Five problems related to wiring have been reported for the 2000 Saturn LS. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Since we bought the car, we have had chronic problems with the hvac system and other minor electrical problems; re-charging the ac the first 3 summers we owned the car, determining the ac did not have enough power going to it to run properly, dash lights going out, automatic doors not working, and the taillights going out intermittently, and difficulties with the wipers working appropriately. The engine light would chronically go on, but the dealer mechanics could find nothing wrong after reading the codes. We requested the dealership please trace the electrical lines to find a short, but said there was none and the problem was "fixed". Then, after 6 years of ongoing problems, and no ac for 2 years, the heater began to remain on for approx. 30 seconds after the car was turned off and the key was no longer in the ignition. A week later the car failed to start. A personal mechanic friend discovered that the blower motor was cross wired and there was a short in the relay from the hvac system to the engine. We have replace the relay and the blower motor. The ac and the heater now work fine. I am frustrated that Saturn refused to deal with this chronic problem appropriately.
Driving to work when power seat began moving forward on it's own. Then seat switch started smoking a lot. I then pulled over exited vehicle and had someone notify fire dept in west brookfield MA. I then disconnected battery fire dept removed switch and inspected seat to make sure it was not on fire. The switch itself was toasted the wiring to the switch was fine, also the fuse to the seat did blow out. I will contact dealer for replacement switch. I also do have the burnt out switch.
I noticed my brake lights and tail lights were not working all the time. . . Upon further inspection it appears that the brake lights do not work when the headlights and/or tail lights are on. There is definitely a wiring problem. . . I have had several electrical problems with this vehicle, which is only 4 years old. . . The door locks and electric windows have been broken, and the intermittent wiper setting does not work properly.
Driving home I smelled an electrical burning smell. I then noticed smoke coming from the steering column. With the car off the smoke continued and the high beams were on. I drove to Saturn and they found an internal short in the head lamp switch (p/n 22679804). At no time did any fuse blow to protect the circuit. I have the old part and can see evidence of burnt/melted wires. This is a fire hazard. 2000 Saturn Ls1 VIN [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
Vehicle will intermittenly start up. Contacted dealer, and dealer noted that a wire was not working properly. Please provide more information.