1993 Saturn SL2 Logo
Posted on Nov 08, 2008
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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1993 Saturn SL2 Electrical Short?

I have a 1993 Saturn SL2 and a couple months ago it just stopped working.

When I turn the ignition, the car won't start at all, nothing happens. I got the battery tested, and it was dead, so I purchased a new batter, but when I installed it, the car wouldn't start. It's a manual transmission, so I push started it, and it started. When it started, the car alarm (I was not even aware I had one) started to chirp, and the electrical (Indicator lights, radio, etc) started flashing and shorting.

So I turned off the car, and turned the key. To my surprise, it started up just fine. So I doubt it's a problem with the starter. I was told it might be the aftermarket car alarm shorting and stopping the car from starting, but I am not 100% sure. Any suggestions would be very appreciated. Thanks.

  • JohnnyJA Dec 06, 2008

    Girlfriend has the automatic 1993 SL2. I can't tell you how many times I have jump started that car. Alarm was never a problem until about 6 months ago when it started going off and then silently killing the battery. I was reluctant to rip it out as it is linked to the key less entry.

    The alarm is definitely not factory as you can see where the "horn" is located - above and to the right of the battery. Just jumped a dead battery again and it won't hold a charge. Taking it to the garage to have the alarm removed and wires taped up. Oh yeah, and to buy a new battery too. Thanks Saturn dealers.


  • shetonya Feb 17, 2009

    i have 1984 cutless and an alarm was installed the starter kill will not disengage so the car want start

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2 Answers

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  • Posted on Dec 09, 2008
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Hello there ThreeD, Johnny

I wonder if we had the same dealership? If you are still having the start up problem, I have several solutions.

To Disable the Starter Kill:
( Tools: flashlight, wire stripper, Jumper wire w/alligator clips)

  • The most common intersect point is at the base of the steering column. Slide the seat back, tilt the wheel up and contort your way down there.
  • You should find two wires, usually the same color that look like an afterthought. One comes from up the column, the other, from the firewall. Where they go in the same direction, they are going to the alarm module.
  • The alarm module is usually under the center console. You don't need to dig it out, only confirm the two wires go to the module.
  • When confirmed, choose a spot where the wires are close together and strip about 1/8 inch of insulation from each.
  • To kill the Starter Kill: Use the alligator clip wire to connect the two wires.
  • Now try to start the engine.
What you have done:
  • When engaged, the starter kill interrupts the power going to the solenoid.
  • When disengaged, it allows power to the solenoid.
  • The relay the accomplishes this is sometimes not up to the task, resulting in scorched contacts.
  • Bottom line, the interrupt state never ends.
  • The jumper you attached takes the place of the damaged relay to the extent of allowing power to the solenoid
This is a quick inexpensive way to either fix the starting problem or rule out the starter kill as the weak link in the circuit.

Let me know the results. If necessary we will take it to the next level.hanks for using FixYa
Mike

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  • Contributor 12 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 14, 2008
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Sounds like the alarm might be the problem if it has a kill switch installed so it wont start. best thing to do is find the alarm box, check it to make sure it didn't get wet or any of the wires are not pinched. i would disconect the alarm. any wires that go into it. and try from there. if not let me know and i will look into it more

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