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How do you resell the car after cutting the wire?
Rick
You mentioned in another post that you had a customer in Indio? What part of CA do you work in? I'm willing to drive to Indio for you to fix my 2004 Saturn that's been having the same problem as everyone else on here.
Where is this white wire to cut? If this 2004 Ion 2.2L was paid for I would trade it for something different. At times I have went outside to start the car 2 hours early and it wouldnt start for 90 minutes and other times it started at 4:30 am then I let it run until 6 then I went to work. I have a cousin working as plant manager at one of the GM factories but he had zero advice. I am just about to jack up the radiator cap and drive a Honda under it. Please give me feed back everyone.
Why does it start if it's been sitting in the sun for several hrs at the same temp that I try to start it in the darkness of the early morning?
Will I have 2 keys? Door and ignition?
Just to add, I specifically wanted to buy this used Saturn as I previously had a 1995 Saturn SL2 which I loved! I've got to say that I'm disappointed with this Saturn and the GM support. With 879 messages on this one issue, you would think it would be a recall!
Then all of a sudden it quit going out, this lasted for about a week until I was backing out of a parking space at a Home Depot and it turned off. I nearly hit the car next to me which was the final straw. I went home that day and took a look at the fuses again. I saw that none were blown, even took the power steering one out and inspected it again. Checked to see if any wires looked loose, or the box/panel itself. Everything checked out.
Next time I started my car the "pwr str" alert popped up but my power steering was fine. Now my speedometer doesn't work and also my car will not shift gears. It will only run in first and even hitting 4000 rpm it will not change gears. Now I cannot drive it and I have no clue what to do to fix the problem. Has anyone else had these electrical issues with their Saturn?
After inspecting the fuse panel, the wiring, and the connections I saw no problems. I'm at a loss.
Regards,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
You bought a 9 year old used car. Don't fault yourself for "getting what you paid for". These are known problems and there are solutions. On the whole the rest of the car is okay.
If this is an automatic, there is a little door under the steering wheel that once removed allows you to press a release that will let you turn the key to the "off" position and remove the key. Not ideal but you can live with it till you get it sorted out. This is explained in the owner's manual. If you don't have one, go on eBay and get one. Something everyone should have and read but seldom do.
The intermittent electronic steering problem: it's covered by an extended warranty, but your car may now be too old. The steering is still there, it takes more effort on your part. It's not going to lock up on you.
It's a used car, it's going to have problems. Now you have to sort them out. A good start was coming here. Another is to find an enthusiast group for your brand that can answer more of your questions and you can learn more about your car.
Read other posts in this thread and contact the people from GM who read these entries and respond here. You may be able to find help for your problems through them.
Is this the 2 door ? Manual or auto ? How many miles ? The 2 door used a different transmission than the four door if it's an auto. That trans is a constant velocity belt driven trans [like on a snow mobile infinite speeds no shifting ] and is a notorious POS. That might explain your drivability problems more than the steering, but you need to have it checked out. Something isn't right.
I get what you're going through. Mine was almost traded for an 08 Ford Focus. It was fixed [and fixed again not too long ago] and I am still driving it.
Other than those problems, which nearly killed my enthusiasm for the car, it's enjoyable to drive, ride and travel long distances in. Great fuel economy. Strong engine. GM auto is reliable as is the 5 speed Aisin auto used in the 03-04 ION sedans.
Hope that helped a little
I am sorry that you are having a rough time right now with your Ion 2. Edmunds posters are always very helpful, and I am seeing great feedback for you already.
If we can help you get set up with a diagnostic appointment at a dealership, please get in touch with us via email and we'll do our best!
Sarah
GM Customer Service
Also, somebody mentioned a website or video which shows how to do both?
Thanks again for everybody's help!!
I'd hate to cute a wire and then not be able to get my inspection done.
How do you explain the light being on when you are being inspected? What am I missing?
I also have been having problems with my 2004 Saturn Ion not starting in the cold weather. Seems like I have to go out 30 minutes before work, just to get it started. Its become almost a daily thing now. I have seen people post stuff about the White Wire and other fixes. My dad (who use to work for Saturn, but now retired) has tried helping me find the solution, but he lives 900 miles away and can only help me over the phone. At times, it can get frustrating.
My car also, sometimes, wont release the key. I have to start the car back up, put it in reverse, then back into park before it'll give the key.
I haven't taken it to a mechanic (probably should) but I just dont have the money to do so. Figured if its an easy fix, I can do it myself and cheaper too.
My dad did mention something about a button under the steering column. I replaced it for around $20 but its still not wanting to start in the mornings or when its cold, period. I haven't had anymore problems with the key sticking though. It comes out every time now (that may be some helpful news!).
I have also noticed, that sometimes, when the car doesn't start, my lights and everything come on IN the car, BUT on the radio, it lights up but no sound comes out and no numbers show up on the little screen (Yes the radio is on!). Is that a related problem or is it just another problem I need to fix? I've tried turning the radio Off, then Back on, still the same issue.
P.S. I am non technical and do not feel comfortable in locating and cutting white wires.
Can you please send me instuctions on how to replace the ignition switch and the process I need to go through after that. I know I need to reset something and I am not sure of the process I need to go through. I can't tell you how much that would help me. My e-mail is conniefeldmann@live.com. Thank you sooo much.