1996 SL2 Starting Problems

After car is warmed up (usually a trip more than 10 miles), it won't start again for about two hours. No problem going to movies, will start (because movies are 2-3 hours long) or if spending more than a couple of hours at destination. Going on a quick shopping trip, however, the car won't start. All dash lights come on, power windows work, radio, etc. When the ignition is turned it clicks once. Wait approximately two hours and the car will start. Saturn checked out the starter and charging system (battery had loose cable, was tightened) and said all were okay. This was after the car had been towed to Saturn (tried to jump but had no effect) and decided to start (car reached Saturn approx. 2 hours after refusing to start). Saturn did not see car when it would not start. Anyone have any ideas or experience same situation? Appreciate feedback. Thanks.

some people who had this problem had a bad CPS. look over at saturnfans.com

might be the ignition module that's mounted below the coils on the front of the transmission

Its easy. Just drive it for more than 10 miles and then park it in the middle of the service entrance and turn it off. When they want you to move it, just toss them the keys and tell them to have at it! They will then be able to duplicate your problem and will be motivated to get it out of the entrance to their service department.

Good Luck!

Thanks for your help. Brought car back to Saturn--they duplicated non-starting condition (mechanic took car for drive and got stranded when it would not restart). Turned out to be the starter (like I thought) although I had them check the CPS and ETCS just to make sure.

I bought new starter at AutoZone (only $10 more than refurbished) and Saturn installed it with no part markup. Only had to pay for labor and they gave me a break on that because I had the car in earlier for the same problem. Am pretty satisfied with the service.