You’re cruising down the highway in your Saturn, feeling carefree, when suddenly the “check engine” light appears, casting a shadow over your joyful ride. But don’t let that little light ruin your day – it’s actually your car’s way of telling you something’s amiss.
The good news is that your Saturn’s On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system has your back, storing diagnostic trouble codes that can help you pinpoint the issue. Now, the question is, what do those codes mean, and how can you use them to get your car running smoothly again?
Understanding Saturn OBD/OBD2 Codes
Frequently, Saturn owners encounter cryptic error codes on their dashboard, leaving them wondering what’s wrong with their vehicle.
These error codes are part of the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system, which helps identify issues with your Saturn’s engine, transmission, or emissions.
When you see a code, it’s essential to understand what it means to diagnose the problem accurately. You can use a code reader to retrieve the code and look up its meaning in an OBD/OBD2 code chart.
You’ll typically find the code format is a combination of letters and numbers, such as “P0123” or “U0100.” This code will point you to the specific problem area, allowing you to take corrective action or seek professional help if needed.
Diagnostic Procedures and Transmission Issues
What’s behind those cryptic transmission issues in your Saturn? If you’re experiencing slam-shift action, especially when shifting into 1st gear at high speed, it’s likely related to transmission performance and solenoid issues. Check for trouble codes PO732, P0333, P0766, P0783, and P0789, which can indicate problems with the valve body and shift solenoids.
| Code | Description | Possible Causes |
|---|---|---|
| PO732 | Fault in the Sensor Circuit | Faulty sensor, wiring issue, or solenoid malfunction |
| P0333 | Knock Sensor Circuit Malfunction | Faulty knock sensor, wiring issue, or engine mechanical issue |
| P0766 | Shift Solenoid ‘C’ Malfunction | Faulty shift solenoid, wiring issue, or transmission mechanical issue |
To diagnose transmission issues, use a code reader to retrieve trouble codes and consult service bulletins addressing similar issues. If the problem persists, replacing the transmission may be necessary, but verify the replacement is problem-free and compatible.
Obtaining and Interpreting Diagnostic Codes
Your Saturn’s onboard computer stores valuable information about its performance and any issues it’s experiencing in the form of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
To access these codes, you’ll need a code reader, which can be obtained at auto parts stores like AutoZone. Some stores may even read codes for free.
Once you have the codes, you can look them up to determine the cause of the issue. For example, if your 2002 SL Saturn S Series Sedan is throwing codes PO130 and PO134, it may indicate an O2 sensor circuit malfunction or no activity detected, which wiring issues or a bad O2 sensor could cause.
Most Common Saturn OBD-II Trouble Codes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0101 | Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Range/Performance Problem |
| P0102 | Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input |
| P0103 | Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input |
| P0128 | Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature) |
| P0131 | O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 1) |
| P0132 | O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 1) |
| P0133 | O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 1 Sensor 1) |
| P0201 | Injector Circuit/Open – Cylinder 1 |
| P0300 | Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected |
| P0401 | Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient Detected |
| P0420 | Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) |
| P0440 | Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction |
| P0455 | Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Large Leak) |
| P0500 | Vehicle Speed Sensor A |
| P0606 | PCM Processor Fault |
| P0700 | Transmission Control System (MIL Request) |
| P0868 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance Problem |
| B1001 | Body Control Module (BCM) Fault |
| C0031 | Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance Problem |
| U0100 | Lost Communication with ECU |
Code Categories
Powertrain (P Codes)
These codes relate to engine, transmission, and emissions systems
Body (B Codes)
These codes indicate issues with body-related systems like airbags, power windows, or door locks
Chassis (C Codes)
These codes cover suspension, braking, and other chassis-related systems
Network/Communication (U Codes)
These codes indicate problems with the vehicle’s computer network and communication systems
