96 SL SES and Flashing Lights

My daughter has a 96 SL with about 120K. She called me today and said the SES was on. The car still ran fine. I've heard a loose gas cap could cause the light to go and she said she had got gas a short time before. I had her check it and she tightened it to be sure. About a half hour later she called and said the oil and coolant temp lights in unison seemed to be flashing a code. Sometimes just one series of 5 flashes, sometimes 2 or 3 sets. Through this it still ran fine. Talked to her a a while later and she said the SES light went out while on the interstate and has not come back on. Anybody have any ideas what it might be. I haven't had much experience with Saturns.

You need to have the codes read. You should be able to go to Autozone or similar type auto parts store and they will read the codes and give you a print out. Post back here what the codes are and maybe we can help. Without the codes, there's no clue as to what might be going on.

Went to Advance Auto yesterday. They read the code and gave me a printout. Said code P0133, slow response. He explained it was th O2 sensor, and that with all the wet weather it was probably the connector. He gave me a small tube of some type of grease to put in the connector to dry it and seal future moistue out. He also said that if that didn't do it the sensor should be replaced, and showed me where it was and how to do it. I'll get my daughter's car over the weekend and try it out. Still have no idea why the coolant and oil lights flashed 5 times and went out. I have to take the kid's description cause it didn't happed when I had it.

the "lights" is accuially just one light with two picture next to each other, the light is for both low coolant level and overheating coolant. some times a flashing light is a sign that the computer doesn't beleave the coolant temp reading is correct, which would be caused by a failty ECT sensor, which is common on saturns

Thanks for the clarification. I can see how she would think both lights were flashing. I changed out the O2 sensor and disconnected the battery to reset the SES light and it hasn't come back on. What is the ECT, what does it do, and where is it? Is it something that needs to be adressed right away. I haven't had much practice with saturns. Thanks

Engine Coolant Temperature sensor

I had to replace mine at 80k along with the heated O2 sensor.
Turned off the light and it passed smog no problem.
I got some mileage back too when I did that!
Good luck.

the ects is coming to killing oxygen sensors. it should be replaced soon. it can also cause those lights to flash. but make sure you get a quality BRASS tipped one. if you get a plastic one, it can cause the problems again soon. also check to make sure the connection to it isnt corroded, which sometimes you cant see. but an easy check is to look at the tip of the old sensor. if its cracked, REPLACE THE CONNECTOR! if not, then the problem can persist.

Oh, and the ect sensor is on the drivers side of the cylinder head and a few inches down from the valve cover. Watch out when you take it out that not too much coolant drains out and don't do it when the engine is hot or you'll burn yourself! That stuff gets mighty hot!