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Running problems with a 2001 Saturn LS300
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Gaeilge1
Novice
Nov 4, 2016, 5:00 PM
Post #1 of 13
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Running problems with a 2001 Saturn LS300
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Hello:
I own a 2001 Saturn LS300 with the 3 Litre V6, with approximately 100,000 miles. The primary symptom is that when the car is in gear and should shift up it dies! I have no problem starting or getting into either reverse or drive, but once the car begins to move and should automatically shift into a higher gear, say going from 1st to 2nd it dies. If I nurse it along I can get into 2nd but when the RPM's get to where the car should shift into 3rd, it dies. When I can finally get it to highway speed and am cruising at say 70 mph, all of a sudden without my accelerating I am going down the highway at 110 mph, then it dies!
I have discussed it with a transmission specialist who says it is not a transmission problem because it does shift. I have had it to two mechanics who have both run diagnostics but can't come up with a cause and both say they have never seen anything like this before, (maybe they should get out more)! I have discussed it on a specific Saturn Forum and they suggested it might be a faulty alternator, so I tested that and it does not seem to be the problem. I have also been told that it is a faulty neutral safety switch, but none of the research I have done on a neutral safety switch correlates well with the problem, since the vehicle starts and goes into gear just fine. The diagnostic codes suggested speed sensor and low input problems, leading to the suggestion of an alternator issue.
Before I invest an arm and a leg into fixing this, I'd just like to know if there is anyone out there who has run across this before and what the problem might be? I don't want to invest more than the car is worth and I'm afraid that is what will happen if I just turn someone loose on it.
Thanks!
Gaeilge1
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 4, 2016, 5:42 PM
Post #2 of 13
(1437 views)
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Re: Running problems with a 2001 Saturn LS300
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Is this vehicle storing any engine or transmission trouble codes? If so, what are the numbers?
Does it stall only if your foot is off the gas? Do you know what things the other shops have tested in attempts to figure out the issue? Those things include fuel pressure, injector activity, ignition control and ect. when the problem occurs. Obviously, one or more of those things have to go missing when the problem happens.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Nov 4, 2016, 5:43 PM)
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kev2
Veteran
Nov 5, 2016, 9:00 AM
Post #3 of 13
(1414 views)
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Re: Running problems with a 2001 Saturn LS300
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some thoughts -
Vehicle is STOCK - no added electrical . Nothing plugged in, modified or added.
Did you scan for codes - ALL modules? Post ALL codes we will interpret .
Alternator - what tests were done ?
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Gaeilge1
Novice
Nov 5, 2016, 10:38 AM
Post #4 of 13
(1408 views)
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Re: Running problems with a 2001 Saturn LS300
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Thanks for getting back so quickly.
The following codes were identified; PO 134, 154, 300, 313, 502, 503, 506, 562, 563, 602, 603, 727, 741, 757, then P1621, 1779 and 1791. I know its due for a tuneup which may explain the 100 & 300 codes but I don't think they have anything to do with the main problem.
I live in a fairly remote area and 70 to 80 miles from the nearest GM dealer. What I'm hoping for is information on a temporary fix so I can get it to a garage for a tuneup.
Thanks
Gaeilge1
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kev2
Veteran
Nov 5, 2016, 11:28 AM
Post #5 of 13
(1406 views)
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Re: Running problems with a 2001 Saturn LS300
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p0602 and p0603 are not DIYer type codes....
You will need professional help dealing with ALL the issues - Did you ignore the check engine light OR did all thise codes set at same time?
Might want to recheck that alternator, output and diodes.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 5, 2016, 11:45 AM
Post #6 of 13
(1405 views)
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Re: Running problems with a 2001 Saturn LS300
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If you think a tune-up is going to correct all that, you are in for a shock.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Gaeilge1
Novice
Nov 5, 2016, 1:06 PM
Post #7 of 13
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Re: Running problems with a 2001 Saturn LS300
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I did not ignore the check engine light. I can not tell you if all these codes set at the same time. When I had the diagnostics run this is what came up. I fully assumed that I would need professional help in dealing with ALL the issues. What I want to know is if there is anything I can fix to get the car running well enough to get it to a garage?! If it has to be towed, fine, but I would like an answer as to what might be wrong so I at least can speak intelligently to a mechanic about it! I will recheck the alternator, but even if that is bad and needs replacing will that help with the shifting issue? I know it will clean up some of the low input codes. What about the rest of it?
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 5, 2016, 1:12 PM
Post #8 of 13
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Re: Running problems with a 2001 Saturn LS300
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That is a lot of codes. If you clear the codes, which ones return?
Kevin is right that a high end scan tool and some electrical experience is needed for this. There are a lot of transmission related trouble codes in there. Was the TCM replaced? What was done on the vehicle before all this started happening?
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Nov 5, 2016, 1:13 PM)
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Gaeilge1
Novice
Nov 5, 2016, 1:13 PM
Post #9 of 13
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Re: Running problems with a 2001 Saturn LS300
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I am fully aware that a simple tuneup will not fix all of these issues, but I did not come here for glib sarcasm that I might be in for a shock. What I am looking for is answers to the one problem. I will deal with the rest. If you can provide that, great. If you can't I appreciate the time you took to review this thread and also appreciate the fact that you provide information for free.
I do want to thank you for your time,
Gaeilge1
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Gaeilge1
Novice
Nov 5, 2016, 1:24 PM
Post #10 of 13
(1380 views)
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Re: Running problems with a 2001 Saturn LS300
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I inherited the car from a cousin, who did not keep very good service records so I don't know what has been done previously. to my knowledge the TCM has not been replaced. I have not cleared the codes yet because I haven't driven the vehicle and had it retested. But I will do that. Assuming the same transmission codes come up will I need a new transmission or just alot of sensors, switched and relays?
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kev2
Veteran
Nov 5, 2016, 1:32 PM
Post #11 of 13
(1379 views)
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Re: Running problems with a 2001 Saturn LS300
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I gave you suggestions - something that could POSSIBALY be an underlying issue.
1) The P060x codes are vehicle computer issues (PCM) .
2) The comment about ALTERNATOR and HOW was it tested - along with specific mention of alternator DIODE checking
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 5, 2016, 1:53 PM
Post #12 of 13
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Re: Running problems with a 2001 Saturn LS300
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The P0602 TCM not programmed is a red flag if the TCM was replaced and not programmed or something goofy happened and the TCM's ROM was erased. P0603 Long term memory reset codes could happen if power was lost to its RAM. P1621 TCM memory performance is a death code.
I'm curious as to the P0727 No RPM signal. That code usually shows up if there is a crank sensor signal issue. Those L300 had a lot of issue with crank sensors. If the ECM feels like, it will sometimes pop up a P0335, but it may not show even with a faulty sensor. If the crank signal is lost the engine won't run. If it is lost while the engine is running, the engine stalls.
I'd still clear all those codes out and see what comes back. As for the charging system, a charging system issue can cause all kinds of weirdness and erroneous trouble codes to show up. Do you know what the charging voltage is while the engine is running. It may have set P0562 if the alternator electrical connector was unplugged while the engine was running.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Nov 5, 2016, 1:57 PM)
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Gaeilge1
Novice
Nov 5, 2016, 1:56 PM
Post #13 of 13
(1373 views)
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Re: Running problems with a 2001 Saturn LS300
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Thank you! I will recheck all of that including the alternator diodes.
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