Why does my '97 Saturn sl2 puttering ?

Question

my car is puttering when I aclerarate and when I'm at a stop. Auto shop diagnosed my car and said I needed to replace my o2 sensor before the Catlitic converter, I replaced that and its still puttering, Can anyone tell me why ?? Thanks

Answer 1

Yup, pull a spark plug wire and i bet its covered in oil. Saturn 1.9 litres are notorious for valve cover seal leakage into the spark plug holes, causing misfire. Check the plugs and i bet one or more is swimming in oil. Do valve cover gaskets and seals, and get new plugs and wires to get rid of the misfire for good. The oil causes an arc and also fouls the connections.

Answer 2

see this is the problum between the mechanic and yourself
Just changing the part does not cure the problum untill you reset the computer. This is something the mechanic knowes but you do not.
I understand you wanted to save some money, but you will have to go to the mechanic to get the computer reset anyway.
When a sensor goes nuts it sends a signel to the computer saying there is something wrong.
The computer stores the trubble.
Untill you clear the computer it still thinks the bad part is still there.
Then when the computer is reset, it sees that it now has input from the new part and thus acts like it should.

Answer 3

I have to agree with seeking_elite. He is right on the money with his response. I've been a mechanic for 4 yrs now and I have seen the same problem quite a few times. As a side note though, I have also noticed they have problems with their ignition coils...may be something to look into if the gaskets, plugs and wires don't work.