🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Saturn Model: SW1 Year: 1996 Generation Generation: First Generation (1993-1997) Codes Platform Code: G 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The 1996 Saturn SW1 was positioned as an affordable, practical, and fuel-efficient compact station wagon, targeting budget-conscious families and individuals seeking versatile transportation. It competed in a segment with vehicles like the Honda Civic Wagon, Toyota Corolla Wagon, and Ford Escort Wagon. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: Saturn's unique dent-resistant polymer body panels were a key differentiator, offering enhanced durability against minor impacts. The car also emphasized a comfortable ride and a straightforward, user-friendly design. However, it sometimes lagged behind competitors in terms of power and refinement. Key Features Key Features: Dent-resistant polymer body panels, front-wheel drive, spacious interior for its class, affordable pricing, fuel efficiency. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Areas: Engine, Drivetrain, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, HVAC, Electrical System, Body, Chassis, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Repair Procedures Page Count Page Count: N/A (Online Access) Manual Type Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Software Language Language: English Format Format: Online Access (Web Browser) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Systems Covered: Engine mechanical, Fuel system, Ignition system, Cooling system, Exhaust system, Automatic transmission, Manual transmission, Clutch, Drive axles, Differential, Suspension (front and rear), Steering system, Power steering, Brake system (hydraulic and parking), ABS, Electrical system (wiring diagrams, components), Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC system (A/C, heating, ventilation), Body controls, Interior trim, Exterior body panels, Chassis components. Procedures Included Procedures Included: Routine maintenance (oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements), Engine tune-up, Fuel injector service, Spark plug replacement, Timing belt inspection/replacement, Cooling system flush and fill, Brake pad/rotor replacement, Suspension component replacement (struts, ball joints, tie rods), Power steering system service, Air conditioning system recharge and repair, Electrical troubleshooting and repair, Starter and alternator testing/replacement, Transmission fluid service, Clutch adjustment/replacement, Wheel alignment procedures, Body panel repair, Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and repair. Technical Depth Technical Depth: Comprehensive. Covers from basic preventative maintenance to advanced diagnostic procedures and complete component overhaul. Includes torque specifications, clearances, testing procedures, and component removal/installation instructions. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: Web-based application Print Quality Print Quality: N/A (Digital Content) Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Online Access) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Content) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Primary Engine: 1.9L (1898cc) DOHC 16-Valve Inline-4 (L80) Performance Horsepower: 124 hp @ 6000 rpm (L80 DOHC) Torque: 122 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (L80 DOHC) Fuel System Fuel System: Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) Engine Codes Engine Codes: L80 Bore X Stroke Bore X Stroke: 3.62 in x 3.41 in (92.0 mm x 86.5 mm) Compression Ratio Compression Ratio: 9.5:1 Fuel Type Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended) Engine Management Engine Management: ECU controlled ignition and fuel injection 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Optional Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Features Transmission Features: Automatic transmission features electronically controlled shifting for optimal performance and fuel economy. Manual transmission offers driver engagement. Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron III or equivalent (GM P/N 12378300 or equivalent) Fluid Capacities Automatic Transmission Capacity: Approx. 6.7 quarts (6.4 L) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 164.2 inches (4171 mm) Width: 67.1 inches (1704 mm) Height: 58.7 inches (1491 mm) Wheelbase: 104.5 inches (2654 mm) Front Track: 57.2 inches (1453 mm) Rear Track: 57.0 inches (1448 mm) Interior Front Headroom: 39.8 inches (1011 mm) Front Legroom: 42.4 inches (1077 mm) Rear Headroom: 38.1 inches (968 mm) Rear Legroom: 32.6 inches (828 mm) Cargo Cargo Volume: 37.0 cubic feet (with rear seats up) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2650-2750 lbs (1202-1247 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 3800 lbs (1724 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Front Impact: 4 stars NHTSA Passenger Front Impact: 4 stars Active Features Active Safety Features: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was optional on some trims. Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Dual front airbags, crumple zones, side-impact beams, three-point seat belts for all occupants, child seat anchors (LATCH system not standard in 1996). 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment Features: Base models typically featured an AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player available. Analog gauges and basic climate controls. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: Limited; ABS was optional. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were available. Connectivity Connectivity Features: No integrated connectivity features. Optional rear defogger and intermittent wipers. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions). Engine Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions. Cabin Air Filter Replacement: Not standard on this model; if equipped with aftermarket, follow manufacturer recommendation. Spark Plug Replacement: Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on spark plug type (refer to manual). Coolant Flush Interval: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years for conventional coolant; consult manual for longer-life coolant recommendations. Transmission Fluid Change: Every 30,000-60,000 miles...
The 1996 Saturn SW1 was positioned as an affordable, practical, and fuel-efficient compact station wagon, targeting budget-conscious families and individuals seeking versatile transportation. It competed in a segment with vehicles like the Honda Civic Wagon, Toyota Corolla Wagon, and Ford Escort Wagon.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Saturn's unique dent-resistant polymer body panels were a key differentiator, offering enhanced durability against minor impacts. The car also emphasized a comfortable ride and a straightforward, user-friendly design. However, it sometimes lagged behind competitors in terms of power and refinement.
Key Features
Key Features:
Dent-resistant polymer body panels, front-wheel drive, spacious interior for its class, affordable pricing, fuel efficiency.
Engine mechanical, Fuel system, Ignition system, Cooling system, Exhaust system, Automatic transmission, Manual transmission, Clutch, Drive axles, Differential, Suspension (front and rear), Steering system, Power steering, Brake system (hydraulic and parking), ABS, Electrical system (wiring diagrams, components), Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC system (A/C, heating, ventilation), Body controls, Interior trim, Exterior body panels, Chassis components.
Procedures Included
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements), Engine tune-up, Fuel injector service, Spark plug replacement, Timing belt inspection/replacement, Cooling system flush and fill, Brake pad/rotor replacement, Suspension component replacement (struts, ball joints, tie rods), Power steering system service, Air conditioning system recharge and repair, Electrical troubleshooting and repair, Starter and alternator testing/replacement, Transmission fluid service, Clutch adjustment/replacement, Wheel alignment procedures, Body panel repair, Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and repair.
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers from basic preventative maintenance to advanced diagnostic procedures and complete component overhaul. Includes torque specifications, clearances, testing procedures, and component removal/installation instructions.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
Web-based application
Print Quality
Print Quality:
N/A (Digital Content)
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Online Access)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Content)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Primary Engine:
1.9L (1898cc) DOHC 16-Valve Inline-4 (L80)
Performance
Horsepower:
124 hp @ 6000 rpm (L80 DOHC)
Torque:
122 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (L80 DOHC)
Fuel System
Fuel System:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Engine Codes
Engine Codes:
L80
Bore X Stroke
Bore X Stroke:
3.62 in x 3.41 in (92.0 mm x 86.5 mm)
Compression Ratio
Compression Ratio:
9.5:1
Fuel Type
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Engine Management
Engine Management:
ECU controlled ignition and fuel injection
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Features
Transmission Features:
Automatic transmission features electronically controlled shifting for optimal performance and fuel economy. Manual transmission offers driver engagement.
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (GM P/N 12378300 or equivalent)
Fluid Capacities
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 6.7 quarts (6.4 L)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
164.2 inches (4171 mm)
Width:
67.1 inches (1704 mm)
Height:
58.7 inches (1491 mm)
Wheelbase:
104.5 inches (2654 mm)
Front Track:
57.2 inches (1453 mm)
Rear Track:
57.0 inches (1448 mm)
Interior
Front Headroom:
39.8 inches (1011 mm)
Front Legroom:
42.4 inches (1077 mm)
Rear Headroom:
38.1 inches (968 mm)
Rear Legroom:
32.6 inches (828 mm)
Cargo
Cargo Volume:
37.0 cubic feet (with rear seats up)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2650-2750 lbs (1202-1247 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3800 lbs (1724 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 stars
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 stars
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was optional on some trims.
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Dual front airbags, crumple zones, side-impact beams, three-point seat belts for all occupants, child seat anchors (LATCH system not standard in 1996).
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment Features:
Base models typically featured an AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player available. Analog gauges and basic climate controls.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited; ABS was optional. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were available.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
No integrated connectivity features. Optional rear defogger and intermittent wipers.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Not standard on this model; if equipped with aftermarket, follow manufacturer recommendation.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on spark plug type (refer to manual).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years for conventional coolant; consult manual for longer-life coolant recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or as recommended by service intervals.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 API SG or higher
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 quarts (3.8 L) with filter change
Coolant Specification:
GM P/N 10528448 (Green, Ethylene Glycol based) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
GM P/N 1050017 (Dexron III ATF) or equivalent
Known Issues
Common Issues:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, rear main seal), coolant leaks (water pump, hoses), transmission solenoids failing (automatic), ABS sensor failures, interior plastic degradation, power window regulator failures, exhaust manifold cracks, early model alternator failures.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Saturn was a division of General Motors launched in 1985 with the goal of creating a new kind of car company, emphasizing customer satisfaction, innovative manufacturing, and unique vehicle design. The brand aimed to capture a younger demographic and compete with import brands.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The Saturn SW1 and its sibling, the SW2, were introduced in 1992 for the 1993 model year as part of Saturn's first generation of vehicles. The SW1 was the more base model, typically featuring the single overhead cam (SOHC) engine, while the SW2 offered a dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine and a slightly more upscale interior. For 1996, the SW1 continued with the 1.9L SOHC engine as standard, while the SW2 received the 1.9L DOHC engine. Minor cosmetic updates were made throughout the first generation, but the core platform remained consistent.
Production
Production Years:
1993-1997
Manufacturing Location:
Spring Hill, Tennessee, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
The Saturn brand and its vehicles were generally well-received for their innovative approach and customer service in their early years, though specific awards for the 1996 SW1 are not widely publicized. They contributed to Saturn's initial sales success.
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