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:
- Visually check vacuum hoses for splits, kinks and proper connections as shown on vehicle emission control information label.
- Check canister purge system for proper operation.
- Check ignition control system for proper operation.
- Check EGR system for proper operation.
- Ensure the installed PCM program is correct for that particular vehicle. Check with dealer for latest application information.
- Check for proper ignition voltage output using Spark Tester (J-26792).
- Check Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) for contamination. This will cause a false high voltage signal to PCM. PCM will respond by leaning out air/fuel ratio.
- Check in-line fuel filter, and replace if dirty or clogged.
- Check fuel pressure while condition exists. See FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE TEST under BASIC FUEL SYSTEM CHECKS in appropriate BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES article.
- Check for poor quality or alcohol contaminated fuel.
- Check Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor for proper operation. Check air induction system for damage, restriction or air leaks. See DIAGNOSTIC TESTS in appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article.
- Remove spark plugs and check for wet plugs, cracks, improper gap, burned electrodes or heavy carbon deposits. Also, check condition of spark plug wires. Spray spark plug wires with a fine mist of water to check for shorts.
- Check charging system output. Repair charging system if voltage is less than 9 volts or more than 16 volts.
- Check for restricted exhaust system, such as a damaged or collapsed pipe, muffler or catalytic converter.
- Check transmission shift solenoid system and Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) system for proper operation.
- Ensure owner understands operation of TCC and A/C clutch operation, as stated in owners manual.
- Check injector harness locations. Ensure injectors are connected to correct injector/cylinder according to firing order.
- Check for rich or lean conditions. Drive vehicle at speed when complaint occurs. See appropriate HO2S DTCs for diagnostic aids. See appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article.
- Check for plugged injectors. Perform injector balance test. See FUEL INJECTOR BALANCE TEST under FUEL SYSTEMS in appropriate SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING article.
- Ensure PCM grounds are clean and tight.
- Check for excessive use of additives in fuel.
- Ensure that the engine coolant temperature is not above 266°F (130°C). This condition causes the PCM to operate in Engine Coolant Over Temperature-Fuel Disabled Mode. While in Engine Coolant Over Temperature-Fuel Disabled Mode, the PCM turns fuel OFF to 4 cylinders at a time in order to keep engine temperatures from reaching damaging levels. The system perceives Engine Coolant Over Temperature-Fuel Disabled Mode as a lack of power, a miss, or a rough idle.