2000 Saturn LS LS2 V6 from North America

Summary:

Well it's up for sale!

Faults:

My Saturn SL2 (2000) troubles just starting. The service (with wrench by the word) light comes on and off. I have not been able to pinpoint any pattern. The transmission, automatic, shifts hard & most recent problem now is that it is bogging down, like the car is going to stall or out of gas, but neither happens. I have taken it in for the Service light paid $85.00 and was told it was nothing.

Any suggestions especially on the most recent one of bogging down.

One last question how do you check the transmission fluid? For the life of me I cannot find the dip stick & nothing in the manual except to take it in for service? Am I missing something here? Money is tight, on a fixed income, appreciate any help Thanks.

General Comments:

Service light

Bogging Down

Shifting Hard.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th February, 2006

7th Feb 2006, 08:20

I own an L-series and am familiar with the problems you describe. FYI--there is no dipstick for the transmission fluid, since it is a sealed system. Your dealer (or mechanic) can check the fluid level. I suspect nothing is wrong with the trans, but it is worth checking.

Some good news about your other problems--I would suspect the MAF sensor, which (on the V6 models, like yours) can cause engine performance issues, the service light, and strangely enough, erratic shifting. The part, installed, costs about $130 or so. It may or may not throw a service code.

Check first with the dealer about the MAF sensor. They may give the option of simply putting in a new one to test if it fixes the problems before you commit to the repair, and only the dealer is truly familiar with the L81 engine since it is rather rare.

Good luck and keep us posted.

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2000 Saturn LS LS1 2.2 liter 4 banger from North America

Summary:

Cheap, reliable transportation

Faults:

The only thing I've had go wrong with this Saturn is the right rear taillight. It works fine until you turn on the headlights. Once the headlights are on, the taillight works until you step on the brakes. Then the left and center brake lights come on, but the right taillight goes out. This only happens with the headlights on. Saturn is aware of the problem and supposedly issued a recall, but I was never notified and it has not been replaced through Saturn. I replaced it myself once, but the new taillight did the same thing, so I've just left it alone.

General Comments:

I bought this car with 50,000 miles on it, and in the first year put an additional 47,000. It has never once gave me problems. It starts right up, runs strong, and all I do is basic maintenance to it.

It still gets great gas mileage (32 mpg on the highway) even with over 130,000 miles now on the engine, and the tires and upkeep are inexpensive.

This really is a nice little car. Not a lot of space, but enough for 4 people for short to medium distance trips, and for my job that requires me to drive a lot it's been perfect.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th January, 2006

10th Jan 2006, 08:46

Glad you've enjoyed your LS. You're right about the taillight recall. You should be able to schedule an appt with the dealer to fix the car even though you didn't buy it new. They will probably need the car's VIN number. There is an updated connector for the light that will solve the problem.

2000 Saturn LS 2.2 from North America

Summary:

This car is a time bomb just waiting to leave you stranded

Faults:

Rear brake lights at 73,000

Power window switch at 75,000

Winshield wipers stuck up at 82,000

Timing chain broke at 89,000.

General Comments:

This car is bad news. Timing chain went bad at 89,000 miles and when they go, watch out. The repair bill most likely be 2000.00 plus.

Don't call the dealer, they will just say you did not change your oil on time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th January, 2006

10th Jan 2007, 22:17

The mechanic's at Carmax (KC) told me that they have a steel chain and the only the thing goes bad are the nylon retainers.. not the metal chain, you sure you are not driving a Honda!