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Saturn Ion Starting Problems

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Comments

  • rockfish1rockfish1 Member Posts: 113
    Not sure what you changed or what is preventing your Jimmy from starting.

    I was successful in resolving the problem of inconsistent starting in a 2004 Saturn Ion which has the passlock II theft deterent system. I found the description of the
    Passlock System as:
    The theft deterrent system has been incorporated into the body control module (BCM). The theft deterrent is provided in order to prevent the vehicle operation if the correct key is not used in order to start the vehicle. The ignition key turns the lock cylinder. The cylinder rotation produces an analog voltage code in the Passlock™ sensor. This voltage code is received by the BCM. The BCM compares the voltage code to the previously learned voltage code. If the codes match, a class 2 message is sent from the BCM to the powertrain control module (PCM)/vehicle control module (VCM). The message enables the fuel injectors.The design of the Passlock™ system is to prevent vehicle theft by disabling the engine unless the ignition lock cylinder rotates properly by engaging the correct ignition key.

    Hope this helps.
  • xfoxyxxfoxyx Member Posts: 1
    hello, i have all of the same starting problems as everyone else so is there a solution to it? i have read so many posts but i haven't found a definite fix. i have had this 04 p.o.s for 3 months i bought it used(only 10,000mi) and there is no more warranty and i live in buffalo NY so the winters are cold and extensive. help.
  • rockfish1rockfish1 Member Posts: 113
    Have you tried replacing the ignition switch? That is what did the job for me.
  • coop8coop8 Member Posts: 1
    Im having a very similiar problem as everbody else. I own a 2006 ion ,i bought it new last winter i had the starting problem (turn the key and nothing ) it stopped in the spring . Two or three weeks ago temps below 32 car will not start ,so i put a charger on it for 10 minutes and it starts. i have 53000 miles ,just changed the battery . Any help would be greatly appricated
  • saturn_newbiesaturn_newbie Member Posts: 1
    Ok guys here is my problem. I left my headlights on for all day which in turned killed the battery. I attempted to charge the battery from the (+) fuse rod that sticks from out of the fuse box in located under the hood. When that did not work I took the battery to be charge. I was told that the batter had a sufficient charge to hold start the vehicle, but when I reinstalled the battery everything in the car works with the exception of the radio; and the car will not start. I get this message "POWER STR" can someone please give me some advice on what to do to perhaps save me unnecessary cost before I have my vehicle towed to the dealership sharks.
  • no1taxladyno1taxlady Member Posts: 1
    Okay, here goes. We received about 8 inches of snow the last two days, first snow of the season. I pulled the car out of the driveway to finish shoveling the drive and when I parked it on the street I noticed the rear end a little too much in the street. (I hadn't cleaned all of the snow off the car, I didn't want to shovel more than I needed too.) Went to start the car and nothing, checked the ign fuse and the relay, still no start. I have already had the ignition switch replaced under warranty. Luckily my dealership kisses my butt because of all the problems with this first model car. When I would turn the key over all I got was a single "click" sound. Still had the sound the care makes with the key in the ignition and the door open, had radio, lights, etc.... When the tow truck arrived the darn car started. I drove it to a local shop to have them look at it in the morning. I'm thinking after reading all these posts that the starter got wet when I pulled out of the drive way, I hadn't shoveled all the snow from the end of the driveway, and after sitting approximately 45 minutes dried up and started. Or the starter could be going out. I'm just afraid that now that it's starting the shop (which is a really good shop) won't be able to find a problem. Saturn really messed up when they built this one. I'm on a first name basis with most of the employees of my local Saturn dealership, nothing that I'm proud of. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
  • rockfish1rockfish1 Member Posts: 113
    Sounds like a dead battery to me. That is one of the cheapest and easiest parts to fix. Let us know what the shop found.
  • kathopkathop Member Posts: 1
    I am sorta having the same problem it just started after moving to England once the cold weather came before I was in Florida so I ahd no problems but sometimes when we go out ot start the car it won't start at firstsometimes if you wait it will start it is not the battery or the alternator so I am not sure also if I get a jump start the car will start it is to werid so I am not sure what to do
  • jstm1960jstm1960 Member Posts: 4
    Well I guess I have been having the same issues that others are having. It started earlier this summer and now has happened about 4 more times since then. I can drive all day and then decide to stop somewhere and then come back out only to find that the darn thing won't start. Today I had trouble. First I thought the battery but the more I examined the problem I am beginning to think it may be the ignition switch. When it won't start the lights and radio, etc work but it won't turn over. Today I let it sit for about 10 to 15 min and low and behold it started. I have not replaced anything yet. Can someone let me know what they think. I am a woman and I am sure if I go to a shop they may not think I know what I am talking about. Also I do not have a warranty left, 60,000 miles. Thanks for any help.
  • bobkurbobkur Member Posts: 2
    04 ION 3 33,000 MILES WITH INTERMITTENT NON START PROBLEM.TOOK TO SATURN OF SANTA ROSA AND TOLD IGNITION SWITCH WAS THE PROBLEM. OUT OF WARRANTY BY 5 MONTHS AND COST $205.00 TO REPLACE.DEALER STATED THE ION HAS A PROBLEM WITH IGNITION SWITCH BUT I NEEDED TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT.CALLED SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY OFFERED TO REIMBURSE HALF OF COST,BUT STILL WAITING FOR CHECK.MAYBE WE SHOULD THINK OF CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THIS PROBLEM SINCE SATURN AND THEIR DEALERS KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM.
  • bobkurbobkur Member Posts: 2
    SOUNDS LIKE THE IGNITION SWITCH.CALL SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE
  • jstm1960jstm1960 Member Posts: 4
    Yes, I am out of warranty also. Someone told me that since Saturn wasn't going to take care of me to go to the local fix it shop and they would be cheaper. Still think Saturn should pay!!!
  • gerryokgerryok Member Posts: 1
    My mechanic (not Saturn) printed a technical service Bulletin 3/15/2006 Reference no. 04-08-45-005D affected Models-2003-2006 Saturn Ion Built up to & including VIN Breakpoint 6Z147837

    My car would not start and it was just 3 1/2 years old, with under 30,000 miles but ,out of warranty. I replaced the battery to the tune of $232.00, because it was a vented one, in the trunk. I had called Saturn and they said it was out of warranty and they would not cover any of the expense, so I decided to have a new battery installed elsewhere. Come to find out it was not the battery at all but a problem with the ignition switch (which Saturn knew about) and had that installed to the tune of $118.00 even though the bulletin came out in Mar. of 2006 when my car would have been covered by the warranty. I bought my car new from Saturn of Daytona Bch Fl. but I will never buy another Saturn again because of the treatment I recieved from that dealership.
  • romo3romo3 Member Posts: 1
    i have a 2004 ION 2.it was fine until it got cold. its not under warranty and i bet its the ignition sitch. i was just wondering if saturn ever reimbursed your money?? And after you replaced it was your car fine?
  • jlp4jlp4 Member Posts: 3
    I have had the same problem with my Ion 3. Car is 4 1/2 yrs old w/53K miles. Started having starting problems in Dec 07. I replaced the battery and continued to have starting problems.Saturn said it was the ignition switch which I had them replace for $225. Less then 1 month after having the ignition switch replaced- the starting problem happened again. Went to Saturn and now they are saying the BCM needs to be replaced to the tune of $616. They offer no guarantee that the problem won't happen again once this has been replaced.. I've owned a Saturn car for the last 20 years and this will be my last Saturn.
  • junkionownerjunkionowner Member Posts: 3
    you can replace it but you have to go through a three stage programing process that can only be done by saturn. For anyone who is having this problem I have been fighting with it for 4 years now and I have had it replaced once already. If your car is out of warranty then you need to call saturn Corporate and tell them what is going on, they will tell you to get a diagnostic done to prove that it is the ignition switch and then they will give you an area manager to deal with the problem I am going through this right now but it seems like every 2 years the switch will go. Sorry for the bad news but this is what I have been dealing with and I live in Maine so every winter I do this in freakin sub-zero temps. yeah!
  • junkionownerjunkionowner Member Posts: 3
    it is your IGNITION SWITCH I have replaced mine two years ago and now it's doing it again so about every 2 years you will have to replace it. Sorry for no good news but mine has been a piece of junk ever since I got it. and one other thing to get your rear end re-aligned you have to get shim kits and the labor is unreal.
  • jlp4jlp4 Member Posts: 3
    I just got the ignition switch replaced in Dec 07. Now Saturn is telling me it's the BCM. I have contacted Saturn Corp and got a case# but I doubt it will do any good. Just another way for Saturn to suck money out of my wallet. The car is almost paid off so I'll get it repaired & hopefully it will last 2 more years and then I'll buy something reliable- not a Saturn.
  • becky1115becky1115 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2006 Saturn Ion and have been having trouble this winter with not starting. Turn the key and nothing happens. Of course I have 40,000 miles and warranty up at 36,000. Called dealership and they told me that the grease in the ignition switch gums up when it is cold and doesn't recognize the key which then activites the passlock system and car CANNOT be started no matter what for at least 10 minutes. Started doing some research and it seems Saturn has known about this problem with the ignitition switches for years and have done nothing to correct it. The dealership says they even keep a huge stock of them on hand because they have to replace them so often. They quoted me a price of $205 plus tax to replace switch. Called Saturn corporate in Tennessee and threatened to go to BBB if they didn't offer some kind of reimbursement. Received call the next day telling me they had talked to dealership and I would only have to pay $100 towards repair. I think they should have paid it all, but I guess something is better than nothing. My advice: Call Saturn corporate and give them a piece of your mind. If they get enough complaints maybe they will issue a recall so these can be replaced free.
  • junkionownerjunkionowner Member Posts: 3
    yes well I am in that position right now but what they dont realize is that since they making us pay for the fix that is we have the power of a class action law suit. I have a paper from GM stating that some people may come in with this problem and that the only fix is to replace the BCM, and that is what they told me today. So I have a meeting with an area manager tomorrow, so with that in mind I will not take no for an answer cause this is unethical by every and all means!
  • jstm1960jstm1960 Member Posts: 4
    I just had the ignition switch replaced today. I have an Ion 04. It cost me $120.00 which if it helps I guess it wasn't too costly. Apparently they hooked up the computer and it told them the ignition switch was open. There is a bulletin out but it just tells them how to fix it. I think they better recall it!! P.S. what is a BCM?
  • rockfish1rockfish1 Member Posts: 113
    It sounds like you received a good price for Saturn to replace the ignition switch. The switch itself costs about $30 from Saturn when I purchased one about a year ago.You are also fortunate you did not get pressured into buying a new battery and replacing BCM and the other parts of the system otherwise your repair bill total may have had a comma in it.

    As for the BCM perhaps this will help:

    Vehicle Theft Deterrent (VTD) Description and Operation Passlock™ System

    The theft deterrent system has been incorporated into the body control module (BCM). The theft deterrent is provided in order to prevent the vehicle operation if the correct key is not used in order to start the vehicle. The ignition key turns the lock cylinder. The cylinder rotation produces an analog voltage code in the Passlock™ sensor. This voltage code is received by the BCM. The BCM compares the voltage code to the previously learned voltage code. If the codes match, a class 2 message is sent from the BCM to the powertrain control module (PCM)/vehicle control module (VCM). The message enables the fuel injectors.The design of the Passlock™ system is to prevent vehicle theft by disabling the engine unless the ignition lock cylinder rotates properly by engaging the correct ignition key. The system is similar in concept to the PASS-Key® system. However, the Passlock™ system eliminates the need for a key mounted resistor pellet. The components of the Passlock™ system are as follows:

    The ignition lock cylinder
    The ignition switch
    The Passlock™ sensor
    The BCM
    The security telltale
    The VCM/PCM
    Ignition Lock Cylinder and Housing
  • nomoresaturnsnomoresaturns Member Posts: 1
    A BIG thank you is due here. My )4 Ion had this problem the first year we bought the car. We had our ignition module replaced in 2005 because of the starting problems. Well i just took it in again today because we where having really bad starting problems lately. Well I drew the line lastnight. My car is currently down until i can get the time to fix i. So my wife works evenings so we don;t have to pay for daycare. Well when she called me at midnight to tell me the car wont start i wasn't happy seeing i get up at 4:30 for work. Well i managed to get it in right away this mornin & told them the what was happening and what was originally replaced. Well on my ride home in the rental car i got a callfrom the service department. He said we we pulled some codes and found that your computer is hosed and didn't say anything about the ignition switch. Well when they called for me to pick it up at days end they went over everything with me. He said that they replaced the computer but also went ahead and replaced the ignition switch because "Saturn" has figured out that when the computer goes bad it is also making the ignition switch go bad somehow. So int the end i ended up havin to pay the $100 deductable and the Rental car because the service didn't exceed 3hrs. Glad i got the extended warranty which expires in Nov.

    Well thanks i got some useful info from all of you. Hopefully i don;t have to come back for anything else seein i won't buy another Saturn now that there are GM. Saturn has lost there individualism it's not "Saturn" anymore is "G-saturn-M" all the cars look the same. sorry for the rant.

    Thanks,
    Tim
  • lola03lola03 Member Posts: 2
    I'm having the exact same problem with my 03 ION. The weather had gotten below zero here and the battery went dead. I charged it back up in the house. I then installed it and ended up with the same symptoms. The car won't start, the radio doesn't work, and I get the "POWER STR" message on the console. Did you find the root of the problem?
    Thanks All
  • jstm1960jstm1960 Member Posts: 4
    I already replaced the battery, did not purchase it through Saturn cause I figured I would be at least double. Someone in these posts mentioned that the battery that is in the trunk was vented? Mine is in the trunk but didn't notice "venting"?
  • rockfish1rockfish1 Member Posts: 113
    The venting is thru two "ears" on the top of the battery which connect to the tubes that vent battery gases to the exterior of the car. Check your battery to see if you have the tube connected.

    Not all battery shops carry vented batteries. I was surprised Sears does not carry them.
  • lola03lola03 Member Posts: 2
    My problem is fixed.
    It turned out to be the ignition switch. I also needed a battery.
    The battery was cheaper at the dealer. I called several auto parts stores and was getting prices like $120, $145 for this vented battery. AutoZone doesn't even carry this type of vented battery and Napa wanted me to bring it in to match it up. Even the Saturn dealer I called to in the next city wanted $120. My dealer did it for $99 for the battery and $15 for the installation. Cheaper then I could do it.
    Another good thing was the tow. We have Saturn tow coverage on the car with the extended warranty and they paid for a tow to the nearest Saturn dealership. That is great when you live in a rural area like we do. I called a tow service directly and they wanted $130 cash and my insurance only will reimburse me up to $100. My car was towed at no change to me. They were even there in under 3 hours. That's not bad for a day when it's been below zero for a couple of days here and all the towing services have been busy. Plus my dealer fixed the car the same day.
    I was only charged for the battery work since the car has an extended warranty til 100k and I'm at 98k. Just in time!
  • kdirks17kdirks17 Member Posts: 4
    we went thru the whole battery and ignition switch thing since day 1....finally after winter #4 and throwing a head gasket myself they found the connection to the battery was bad. We replaced the battery already per their recommadation but it still didnt fix it. Which i dont understand why there is a special vented battery that cost more. A regular one works just fine. And also if the car doesnt start right away...it will jump start or if that doesnt....give it a few hrs of the temp rising and it started. We never had a tow. So after all the ignition switches, batteries, they also replaced the main computer it ended up being a problem in the connections going to the trunk to the battery. So far this winter. It starts everytime. First time since we have owned it that it hasnt had this problem. I really hate to say it to everyone who had the ignition switch and new batteries put in.....next year it will happen again. It always did. BUT HEY...good news....3 more payments and its mine!
  • timothy2timothy2 Member Posts: 1
    Am experiencing the same ignition switch problems as alot of others here and will have to take it in to a dealership soon . Car flashes service engine light , won't start , all lights on dashboard light up , horn sounds after locking the doors , wait a while longer and it starts like nothing was ever wrong ..soooo frustrated !! I live in Jamestown NY , bought the vehicle 3 years ago from Orchard Park NY which is 65 miles away ( no Saturn dealers here in Jamestown ) , hopefully when I take it in to a nearby Chevy dealer they can correct this problem ( they service Saturns supposedly ) and it will be a recall issue that is relatively inexpensive for me . Any advice would be greatly appreciated ! Tim
  • 4r33l4r33l Member Posts: 3
    Ditto to everyones symptoms. In late 2005, when I had my ignition switch replaced, the dealer told me something along these lines: the ignition switch was developed, made, and tested in a state where the temperature doesn't dip below 20 degrees (ie, Kentucky). The "lube" inside the ignition switch wasn't quality-checked for freezing at "teen and below" temperatures. (This could be a posible explaination as to why the theft-deterrent system is triggered and the no-start occurs). So, the dealer replaced my ignition switch with the "northern climate" lube and has worked fine for over 2 years. But....

    Last week the temperature happened to be 10-15 degrees. Guess what? My car wouldn't start. Exact same symptoms as before. Luckily after trying to start it for a bit, and then going in the house and waiting 10 minutes before trying again, the car started and I was able to get to my job interview on time. (Thank God.) The weather warmed up immediately and for a week no problems, but yesterday, again, it's in the teens...

    So I just called my service dept, and the warranty work warranty has expired (they allow 1 year for malfunctioning warranty work to be repaired). So my warranty issue isn't retroactive--I'll have to pay for any repairs done. (This doesn't seem fair...). Anyway, I called customer service (800-553-6000) and they said that some repair "bulletins" have just been released "for 03-05 Ions with the no-start condition." Service is supposed to follow 2 possible recommended fixes Document ID#: 1959536 and Doc ID# 1871764. The customer service rep said that you should be able to obtain copies of these documents at the dealership. I don't have them yet myself, but the rep explained:

    One of the documents says that deposits left by "cheap" gas could be clogging the fuel system--use GM System Treatment Plus to clean the gas tank/lines, and use high-quality, detergent gasoline from places like Shell (not the cheap stuff from BP or Citgo). Since I have to buy the cheap stuff ($3.10/gal is cheap?), it is a strong possiblity that my current issues are related to having crusties in my fuel system. So I'm going to try a little clean-up before I invest in replacing the fuel pump, fuel line, or whatever. (I might just invest in a microwaveable hot pad and hold it on the ignition switch on those cold, cold days. LOL.)

    I do believe that replacing your non-starting ignition switch with one that has the "northern climate" lube is the cheapest, quickest solution. Don't spend a fortune replacing the battery, BCM, etc. The service department should not con you into that--by now, they KNOW how what the issue is.

    I'll update y'all about how effective using better gas and the cleaner is.
  • meronmeron Member Posts: 21
    To all those who have had similar starting problems related to the anti-theft circuitry on the start switch I can offer a cost free solution that has worked for my daughter's Ion. After searching all over the net and talking to service departments at Saturn, I discovered a remote start website as well as service bulletins from GM. As a result, once I got the car started, using the wait ten minutes routine, I found the harness plug at the rear of the starter switch, unravelled the electrical tape, and cut the white wire while the car was running. The car has started every time since then, with the only draw-back the yellow "lock" on the dash stays on. You can check this link for wiring diagrams for the Saturn remote start, 2003-4.

    the12volt.com/installbay/forum posts.asp~TID~24582

    The GM bulletin basically describes putting a switch inline in the severed white wire; I just put wire nuts on them.

    The wiring diagram shows three wires; I found five. I only cut the white wire and only when the car was RUNNING. The BCM module thinks that the voltage has been interrupted while being driven and goes into a "failsafe" mode, to allow the car to continue to run, as no one would attempt to steal a car thru this circuit, if it were already running.

    Hope this is of some help.

    By the way this is from KY.

    Good Luck!
  • 4r33l4r33l Member Posts: 3
    Allright Kentucky! I'll definitely try your solution--since the freezing lube theory isn't holding up.

    Thank you.
  • meronmeron Member Posts: 21
    I also had heard that the lubricant in the switch was at fault and tried electrical contact cleaner and then relubed the switch. It seemed to help. For a day or two.

    GM service bulletins describe "reteaching" the BCM thru a thirty minute process with a new switch/key, and I inferred that you could also reteach it with an old key. I did so and the car started repeatedly, until my daughter tried to start it, with a different key on a keyring with many other keys and whatnot dangling from it. It would not start, as you might guess but did start for me when I used the 'retaught' key. I think that might have solved the problem, if she would have used the sucessful key from then on, but I wanted a permanent solution for the rest of the winter anyway.

    GM also described the Passlock system as fifteen different resistors that could possibly have been used, thus the reason for the BCM to be retaught. The original had a resistor in the key itself. The module, BCM or previously the TCM, needed to see a small voltage, thru a small wire, that was within a +/- 5% range or the start signal was disabled, some shuting down the fuel injectors, fuel pump delivery. In the cold weather electrons get a little sluggish, and fall outside the necessary range originally programmed into the control module.

    Remote start addons replace a resistor inline between two relays, with a diode ahead of the circuit, I believe as a one way valve. The resistance value is first determined while the car is running I think, between the two wires going from the switch to the module.

    There are websites that describe all this, along with an aftermarket defeating system that learns the voltage that the module expects to see. I think the whole kit runs about $40. The link is below.

    As I said in above post, cutting the white wire, (2003 ION) and putting wire nuts on the severed ends has eliminated the problem, BUT you must cut the wire after the car is RUNNING. The module thinks the circuit has been damaged and falls into a failsafe mode allowing the car to be started from then on. The only side effect is the little yellow padlock icon on the dash stays on.

    I may look into disabling the yellow icon later in the spring. For now I don't see a lot of the car as my daughter hasn't been around much; she's busy driving all over town.

    http://www.slickcar.com/manuals/pljx.pdf

    http://www.autotoys.com/x/catalog/GM_PASSLOCK_BYPASS_IMMOBILIZER_INTERFACE_FOR_R- EMOTE_STARTS_TYP_p_256.html

    http://members.tripod.com/alarmtek/GMCISCRAZY.html

    I hope others are able to find a solution here. If you read the above you will see that this problem has been around for a while, across a broad spectum of GM products.

    As far as I can see the only difference in any of the solultions is the wire color on individual products.

    Good luck out there!
  • rlm033007rlm033007 Member Posts: 1
    Ok, I get it now from this forum....... I'm not doing anything wrong, I DO know how to start a car on a cold morning, it's the CAR that is acting up.
    My problem is related in as much as I thought it was my battery, so once we got it running I hot-footed it over for a new, high-performance, high-pricetag battery guaranteed to start in sub-zero temps. Needless to say, it still won't. But my problem, in addition to that, is ever since the battery was replaced the sound system in the car does not work and all I get is an '---error---' message. The clock still works just fine so there is power going to the unit. I purchased the car used from a dealer who was always going to get right on the problem of obtaining an owner's manual for me but that never happened, and I have been unable to find one on my own so I can troubleshoot the problem. Am I going to find anyone else with the same problem??? Or is there truly something flukey this time that I can have fixed as soon as I find someone who knows more than I do?
  • deepinohiodeepinohio Member Posts: 1
    Meron,

    Thanks for the White Wire tip. But I have two questions for you before I do it myself.

    (a)
    If the Battery is disconnected, with the BCM revert back to it's original status and "forget" that the car is in failsafe mode? Therefore, not letting anyone start the car.

    (b)
    Along the same lines, if I connect my reader up to the car and reset the errors, will the BCM again revert back to it's original status and "forget" that the car is in failsafe mode? Resulting in the same conclusion as in Question A and not let anyone start the car.
  • meronmeron Member Posts: 21
    deepinohio

    First, check the links for a specific wiring diagram, or solution for your individual car. The white wire I found was specific to 2003/4 Ions. There are many different models made by GM that use this ant-theft circuitry. Thus wire colors are specific as well.

    The GM bulletin specifically states that a switch would be put in the "white wire" circuit, and the remote start added as per the aftermarket product describes. This switch would allow removal of batteries, or reading of the specific error codes, while in a normal starting mode, and also allow the car to be selectively started via the five minute rule, revert back to the "open" side of the switch, with or without the error padlock lite on the dash.

    I have not added a switch. These are small wires, twenty-guage if I remember correctly, and care should be used especially when adding a switch. Because these wires are so small reflects the 'voltage drop' that occurs in cold weather, just as a long extension cord needs to be a heavier guage wire as distance increases.

    Check the links I provided above. (Previous blog). There is a plug-in device, for $30-$40 dollars that supplies the voltage that the BCM requires to start the vehicle. As the BCM is 'fooled' I would assume that there would be no issues as far as changing batteries, etc. I don't think you need to cut wires, or add a switch.

    I may add a switch later, or try to reteach the BCM as I described previously. At some point I may try the $30 add on, especially when we trade the car. Otherwise I'll wait till spring; it's twenty degrees here and my daughter isn't home right now anyway.

    Hope this helps. Check the links and ask me any other questions and I'll try to update as I can.

    Good Luck!
  • conagherconagher Member Posts: 3
    I am seriously frustrated...I've been all over the internet, posting all kinds of questions, reading other people's numerous suggestions and getting nowhere. My car is stuck at home and I really need it to get to work (45 miles). Last October, my key got stuck in the ignition and after trying to extract it, I broke the key off inside the keyaway. I tried to take out the lock cylinder, but to no avail. So I just left it that way, using a flat-blade screwdriver to start the car. I was finally able to find an ignition lock for it and I replaced it yesterday. But, now it won't start. I bought a Chilton manual which explained the process of "relearning" the new key. After trying that several times, it still won't start. I found message #9 which referred me to "Saturn Problems & Solutions" (messages 793 & 797), but I was unable to find them. I'm very frustrated and I just want some straight answers without having to search the internet most of the day. Going to the dealer is just not financially feasable; they want $95 just to diagnose it. Not to mention the cost of having it towed.
  • rockfish1rockfish1 Member Posts: 113
    This is the re-learn procedure I used when I replaced the ignition switch.

    To relearn passlock, you turn the key to start, and release it to run, then wait 10 minutes. Leave like that for 10 mins, do again, then do again. Takes about 30 mins to complete. When 3 cycles complete, turn off car completely for at least 30 seconds. then start car.
  • conagherconagher Member Posts: 3
    Thanks rock...I'll try that. I will be stopping by the dealer after work to get a new switch. My soon-to-be ex has graciously let me use her car during all this. The Chilton manual doesn't mention anything about waiting the 30 seconds at the end of the 3 cycles; it says to turn the ignition to Off, Run, then Off again. Then it 's supposed to start. Your suggestion sounds like a good one. I'll try anything at this point. I had found several variations to that relearn process on the web yesterday and I got so frustrated when none of them worked. Thanks again for the tip. I'll keep you posted. Have a great day!
  • conagherconagher Member Posts: 3
    Rock, it worked!! I replaced the ignition switch and then did the key relearn thingy. I suspected that something wasn't right when the Security light wasn't flashing before. Thanks again. :shades:
  • rockfish1rockfish1 Member Posts: 113
    Replacing the ignition switch is not that costly or complex. I remain surprised that Saturn has not addressed this problem with owners in a better manner. I remember the salesman was very enthusiastic about showing how to replace the headlight by pulling the whole assembly out. Maybe they could have a class on ignition switch replacement since they don't want to extend warranty coverage.
  • gammageogammageo Member Posts: 3
    I've had the exact same problem. I'd let it sit for a few minutes, try again and it imight start. I've heard/read several different solution recomendations and I THINK I'VE FINALLY GOT IT! Let me tell you why. I talked to the service dept. and I got the usual "yest it could be this or that" so I just called parts and at that time I was going to buy that Pass Lock Sensor based on another person's response on this or another chat site. The guy in parts said don't bother with that. Get an ignition switch. He noted that he sells them by the bunches when the weather gets cold - knows exactly where they are in the bins without even looking it up. I bought one, installed it and haven't had the problem since. It's easy to do. Ther are 3 or 4 bolts that secure the housing on the steering column. Remove it and you'll see the switch on the left side on top. Two "torqs" screws hold it which are kind of hard to get at so you'll need a flexible mini socket set set or something. You may have to put your key in and put it in the "on" position to allow the switch to come off - be sure you've disconnected your battery so you don't accidently trip an air bag. Unpug the switch and install the new one - you may have to reconnect the battery to get the key to come out again. Reconnect your housing and you're good to go. It's been below zero the past few days here and I've had no problems. The business about the lubrication is apparently true. The part is only 25 bucks or so. I too jumped through some hoops - new battery, new starter, clean the terminals repeatedly. The sad part is that it seems this isn't as widely know as it should be at the Saturn Dealerships - Saturn should replace this free anyway. Good Luck.
  • jlp4jlp4 Member Posts: 3
    I have had problems with my Ion since this past December. I am at the Saturn dealership weekly with the same non-start problem. It doesn't matter how cold it is. I have had the ignition switch & BCM replaced. Saturn has rekeyed the Pass lock system. This time they told me my battery cables were loose. Don't know how that one happened since the dealership is the only one show has touched the car. The dealership is very familiar with this problem with the Ion.
  • tbsierratbsierra Member Posts: 6
    My husband is thinking about installing a remote starter on his 2004 Ion and is wondering if anyone has tried it? He is thinking maybe this will bypass the problems with the anti-theft system. Has anyone tried this or can anyone think of any reason this might not work?
  • reba05reba05 Member Posts: 36
    I had to replace my ignition switch in January in my 2006 Ion. When I couldn't start my car, I called the dealership to make an appt. to get it in, thinking I would need to tow it there, however the service guy knew exactly what was wrong and walked me through getting the system reset so it would start for me to bring it in.
    Being that he knew right away what the issue was, I did ask why Saturn has not addressed this with a recall when it is happening to so many Ions, and he agreed....

    Overall very happy with the car, with the exception of that incident happening on a minus 20 degree day!
  • xanasxanas Member Posts: 1
    Please help. My roommate has a newer model (i'm thinking 2005 or newer) Saturn Ion, the key is stuck in the ignition, can't turn it to turn the engine off. The steering wheel is not locked, the automatic transmission is in park. Any suggestions?? Thanks.
  • nsk123nsk123 Member Posts: 3
    First, thanks everyone on this forum for sharing their experiences and solutions to the problem. This greatly helps.

    Secondly, screw Saturn for having known this problem and not doing anything about it and not even issuing a recall.

    Thirdly, screw the dealerships who try to make money out of it. I got a quote of 900$ from the dealership. Thanks to this forum, I am informed wont get conned, but cant help pitying those innocent souls who were conned into buying the whole package.

    Fourth, did anyone take up the matter with Saturn Corporate? If yes, can you please share your experiences?

    My car has the same problems in sunny CA, so I guess temperature is no the culprit in my car, can any one tell me if they still had problems after the re-learning trick? I am not too comfortable tinkering with white wires, or replacing the ignition switch myself. At the same time I hate to pay the dealership, any ransom.

    Is there nothing what we can do to make Saturn issue a recall? Chain mail sent to Saturn Corporate? Is Saturn selling Ions with faulty ignition switches or is this a (only) recognized mode of revenue?
  • redlineshumakeredlineshumake Member Posts: 1
    i have a 2004 saturn ion redline. This started about a 2 weeks ago, everytime i get gas i get back in to start my car, it starts right up but then my RPMS bog down like it out of gas and then dies. i start it back up and it does the same. the 3rd time it starts right up and runs fine. this only happens when i stop to get gas. the car runs perfectly after. I've tried fuel cleaner and treatments but i cant figure it out. if any one has ideas please help!! Thanks Justin
  • tbsierratbsierra Member Posts: 6
    My husband was having difficulty starting his car about a month ago so we decided to take the plunge and have the remote starter installed to see if it would work. Since the remote starter bypasses the security system that seems to be the problem the car has started fine ever since. I hope I am not jinxing it but this seems to have solved the starting problem and my husband has the luxury of starting his car remotely to get the air going in the summer and the heat in the winter :).
  • djames2bdjames2b Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2003 Ion 3 which picks the damnedest times to not start. I have read the messages on this forum and seems obvious that the passslock senors are not picking up the key when inserted, hence the 10 min delay. I was in traffic yesterday when the car would not start again. As a last resort, I spit on the key, put the key back in and it started! I believe the moistened key overcame the lack of contact with the senors. I am only relating my experience and I have only done it once but I will
    try this again when it fails to start - WHICH IT WILL- and if it works again, that is good enough for me. I would be delighted to hear from any one else who has tried this.
    djames2b
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