ENGINE STALLS WITHIN FIVE MINUTES OF START WHEN STOPPING. Saturn Saturn 1994

For 1990-2009 cars

# ENGINE STALLS WITHIN FIVE MINUTES OF START WHEN STOPPING

#### SUBJECT: Engine Stalls within Five Minutes of Start When Coming to a Stop and May be Difficult to Restart DOHC (LLO) Engines (Check Oil Viscosity and/or Replace Hydraulic Lifters)

#### MODELS AFFECTED: 1991-1995 Saturns equipped with DOHC (LLO) engines.

CONDITION: Some customers may experience an engine stall when coming to a stop within five minutes of an initial cold start below approximately 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit). In some instances, the engine is difficult to restart after the stall and may crank over rapidly due to a loss of compression, which may cause the engine to flood.

CAUSE: The hydraulic valve lifters may be leaking down too slowly, which may be caused by the use of engine oil with the incorrect viscosity rating as specified in the Saturn's Owner's Handbook. Also, this condition may be caused by hydraulic valve lifters with the incorrect leak down rate.

#### CORRECTION:

---------- NOTE: In the 1991, 1992 and 1993 Owner's Handbooks, Saturn recommends American Petroleum Institute (API) "SG" oil in all applications. In the 1994 and 1995 Owner's Handbook, Saturn recommends API "SH" or oil with the "Starburst" symbol. However, for all 1991-1995 Saturns, API oil with the "Starburst" symbol can be used.

In all cases, oil with a viscosity rating of SAE 5W-30 is recommended. SAE 10W-30 may be used if the ambient temperature is going to be - 18 degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit) or above. SAE 10W - 40, with a STARBURST symbol, can be used in place of the SAE 10W-30. Do not use engine oil with a viscosity rating such as 2OW-50 as it does not meet Saturn's recommended requirements.

#### PROCEDURE:

--------- 1. Find out the type of oil used in the vehicle.

a. If it does not meet Saturn specification or the oil viscosity rating cannot be determined, change engine oil and filter using the correct engine oil as noted above.

b. Then test drive vehicle to verify that condition has been repaired.

2. If the correct engine oil is used and problem persists, replace hydraulic lifters with P/N 21006678 according to procedures in the "DOHC (LLO) Cylinder Head" section of the "Engine Mechanical Service Manual."

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.