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Question

My 80-year-old parents have a 2002 Saturn L200. While driving, the engine intermittently dies. Sometimes it''s in the middle of an intersection, sometimes they're just turning a corner. The engine dies without a sound and all of the electrical goes out. The power steering goes out. The brakes go out. The lights go out. Afterwards, the engine starts ok. What is going on?

Edited by XXXXXXXXX on 5/31/2008 at 3:46 PM

Submitted: 540 days and 16 hours ago.
Category: Car
Value: $9
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Optional Information:
2002 L200

Already Tried:
Dealer had it for 3 days and couldn't find problem.

Accepted Answer

Hello XXXXXXXXX, and welcome to JustAnswer.com!

Because everything electrical goes out, I would have to assume this is an ignition switch problem.

Before condemning this part though, have a look at your parents' keychains. If there is a lot of weight on it, it's possible the weight is pulling the key to the 'off' position, especially when the keys move around -such as hitting bumps or making turns (usually the technician has only the ignition key, and is unable to reproduce this symptom as a result).

I would have them drive around with the key only in the ignition switch (and the rest of the keychain in their pockets) and see if it happens again.

Good luck!

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Expert: Brad
Pos. Feedback: 99.1 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 5/31/2008

Lead Diagnostic Technician

Former ASE L1 Certified Technician, 15 Years Experience!

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