2 Ghost in the Machine

WAKMAN582

MEMBER
1997 SATURN SL2
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
165,000 MILES

This has been going on for almost two months now. At first the low coolant light would come on randomly, as would the seatbelt light. The coolant level would be fine as would my belt be properly buckled. Then the car wouldn't start unless the doors were closed, dome light off. All the while the rear defroster would sometimes work and sometimes not. A couple times, while driving at about 30-45mph, the car would shut off completely (accessories and engine) then kick back on a second later like nothing happened. Something else, a few times I got no response whatsoever from the car when I put the key in and tried to turn it over, like the battery cable was unhooked or something. Now the car's security system will not respond to the remote! Oh yeah, the radio has been known to flicker off and on while driving too. So what is the deal! The following things have been replaced (within the last year): Coolant reservoir, radiator, water pump, and alternator. The battery has been tested and passed, i've inspected the wiring under the dash, and the battery cables "look" fine. I even visually inspected the PCM for signs of singing or corrossion, and its fine. I know I have a short or something of the sorts somewhere, but don't know what to do next? Do I need to remove the battery cables and test resistance, I periodically would have to clean the contacts from corrosion. Could some have rotted the wires inside the insulation or do I need to focus on the PCM. Am I even close? Please help, the car is drivable but I only trust myself with it. Every stinkin day.

1 Reply

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

Well some of it sounds like a chime module ur rear defroster dome light run thru it. If u shut the car off leave the key in and open the door does ur key minder go off like ding ding?The frist thing I would try to see if it helps would be to remove the chime module and reinstall it they get loose and cause problems. Remove the drivers foward kick panel thats the panel in front of the center console. Then u will see a large retangler box probably orange but could be black or white. Then theres a release tab on the bottom of it push the tab down and wigle it left to right till it comes out. Then look at the contacts make sure none are bent or corroded. Then reinstall make sure its all the way in then see if anything changes. Also go get ur codes read and see if there is any engine codes let me know what u find.