Saturn Ion Starting Problems
Help.
My Ion won't start under -15 dgres C but when things warm up turn the key and it roars, dealer says when it won't go call us and we will help. What to do? Battery cell freezing or something els I should know about?
My Ion won't start under -15 dgres C but when things warm up turn the key and it roars, dealer says when it won't go call us and we will help. What to do? Battery cell freezing or something els I should know about?
0
Comments
Have you had the problem fixed?
I am hesitate to go to the dealer with an intermittent problem knowing they can not solve word problems and may start replacing good parts.
I thought I solved my mystery when I reset all the fuses inside the car and engine compartment. The car started okay for 3 days straight then to my disappointment begin to fail again.
The problem was due to the original ignition switch which is a $50 part from Saturn. The ignition switch is located on the back end of the ignition lock.
The ignition switch sends a code that is generated in the ignition lock to the body control module (BCM). It is a part of the Passlock2 system on the 2004 Saturn. The Passlock system is intended to prevent a worn (worn keys use to be about to start any of the earlier model Saturns without any security system) or incorrect key from starting the car. If the proper code is not sent then the BCM will shut down the car for up to 10 minutes.
When I talked to the parts guy at Saturn to see if he had one in stock, he indicated that they have a lot of them since they are in demand.
I was able to replace the ignition switch within an hour and then I performed the 30 minute re-learn Passlock process. The only tool you may not have if you replace the switch is a short bit T15 Torx head since there is not a lot of space to work when removing the switch from the back of the ignition lock on the steering column.
Hope this inexpensive fix helps since there seems to be a lot of Saturns with a similar intermittent starting problems.
Thanks for the info.!
From hearing the complaints from other Saturn owners with the same intermittent starting problem (it seems to occur more often in cold weather), I decided to try the same fix that worked for them. So I invested less than $50 for the part and was able to install it myself within an hour. If I had to do it again, it would be a 15 minute job not counting the re-learn process. This saved me hundreds of dollars I did not have to give to the dealer and the possible aggravation of taking a word problem to Saturn and having them replace multiple parts.
Does your Saturn have the Passlock 2 system? If so, this might work for you.
You might have a exaust cuplink that is loose and once the exaust heats up the seal closes and the noise goes away.
They told me I may have something to do with my ignition..however I only have problems starting the car when it gets below 20/30 degrees or so.
Since that time I have heard from at least two other people who have owned the older Saturn Ion's that they have the same problem.
Is there some type of heater that we could install to correct this? If it is not the battery....what are the possibilities?
It could be an ignition switch problem such as the one described in other emails on this web site.
Good Luck.
Good Luck.
Saturn Problems & Solutions #793 for a description of what worked for me.
If you perform the repair, you will need to use the relearn procedure for the passlock system described in
Saturn Problems & Solutions #797
Hope this helps to save you a few bucks.
I would ask your local service department about it.
We've replaced the battery and the ignition switch, and cleaned up the dinglybob that has to be pushed in by the clutch peddle in order to allow the car to start. We've been mulling over pulling out the starter to test it, but hey, I'm happy to try your suggestion and see if that works!
Thanks!
I don't think the '95 had the passlock 2 system so the ignition switch problem myself and other have referred to probably does not apply but if the ignition lock was tampered with when stolen you may want to look there.
Since I am sure you proceed very slowly over the speed bump that would not be the problem of knocking something loose.
Much success with your Saturn.
BTW, luckily, my folks lived nearby, so I wasn't far from family, but still! Also - Sea World security? Extremely nice. They even went out and bought car seats to replace the ones stolen so the kids could leave the lot safely.
Sorry, still makes me MAD!
Anyways, when we replaced the starter switch, we had to pull the cowling around the steering wheel, and everything looked okay down there. Still, I'll keep that in mind... may brave the PIA cowling again to take a closer look.
Tightening the fuse box last night did no good. It just gets dusty here in southern Nevada, and it came from southern California, so I'm not sure how grimed the starter is. But it does seem like the next logical choice to check.
Thanks for all your help!
Meanwhile, I was in an accident and one of the parts replaced (with an after market version) was the right front running lamp/blinker. A week to 10 days after I got the car back, the light developed intermittant problems, sometimes it would light up/blink and sometimes not. I took it back to the dealers body shop where the repairs had been made and after an hour or so of swapping things around, a tech noticed the bulb for that light didn't fit the socket tightly and was losing connection. Sounded simple enough to me. But the appraisor suggested I bring it back the next day when a certified GM tech could check it out. That guy decided that the starting problem and the running light problem were both due to me needing a new BCM, to the tune of $560.
I had read about a recall on 2003 Ion's for the bulb/socket issue, although mine wasn't in the recall. But this was NOT my original running light, it was the after market version the insurance company authorized. I wonder if that light could have been from the batch with the problem that prompted the recall?
Not to be too cynical, but I'm not ready to drop $560 on a BCM just yet. Can anyone corroborate that the starting and light problems sound like a BCM issue? I imagine they could be in some cases, but I'm not sure about this case. I'd like to have another running light installed to verify, but can't seem to get the appraisor to call me back. Knowledge IS power, so any info anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Good luck.
I cant find the Saturn Problems & Solutions #793 forum, can you repost the solutions?
Thank you
Thanks
do you know what happen to the Saturn Problems & Solutions thread?
Thanks!
Remove the upper steering column bezel. (pull up)
Rremove the lower left bezel (7mm)
Remove the ignition switch. (t15 torx IIRC)
Install reverse of removal.
Replacing either is not terribly difficult to do, but you will need either a 7/32" or 5.5mm nut driver to get the column cover off
To relearn passlock, but 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.
Is the removal of the switch terribly difficult for a novice? I am thinking I might be best off paying someone.. I am somewhat capable of small repairs but this sounds like just above my experience.
Pop off the upper cover on the steering column and look at what is underneath. If you know what the ignition switch looks like you can then see if what you need to do to remove and replace it. You can then decide if you want to continue with the next steps.
If you are uncomfortable about the repair after removing the top cover, pay someone.
Much success and let us know the outcome.