Segment:
Compact Sports Coupe
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Saturn owners seeking detailed repair information
Competitors:
Dodge Neon, Honda Civic Coupe, Toyota Celica, Ford Escort ZX2
Unique Selling Points:
Saturn's dent-resistant polymer body panels, unique automotive design, affordable performance, comprehensive manual coverage
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving money and extending vehicle life.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Service, Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Electrical Schematics, Bodywork
Model Variants Covered:
All Saturn SC2 models and trim levels
Engine Variants Covered:
All engine options for the Saturn SC2 (typically the DOHC 1.9L L4)
Transmission Variants Covered:
All transmission types for the Saturn SC2 (Manual and Automatic)
Estimated Page Count:
1000+ (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (PDF)
Engine:
Engine mechanical (assembly, disassembly, diagnosis, overhaul), lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (injection, sensors), emission control systems, ignition system
Transmission:
Manual transmission (clutch, gearbox, linkages), Automatic transmission (hydraulic control, valve body, torque converter, diagnosis)
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, CV joints, axles, differentials
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, bushings, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, hoses), manual steering components
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (discs, pads, calipers, drums, shoes), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), parking brake
Electrical:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, instrument cluster, warning lights, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seats, dashboard, climate control system (HVAC), SRS (airbag) system
Chassis:
Frame, subframes, exhaust system
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, brake inspections, tire rotation
Repair:
Component replacement (engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical), gasket and seal replacement, minor engine adjustments, fuel injector replacement, sensor replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) explanation, symptom-based diagnostics, component testing procedures
Rebuild And Overhaul:
Engine overhaul procedures, transmission rebuild instructions
Electrical Schematics:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all major systems
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic preventive maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics.
Engine Code:
L44 (2.0L DOHC), L43 (2.0L SOHC - less common in SC2, more in SL/SC1)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
1898 cc (1.9 Liters)
Horsepower:
124 hp @ 5600 rpm (DOHC)
Torque:
122 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (DOHC)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Spark Plugs:
ACDelco 41-905 or equivalent (e.g., NGK TR5)
Oil Filter Part Number:
ACDelco PF2057 or equivalent
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 L) with filter
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic
Coolant Type:
GM Dex-Cool Long-Life Coolant (Orange) or equivalent silicate-free, ethylene glycol based coolant
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (M30)
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
GM Synchromesh Transmission Fluid (or equivalent API GL-4 rated gear oil)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Dexron III (or Dexron VI as a compatible replacement)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
6.0 US quarts (5.7 L) (dry fill)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for earlier models)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (depending on year and specific equipment)
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Rarely standard, might be available on later models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard, optional side airbags on some later models
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Body Construction:
Spaceframe construction with polymer exterior panels
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 6,000-7,500 miles (9,600-12,000 km)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) or as per manual recommendations, especially if towing.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Manual:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or as per manual recommendations.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable - the 1.9L Saturn engines use a timing *chain* which is designed to last the life of the engine but requires inspection for wear and tensioner issues.
Engine Issues:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), PCV valve clogging, radiator hose failure, potential for piston skirt slap on high mileage engines, EGR valve issues.
Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmission solenoid failures, occasional clutch wear in manual transmissions, engine mount degradation.
Suspension Issues:
Worn strut mounts, ball joints, and tie rod ends are common due to age and mileage.
Electrical Issues:
Window motor failures, power lock actuator failures, dashboard warning light issues, alternator bearing noise.
Body Issues:
While polymer panels resist dents, they can be prone to fading or cracking from UV exposure, and mounting points can degrade.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or compatible)
Clutch Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (if hydraulic clutch, common for manual)
Brand Origins:
Saturn was an American automobile division of General Motors (GM), established in 1985 as a separate brand to compete with Japanese manufacturers.
First Generation:
SC (coupe) was introduced in 1990, based on the S-Series platform.
Second Generation:
The SC2 model was part of the second generation, which launched in 1997. It featured a redesigned exterior and interior, and received a more powerful engine option.
Facelifts:
The SC2 received minor styling updates throughout its production life, including revised front and rear fascias.
Production Years:
1991-2002 (SC and SC1/SC2 nomenclature evolved)
Manufacturing Location:
Spring Hill, Tennessee, USA
Brand Discontinuation:
GM announced the discontinuation of the Saturn brand in 2009, with final vehicle production ceasing in 2010.