Okay, so here's my dilemma:

 

Two years ago, my "service engine soon" light came on in my 2002 Saturn and I took it to AutoZone to have that free diagnostic check procedure.  Well, they told me the code read "Oxygen Sensor 1-3 slow" blah blah.  I then took it to a Saturn dealership for a diagnostic check and they told me "battery is low."  A couple of weeks later when I was touring UO forumer RiverViewer, it broke down (and he has the photo to prove it).  I then was forced to take it to Saturn to pay for a battery.

 

Fast-forward two years later.  SAME issue (service light, oxygen sensor) but THIS time I went online and found this:

 

http://www.internetautoguide.com/auto-recalls/09-int/2002/saturn/l-series/index.html

 

Now, I have an S-series but something tells me it's the same damn thing in terms of engine/parts as I'm having those EXACT issues.  Now I called Saturn to tell them everything (I had the damn diagnostic before two years ago and they didn't find anything except for a 'low' battery) and they're like "Well, you shouldn't have gone to AutoZone and should've came here for a diagnostic and blah blah."  This shit is a scam.

 

I'm seriously thinking about calling the Saturn hotline or whatever and seeing what I can do to get this recalled as well for the S-series.  I'm so pissed.  :x

Bad alternators?

Chris, if this is a recall issue, then print out the service bulletin and take it to the dealership with you and tell them you want the recall service performed. They have to perform the service free of charge by law if it is a recall issued by the factory. If they refuse or give any hassles, ask to see the manager. If that fails, speak to an attorney regarding the Ohio Lemon Law. Usually 1 call from an attorney will straighten it right up and won't cost a dime.

Try and do some research on Lemon Laws (better if you can find a state site vs lawyer site). I had a Honda civic that had the check engine light go on and TWO times the oxygen sensor was malfunctioning and had to be replaced. It is a big deal because you cannot pass an emissions test with the light on and it cost a fortune to repair.

BTW, oxygen sensors are one of the sensitive sensors on your engine. If your car has not been tuned up in a while, have not changed oil in a long time (thinning oil blows by piston rings easier) or use poor gas, these can all make o2 sensors fail prematurely. Make sure you keep your car in tune ;-)

As soon as I saw the thread title, I thought of Riverviewer's picture.

Chris, if this is a recall issue, then print out the service bulletin and take it to the dealership with you and tell them you want the recall service performed. They have to perform the service free of charge by law if it is a recall issued by the factory. If they refuse or give any hassles, ask to see the manager. If that fails, speak to an attorney regarding the Ohio Lemon Law. Usually 1 call from an attorney will straighten it right up and won't cost a dime.

 

The recall is for the L-series, not the S-series, BUT it's the same issue I'm having.

BTW, oxygen sensors are one of the sensitive sensors on your engine. If your car has not been tuned up in a while, have not changed oil in a long time (thinning oil blows by piston rings easier) or use poor gas, these can all make o2 sensors fail prematurely. Make sure you keep your car in tune ;-)

 

My car has been intune and has had numerous oil changes.

BTW, oxygen sensors are one of the sensitive sensors on your engine. If your car has not been tuned up in a while, have not changed oil in a long time (thinning oil blows by piston rings easier) or use poor gas, these can all make o2 sensors fail prematurely. Make sure you keep your car in tune ;-)

 

My car has been intune and has had numerous oil changes.

ours was maintained on a mileage schedule too. However we put so few miles on it (less than 3000 in its last year) maybe it sat too much. The dealer mechanic alluded to the fact there were issues with 02 sensors. As far as recalls I am sure manufacturers try to avoid them at all costs. It is better for you to pay than them. Thats why it may take a little fight.

Well, there are some tricks you can do if you guys are having constant o2 issues. One is to get an o2 sensor simulator. You plug it in place of your o2 sensor and it sends a false voltage reading to your computer tricking it into thinking the o2 sensor is fine.

 

The other cheaper versions is a "mechanical" o2 simulator. This is a spark plug anti-oil fouler you can buy in the Help! section for a couple bucks. Thread it in place of the o2 sensor and then thread the o2 sensor into that. What it does is move the o2 sensor away from the exhaust stream, making it read less carbon monoxide and sends that reading to the computer.

 

These are old tricks that car tuners use to put headers, turbo's and straight pipes on computerized controlled cars and it enables the computer to see nothing wrong and even pass emissions. Not that it's really a repair and I don't recommend it except as a temporary or last resort. But they do work ;-)

our solution was to get rid of the car and buy a scooter. No o2 sensor.

or just go mass transit full time ;-)

C-O-T-A

C-O-T-A

 

ColDayMan's-Organization of-Transportation-Ailments?  :-D

this now has a sister thread

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,15492.new.html#new

Why? Did Chris drive his Saturn car to planet Saturn? Maybe he should have taken the trolley.  :jo:

ANYWAY, back to topic.

 

I went to Saturn today and apparently my CTS and Connector are bad/broke along with my Oxygen Sensor.  BAH!

ANYWAY, back to topic.

 

hehe, just having a little fun :-D

 

So, did they quote you a price? Do you know how to do it yourself? Bosch makes a good OEM o2 sensor that is usually better than most and is decently priced. O2's are not usually hard to replace unless it's in a hard to reach spot.

They did quote me a price:

 

CTS and connector = $216

O2 Sensor = $168

 

I'm going to see if I can find one cheaper and somebody that can put it in for cheap since I can't do this shit myself.

Check Autozone for Bosch. I'm trying to remember what the heck a CTS is...are you referring to Coolant Temp Sensor? They quoted you $216 for that?! That should not run more than 20 bucks for the sensor. Or is this all installation included?

According to this, it says:

 

Caution Item: Engine Cooling System

Notes: CTS cracked

Replace: CTS & Connector

 

I have no clue what a CTS and connector is.  Also, are O2 sensors cheap?

I tell you what, YouTube has a video for everything...lol

 

 

S-Series CTS removal and install

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JC0U53w_Htk

I'm a car guy, but this is a total ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ for me. I'm not into cars to fix dopey sensors where the slightest misfunction makes the overly-meticulous computer go haywire. Gimmie a cam and headers swap that increases horsepower by 75.

According to this, it says:

 

Caution Item: Engine Cooling System

Notes: CTS cracked

Replace: CTS & Connector

 

I have no clue what a CTS and connector is.  Also, are O2 sensors cheap?

 

You should be able to get the Bosch for around 90 or less.

I'm a car guy, but this is a total ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ for me. I'm not into cars to fix dopey sensors where the slightest misfunction makes the overly-meticulous computer go haywire. Gimmie a cam and headers swap that increases horsepower by 75.

 

That doesn't help me in the least. :(

 

According to this, it says:

 

Caution Item: Engine Cooling System

Notes: CTS cracked

Replace: CTS & Connector

 

I have no clue what a CTS and connector is.  Also, are O2 sensors cheap?

 

You should be able to get the Bosch for around 90 or less.

 

I'll look around.

 

That doesn't help me in the least. :(

 

You should get a spoiler; you never know when you need DownForce on your Saturn

Apparently, the CTS is the Electronic[?]Coolant Temp Sensor and it only costs $11!  Though I don't know how to put it in...and I have to buy the connectors and shit, I don't know about this stuff!

When you coming to Dayton again? I have a fully equipped Urban Ohio garage :-D

 

That doesn't help me in the least. :(

 

You should get a spoiler; you never know when you need DownForce on your Saturn

 

He should also get some NOZ and APC stickers because those are sure to add at least 5 horsepower a piece.. :roll:

Beware: El barato sale caro!

I also recommend a spoiler.