1996 Saturn SL2

1996 Saturn SL2

The 1996 Saturn SL2 is a compact sedan that was offered with a 1.9-liter SOHC inline-four engine and a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 100 horsepower and 122 lb-ft of torque. The SL2 was praised for its fuel efficiency and affordability, but it was criticized for its lack of power and poor handling.

Engine

• 1.9-liter SOHC I4
  • Blown Head Gasket
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, white smoke from exhaust, overheating
    • Solution: Replace head gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Vacuum leaks, rough idle, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Noisy engine, lack of power, engine stalling
    • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gasket
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, burning oil smell
    • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Power Steering Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Noisy steering, difficulty steering
    • Solution: Replace power steering pump
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Alternator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery not charging
    • Solution: Replace alternator
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Starter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Noisy starter, engine not starting
    • Solution: Replace starter
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Transmission

• Five-Speed Manual
  • Clutch Master Cylinder Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, clutch pedal feels spongy
    • Solution: Replace clutch master cylinder
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Transmission Input Shaft Bearing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Noisy transmission, difficulty shifting gears
    • Solution: Replace transmission input shaft bearing
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Four-Speed Automatic
  • Transmission Fluid Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Red fluid leaks, slipping gears
    • Solution: Repair or replace transmission fluid leaks
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission shifting problems, no power
    • Solution: Replace transmission solenoid
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering, slipping, overheating
    • Solution: Replace torque converter
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Suspension

• Front Sway Bar Link Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noisy suspension, clunking sounds
  • Solution: Replace sway bar links
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, bouncing suspension
  • Solution: Replace rear shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Steering Rack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid, difficulty steering
  • Solution: Replace steering rack
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Electrical

• Battery Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, no power
  • Solution: Replace battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Headlight Switch Failure * Description/Symptoms: Flickering headlights, no headlights * Solution: Replace headlight switch * Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Ignition Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No power, engine not starting
  • Solution: Replace ignition switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Exterior

• Rust on Body Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust spots on body panels
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks in dashboard
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows not rolling up or down
  • Solution: Replace window regulator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Summary

The 1996 Saturn SL2 has a number of potential issues that can affect the engine, transmission, suspension, electrical, exterior, and interior. The severity of these issues can range from minor to severe, and the cost to fix them can vary depending on the specific issue. Overall, the SL2 is a reliable vehicle, but it is important to be aware of potential problems before purchasing one.