Three problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 1997 Saturn SL1. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Head gasket, water pump, oil pan gasket, serpentine drive belt, and coolant light on, service engine light was also on, work completed by dealer.
Serpentine belt tensioner kept tension on the belt felled. Later, alternater came on, and then consumer lost power steering. If consumer was to lose it on the highway at 70 mph, there could be a serious accident. Mechanic says belt was very poorly designed.
The serpentine belt became loose and the automatic belt tensioner fell apart causing alternator, water pump and power steering inoperable. Yh.