Two problems related to other fuel system fuel injection system have been reported for the 1997 Saturn SL1. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Randomly, usually about every few months, I will start my car. It will start, but it starts "funny. " it doesn't hit the usual high rpms and will idle low. If I attempt to drive the car, it will usually run with low rpms. When the car comes to a stop, it will idle low and sometimes stall. The problem occurs in all weather conditions and temperatures. It also occurs when the engine is hot or cold. Sometimes it takes 5-10 tries to start the car at all. Of course, mechanics are unable to reproduce the problem and say nothing is wrong with the car. I have had the car checked by Saturn of gaithersburg, Saturn of silver spring, and graeves auto in olney.
Every few months since I've had my car, for no apparent reason, it will start, but will idle low. If I try to put it in gear, it will stall. If I try to restart it and give it gas it will imediately cut off. I've had it to the dealership and to a private mechanic numerous times and no one can duplicate the problem. I've had the fuel pump, fuel filter, oxygen sensor (twice), wires, spark plugs, etc. Replaced costing thousands of dollars. One mechanic told me that it was "the way I was driving the car!" the most recent time I had my 2 month old in the car and it stalled when I was in the intersection, to make it through I had to accelerate almost resulting in an accident. There is no pattern to the problem like the weather, so it is hard to pinpoint.