1997 Saturn SC2 Speed Issues

[pandak]

Just bought the car, changed the spark plugs, wires, air filter, and oil. What I had observed is the car is slow especially when accelerating in full stops. Seems like the engine is having a hard time in accelerating from a stop or in low speeds. I have a 2003 Alero with 2.2 ecotec engine and it doesnt even come close in terms of power. Is this normal for a 1997 saturn sc2? So far there are no warning lights in my dashboard. Is it more of an engine problem or a transmission issue? Is it advisable for me to have a diagnostic test for both engine and transmission eventhough there are no warning lights evident? Will a changed in a fuel filter or transmission fluid help with this kind of problem?

[Alleninpa]

How many miles are on the car?
First off, I am assuming the tranny is an automatic.
The fluid and filter must be changed every 30k.
It is super easy, actually easier than doing engine oil.

About the bogging.
If your higher rpms are ok, then it's not a fuel issue.
I would suspect more the ECTS (engine coolant temperature sensor). It is made of plastic and can crack. When it does crack, many times the coolant will leak around the connection, causing the connector to be bad also.
The replacement one MUST be brass. I would highly recommend getting one from the dealer along with the connector, which you can splice onto your old wiring. You do not need to drop the coolant to do the swap, and should take you no more than about 30 minutes. Get a PCV valve from the dealer while you are there.
Everything should cost less than $25

Use OEM or NGK V power plugs. Do not use platinum plugs.

If you still have problems do the following
Clean the throttle body really good.
Clean the EGR valve.
Post back with your results.

Al

[holdemjunkie]

Originally Posted by Alleninpa

How many miles are on the car?
First off, I am assuming the tranny is an automatic.
The fluid and filter must be changed every 30k.
It is super easy, actually easier than doing engine oil.

About the bogging.
If your higher rpms are ok, then it's not a fuel issue.
I would suspect more the ECTS (engine coolant temperature sensor). It is made of plastic and can crack. When it does crack, many times the coolant will leak around the connection, causing the connector to be bad also.
The replacement one MUST be brass. I would highly recommend getting one from the dealer along with the connector, which you can splice onto your old wiring. You do not need to drop the coolant to do the swap, and should take you no more than about 30 minutes. Get a PCV valve from the dealer while you are there.
Everything should cost less than $25

Use OEM or NGK V power plugs. Do not use platinum plugs.

If you still have problems do the following
Clean the throttle body really good.
Clean the EGR valve.
Post back with your results.

Al

the temp sensor is made of ceramic not plastic and they have a new style made out of brass. The temp sensor doesnt sound like the prob that would just mess up air fuel mixture. Sounds like a dirty gas filter to me or maybe a plugged cat