Piece of CRAP

[Michelle]

This is my first time posting here, sorry to be a newbie. I have an 04 redline, all stock. It's got something like 15K miles on it. My engine light normally just stays on, at least whenever it's cold. I've come to accept my local Saturn dealership is full of morons and just live with it. They told me the engine light stays on because my thermostat doesn't reach 190 degrees regularly. They tell me it's a programming problem and my car is fine, just ignore the engine light, and they'll let me know when there is a computer upgrade. Of course the first time my engine light came on, they told me there was no code so I needed my oil changed, I showed them the manual (book) for the car and where the oil change indicator is, aka not the engine light. Since I've had this car 1 year and 4 months, it's spent many of good days and nights at Saturn (doors getting stuck on each other, shifter falling off, engine light many times, gave me the wrong key with the car, ignition switch bad, they have replaced the thermostat once or twice).

my newest concern.....Today I went to run a few errands. I tried to start my car ro go home, on the first try it just turned over for 5-10 seconds never started, same thing on the second try. On the third try it started, but, acted as if it wasn't getting any fuel. The engine just studdered rhythmically (like it's carbarated) and now a new engine light comes on. I didn't even know I had this engine light, the book doesn't even mention it existing. It's in the very right bottom corner of the instrument cluster. It's an engine shape with an arrow in the middle pointing down. I put the car in gear and try to go (I'm no stranger to engine lights at lesat on this car, the other engine light is already on) even giving the car alot of gas I barely roll from my parking spot. So I coast back into my parking spot (since I'm 9 months pregnant I don't want to push my car out of the road). I turn the car off, it idles a little longer and finally dies and I restart it. Same thing, sputtering idle, low RPM, engine just barely putters new engine light still on. I shut it off again, let it sit for a few minutes, restart it, and it runs fine.

Has this happened to anyone???? I'm afraid to drive anywhere now. The dealership is closed and 30 miles away. Like I said I'm 9 months pregnant and travel with my 2 year old son. I'd really hate to be stranded and walking carrying 30 Lbs of toddler and myself.

HELP!!!please

[wolfie]

Hi Welcome to the forums,
The mode you are discribing with the light with a down arrow indicated "Limp Mode" the engine goes in to this mode when certain peramiters occur...which ones is anybodies guess. When it goes in to limp mode the engine runs in very low power safe mode. Usually if you shut it off and let it sit for a few minutes it will reset, as you experienced.
There are a bunch of TSB's for the Redline there is a sticky thread with them.
TSB #'s and Recall #'s
Have a look and maybe print them off and take them to your dealer next time you go in. There are a few re-flashes for the ECU in the car that may help.
You recent limp mode should have thrown a code that will remain in the computer for a while have the dealer check the codes and compaire them to the TSB's you print off.
Your sounds like the Cam position sensor.

Hope this helps a bit.

[Hyperion]

I don't know how cold we're talkin' but my '04 also gets the CEL when the temp drops to the teens. As far as the icon you described, that might be for the "limp mode" some have experienced. I'm sure someone here knows what it is & will chime in.

[cvenom2122]

welcome to the site.... how many times truthfully have you been to dealer for problems! you may have a lemon and could recieve a new one brand new 06

i have a 04 no problems as of yet (except axles) my fault thoe

limp mode usually comes on with a air intake for alot of the LSJ's on here but if you stock i dont see why it would come one... try another saturn and or complain to the service manager and if that dont work go up the ladder!

[clevelander2002]

If these techs are not helping you at all or if they are just idiots you can always call Saturn Corporate 1-800-553-6000

[WopOnTour]

The correct term for this warning lamp is the "Reduced Engine Power" lamp
You are correct in that it was mistakenly absent from the 2004 printing of the owner's manual.

The Powertrain Control Module will illuminate this lamp when certain faults are deteteced. To prevent possible engine damage the power the engine can deliver is reduced while the fault is present. If the fault was temporary, you should be able to pull over, shut off your engine for 10-20 seconds and restart it- and the lamp SHOULD go out. If NOT then whatever fault exists is still present and will need to be diagnosed by a Saturn techncian.

As far as your other issues that are keeping the Check Engine lamp ON (P0128??) Take it back to them and have them refer to TSB# #05-06-04-038B
Acccording to this bulletin (which was recently REVISED on Feb 24 2006 to include the 2004 models) there "supposedly" is a NEW PCM CALIBRATION available that should rectify the issue. (Although we have not been able to ascertain that with 100% certainty with any of the 2004 owners here in Redlineforums yet)

Sorry to hear about your inconveniences, especially in your current state (as if you need any more stress in your life right now) But hopefully these latest developments can be applied to your car and you can get back to worrying about more important things

Good Luck
Regards
WopOnTour

[Michelle]

Thank you everyone for your responses, I'm less worried. I had my boyfriend take my car to Auto zone to run the codes. I had 2 P0128 for the coolant temp issue, and one for P2101 TAC motor CKT Range Performance. Does that last one ring any bells for anyone???

[WopOnTour]

Originally Posted by Michelle

Thank you everyone for your responses, I'm less worried. I had my boyfriend take my car to Auto zone to run the codes. I had 2 P0128 for the coolant temp issue, and one for P2101 TAC motor CKT Range Performance. Does that last one ring any bells for anyone???

The P2101 would have been what turned on your RPL (Reduced Power Lamp)
The P2101 is NOT a commonly set code with the Redlines. The P2101 is set when the desired throttle opening is not being achieved, was it by chance just below freezing and conditions causing icing of the windshield or roadway? I've seen some cases of throttle body icing temporarily cause this DTC. It's also known to be set when a someone (techncian?) moves or manipulates the throttle plates manually with the inlet snorkel removed. It COULD also mean something is wrong with the throttle body or the circuits that connect it to the engine computer.I would take it in to Saturn if it happens again.

HTH
WopOnTour

[Watts-Up]

Welcome to the forums. I would try a different saturn dealer. I see alot of 04 owners getting rid of their RL's because the dealer can't/wont fix the issues they experience. I think it's really sad 'cause I have an 04 and really love the car alot, and I wish everyone else would have the same experience as I do with mine, but that isn't possible when these morons tell you that it's "normal" for your car to be f'd up. I won't let the local dealer nearest to me even touch my car. After one experience when I recieved the recall notice and took the car there, I just told them to send the part to the shop where I work and I would do it myself...We all need a guy like Wop to work on our RL's at every dealership! I would call corp. and tell them that you want your car to perform like any new car should (trouble free), or else you're going to get a good lawyer and file lemon law on it. Tell them your dealer tells you that it's "normal" for a brand new car to be f'd up and throw codes left and right, and you want a real tech to fix your car instead of telling you it's "normal" when they can not figure it out. I really hope you, and everyone else that has issues, get them all taken care of like they should be so you all can love your RL's as much as I do. Good luck!

[SilverRedLine04]

I FEEL 100% safe in my 04

ive had no problems what so ever

sorry to hear about everyones,

keith-