1995 Saturn SL2 Starts fine when cold, but won't restart after driving for 15 minutes

Maintenance/Repairs
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1

Here is a question for experienced mechanics or Saturn owners

My 1995 Saturn SL2 will start just fine when the engine is cold (off for 30+ minutes), but if I drive it for 15+ minutes and shut the engine off the car won’t start. The engine doesn’t even attempt to turn over. It behaves as if the battery is dead. I don’t think it is the battery because everything else powers on like normal (lights, dashboard, wipers, blinkers, etc). Nothing else appears to be wrong. If I let the car sit for about 30+ minutes, it will start right back up as if nothing is wrong.

if I drive the car for less than 15 minutes and shut the engine off, it takes 2-3 attempts of turning the key to get the engine to start again. The car will start if the engine turns over 1 time. It very clear. Its starts right up, or the engine does not even attempt to turn over.

In other words, if I drive anywhere I need to plan to be there for 30+ minutes to make sure I can start the car.

EDIT: There is no signs of problems while driving for any length of time, but driving is limited to short local trips around town. Have a newer car for a majority of driving and longer trips.

2

First step it diagnosing ignition issues is checking all battery connections, grounds, and alternator connections.

1 Like
3

Sounds like a failing starter to me, it’s getting heat soaked and needs to cool off to work.

4

If it has an automatic transmission, the next time the engine doesn’t start, shift the transmission into neutral and then try starting the engine.

If the engine starts, the park/neutral safety switch is being effected by heat.

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Tester

5

my friend has the same problem. I think it has to do with the ignition switch. there is a electronic part that goes bad. sorry cant remember the name. if you listen when you turn your ignition off you will here a click, thats the defective part. he also wouldnt be able to get his key out until he heres the click. it also would happen if he used his remote start.

6

Bad starter relay in the underhood relay and fuse box, maybe. They omly cost about $15, and they are easy to swap for a similar relay nearby.

Have a buddy stry to start it while you touch the relay. If it won’t click, it is affected by the heat.

7

Here’s a very specific question . . .

Is the engine also stalling?

meaning . . . are you driving down the road and it’ll just stall out and you and won’t restart?

8

Did you ever find a solution?