Possible Cause & Correction

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 32 other vehicles, including the 2002 Saturn SL2, 2002 Saturn SL1, 2002 Saturn SL, 2002 Saturn SC2, and 2002 Saturn SC1. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check the following items:

Check TP sensor adjustment and operation.
Check fuel system. Perform BASIC FUEL SYSTEM CHECKS. See appropriate BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES article.
Check fuel injectors. Perform injector balance test. See FUEL INJECTOR BALANCE TEST under FUEL SYSTEMS in appropriate SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING article.
Check Knock Sensor (KS) system for no retard.
Check EGR system (insufficient).
Check Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) system operation (applying too soon).
Remove carbon from engine with top engine cleaner.
If excessive carbon exists in combustion chamber, check for excessive oil burning due to leaking valve guide seals.
Check for incorrect basic engine parts such as camshaft, cylinder heads and pistons.
Ensure the installed PCM program is correct for the particular vehicle. Check with dealer for latest application information.
Check for low engine coolant.
Check cooling fan for proper operation.
Check for restricted airflow to radiator or restricted coolant flow through radiator.
Check for loose water pump belt.
Check engine coolant sensor for shift in calibration. See appropriate SENSOR OPERATING RANGE CHARTS article.
Check for rich or lean running conditions.
Using Spark Tester (J-26792), check available output voltage of ignition coil.
Check for crossfire between spark plugs and spark plug wires. Check for shorts and faulty insulation by spraying spark plug wires with a fine water mist.
Check spark plugs for proper application and heat range.
Check engine compression.
Check Transaxle Range (TR) switch. Ensure scan tool indicates proper gear range as selected.
Check for alcohol contaminated or poor quality fuel.
Check vehicle operation using a higher octane fuel (minimum 87 octane).