Three problems related to manual transmission have been reported for the 1996 Saturn SL1. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Purchased the Saturn Sl1 in sept 24 of 2004 with 94,32 0miles. I had the oil changed that very same day. I 've kept up on all fluids and service religiousily. At 96910 miles the car would not go into 1st, 3rd or reverse without force. On 9/10/03 I had the clutch replaced and the slave cable. Then is when it started having problems overheating, mechanic did two diffrent diagnostic test both came back with no conclusions. The car still heats up everyday ,but I have no other car to drive. There is no power in the car now and the oil is sludge filled. I've purchased temperature sending units, both O2 sensors, thermostat, coolant,clutch,relays,etc. . . To try to solve the problem of the over heating. Pretty much it's a matter of time before I'm like the other 1996 Saturn drivers who will have to pay the $ 1000. 00-2000. 00 to fix my head gasket that was a known factory defect. What can we do.
Manual transmission pops out of gear and grinds. Sometimes you can't get it into gear. All componets of the clutch are fine.
Transmission has popped out of gear.