Will a faulty egr valve cause the enigine to not crank on your 97 Saturn sl?

Answer 1

"Cranking" an engine is a term that is a throwback to when there was an actual crank handle that was used when you wanted to start the engine. Today, the term "Crank the engine" refers to the electric motor (starter) that does the cranking for us.

So technically, no, the EGR valve should not stop an engine from "cranking".

However, since many people use the term "crank the engine" to mean actually starting the engine, perhaps it would be valuable explain that part too.

An EGR valve prevents combustion temperatures from getting so high that valves and pistons melt or weaken from excessive heat. A faulty EGR valve can cause problems, but if the oxygen sensors detect that condition, the computer is SUPPOSED to force the engine to run more rich (excessive fuel), preventing damage.

It is possible, however, that a lean burn (insufficient fuel) condition can cause valves, pistons or head gaskets to burn, making the engine inoperable.

Computer diagnostics can tell quite a bit of information. Connect a code scanner to the diagnostic port to read the codes. You can borrow, rent or buy a code scanner from most auto parts retailers such as Auto Zone or Oreilly.

IF the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) is on, another way to read the computer codes is to connect a jumper wire to the diagnostic port. Examine the diagnostic port on your Saturn. The port is to the left of the steering column and at the bottom of the dashboard. A small piece of wire can be inserted into the two top rightmost sockets and the computer will indicate what codes it has detected. When the jumper wire is in place, turn the key to the on position and you should hear the radiator fan come on, but do not start the engine. Watch the MIL; it will start immediately giving you codes.

If the jumper is in the proper two sockets, the MIL will start flashing.

First it will flash once, pause, then twice, then a longer pause.

That indicates code 12. Code 12 is just the starting position, it is normal and will always be displayed.

Code 12 will be repeated 3 times, then the computer will start to display any other fault codes that it has detected.

You should have a paper and something with which to write while you record the codes. Each code will be displayed 3 times, then the computer will continue to the next code. Once all codes have been displayed, the computer will start over, and display 12, indicating that the list has started again.

If the computer detected no codes, there could still be a problem. Check for fuel pressure. The computer does not detect a faulty fuel pump or an empty fuel tank. The computer also does not detect low or no compression, so these are both conditions that you would need to test independently.

97 is ABOUT the year that most vehicles started using OBD2 diagnostics. If your vehicle is OBD2 compliant, the jumper wires may not work for you, check with your operators manual to prevent damage if the vehicle is OBD2 compliant.