Preliminary Checks

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 38 other vehicles, including the 1996 Saturn SW2, 1996 Saturn SW1, 1996 Saturn SL2, 1996 Saturn SL1, and 1996 Saturn SL. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Verify the on-vehicle diagnostics are working by performing ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK in BASIC TESTING article.
Ensure PCM and MIL are functioning properly.
Ensure there are no diagnostic trouble codes stored, or only intermittent codes are present.
Ensure fuel control system is operating properly. See BASIC TESTING article.
Perform fuel system pressure test in BASIC TESTING article.
Perform a careful visual inspection of all systems.

After all checks have been performed, verify customer complaint and locate correct symptom. Check items indicated under that symptom. Not all items listed under each symptom apply to all models and systems. These procedures will normally recommend testing of a specific system or component, such as EGR, ignition, TCC, etc. See SYSTEM & COMPONENT TESTING - CARS article for test procedures.

NOTE: If PCM displays data but engine fails to start, proceed to NO START - ENGINE CRANKS OKAY in BASIC TESTING article.