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Saturn Ion Starting Problems

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Comments

  • susie163susie163 Member Posts: 1
    Oh my gosh, I thought I was the only person in the world who had this problem. I got my Saturn ION 2004 in OCT 2004 with only 700 miles, the first six months where fine. Then it got cold, now I don't mean 10 degrees below zero, I mean 31 Degree cold and the car would not crank. It sit in the sun until the dealer got it picked up and course no problem was found. This has happen to me every year since 2005, no one has been able to tell me what is the problem, the dealer never could discover an issue (taken by tow truck three times to dealership). It has happenned one time in the summer after an extremly hot day and I had driven about 250 miles. I always hate to see winter appear for this issue. This past year, I actually took to timing how long it took for car to start, I noted that after about 15 to 30 minutes of sitting in the freezing cold, I finally could get the car to turn over. I am an avid listener to Click and Clack on NPR and have attempted to call them with the issue but never can get on. I have sit and listen to hear the ignition connect and the fuel pump enagage, I have family who work with cars. Still no determined outcome. What else can I do
  • pamela519pamela519 Member Posts: 62
    Susie - I think you may be screwed as I am. If you are over warranty basically it's too bad. Although GM told me the part is defective, I guess they mean it's defective only if it's still under warranty. And I live in southern California where weather is not an issue. For me, there was no rhyme or reason to the not starting... at the beginning it would ALWAYS start 12 (strange, right?) minutes later. as time went on it went to 15, 20, 30 and 2 years later it was sometimes at 60. It got to the point where i would go outside about 30 minutes before it was time to go to work and start the car. if it started i would leave it on.... then for me one day it just did not start. the mechanic put a battery in and charged me $183 (and I did not think it was the battery) .... anyway, i feel for you... If you are not over warranty they may do something for you. Believe me, a GM representative will contact you on this site, ask for the VIN#, mileage, all kinds of questions. problem is, if you go back over these 39 pages, very few have actually been helped. I do honestly wonder if they would have come up with another excuse had i been under warranty, And mind you, I am barely over the warranty and certainly was well under when i first started to complain to Saturn. Good luck and please let us know what happens - pamela
  • pamela519pamela519 Member Posts: 62
    edited November 2011
    Dweezel - don't know if you've kept up, but I did have a file started and i did everything they said, including sending the VIN#, mileage, etc. they knew the mileage and said they would start a file, made an appointment at the Chevy place that took over for Saturn, he ran the diagnostic, said the same thing as the mechanic, but wanted $600 for the starter and then it's $129 for the diagnostic (mechanic wanted $300 for the starter) Raymond, a GM guy called me several times and told me he would fight for me. bottom line. bye bye raymond hello the rudest GM district manager.... told me too bad you are over warranty. I said you knew this when you started the file. she refused to take it further and all the while admitted the part was defective. GM's definition of defective should be added to the dictionary. it's only defective while under warranty. after although it is defective they don't care..... i mentioned to her that there was a new part online for $123. her extremely rude response was GM does not recognize parts that are not GM~~ all well and good, only problem is THIS PARTICULAR GM PART IS DEFECTIVE. Ms. District Manager had no response for that and basically told me to go (expletive) myself. Of course she did not say that, but her message was loud and clear, she did not give a ****. not even a little
  • saturntech9saturntech9 Member Posts: 152
    Those are the exact symptoms for a bad ignition switch i would replace its a really common problem.I have replaced tons for that very problem at the saturn dealer.
  • fixmysaturnfixmysaturn Member Posts: 15
    CUT THE WHITE WIRE!!!!!!!!
    i have been problem free for over a year since i cut the white wire
    CUT THE WHITE WIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • dweezildweezil Member Posts: 271
    I've been following, yes. It makes me incredibly angry on your behalf.

    I think people have found relief by using a Passlock bypass that I read about on Edmund's in the Cobalt forum.

    Really stupid system in the first place: I left my keys in the trunk over night in Los Angeles and my car was still there in the morning. Not even the car thieves will steal em. Who needs Passlock ? {Or GM for that matter???}
  • pamela519pamela519 Member Posts: 62
    this was the very first thing we saw 2 years ago when my car first started having its issues. my daughter's boyfriend was uncomfortable doing it b/c of the check engine light. I was told about it a few weeks ago, there is a u tube video. the only problem is I have to get my car smogged, if i cut the wire it won't pass inspection b/c the check engine light will be on......I assume you don't live in a state where u must smog?
  • kikibkikib Member Posts: 14
    thank you for posting pamela519....even though neither of us got any satisfaction or compensation, it helps to know I'm not alone! Maybe a lawyer will read this blog.....
  • adam271976adam271976 Member Posts: 10
    hi saturntech,

    thanks for replying.......yea they had to change out the ignition lock and switch. they both showed up on the bcm. it has 191,000 miles on it. i have owned it since i bought it new in may 2003. i have to say minus this problem it has serviced me very well over the years and havent really spent any money on it till now. so far everything seems to be working fine( for now that is). i also have another question. when i turn the blower on for air,it does not come out fast anymore but, the a/c does get cold and i had it checked for freon and was told its fully charged but its not coming out fast enough. any ideas as to what it may be?? thanks for all your help already as i read your posts quite frequently. by the way, the guy at the gm dealership is a saturn tech that worked on it and said the main cause of my problem was the ignition switch and it had an aftermarket part in it. so for once it wasnt GM's fault. let me know what you think the cause of the blower not blowing fast enough out of the vents is. my email address is adam271976hotmail.com if you want to email me. thanks so much for your help! adam
  • adam271976adam271976 Member Posts: 10
    Pamela,

    The yellow light is above the gas gauge and it has a picture of a car with a lock in it..... that's the antitheft passlock symbol. when its solid for a couple seconds after you turn the key on then it goes off, then the car should start.
    If it blinks continously, then the passlock has enabled and it will not start. At least that was the case with my car. So, i left it sit for a half hour, then went back out and it started. Try having a garage replace the ignition switch like saturntech said. It costs about $150. It will more then likely work fine and there is NO WAY it is the starter and/or BCM. They tried to get me with that crap too. The guy at the dealership here in Harrisburg,pa where i live, was nice enough to knock some money off the price because he felt bad about the car not running the way it should. Let me know how it turns out. Adam
  • saturntech9saturntech9 Member Posts: 152
    So you no longer have anymore no start no crank issues?As far as the air flow from the blower motor go do all the blower motor speeds work?So the only issue is reduce air flow?If so you most likely have a plugged up cabin air filter check that and let me know what you find.Best thing to do is remove the cabin air filter and see if that fixes the problem.If it does then replace the cabin air filter.Let me know what you find.
  • bobcat1984bobcat1984 Member Posts: 1
    Hey saturntech9, my girlfriend has a 2006 Saturn Ion RedLine that is having a problem starting on cold mornings and also when there is moisture or dew on the car. I would like to try your ignition switch replace. Could you send me instructions on how to replace that in her car? My email address is b_bargs@hotmail.com. Thank you so much! Please let me know if you can help. Do you have any other suggestions for repair?
  • adam271976adam271976 Member Posts: 10
    Who the hell wants to steal a car that doesnt start half the time anyway.....you got to be a complete moron to steal a saturn/gm car anyway
  • adam271976adam271976 Member Posts: 10
    Yes.....all blower motor speeds work...i will check the cabin filter...come to think of it, that hasnt been replaced in a while....
  • adam271976adam271976 Member Posts: 10
    Saturntech,

    I checked the cabin filter. It was black. Apparently i haven't replaced it in quite some time. So i took it out and turned on the blower and it came out real fast!! I wish i knew that was the problem during the summer when i roasted my [non-permissible content removed] off.....lol Anyways i went to walmart tonight and bought one for $30. I think the price for a filter is a little salty but it works great none the less. Also, when i asked the garage what was wrong with the air flow they told me my mode actuator switch was bad and that would be $300 or more to replace which i knew it had to be a bunch of crap so i didnt replace it. I just wish i knew you over the summer otherwise i wouldnt of sweat to death but anyways thank you so much for all of your help. You definately have saved me alot of money!! If i come across anything else i definately will ask you before taking it to a garage! Thanks again, Adam
  • debz2debz2 Member Posts: 1
    Hi,

    Can you send me instruction on how to do this, and exactly what the part # is for the switch. I would very much appreciate it.

    Deborah
  • saturntech9saturntech9 Member Posts: 152
    I sure will if you give me your email address?
  • saturntech9saturntech9 Member Posts: 152
    Your welcome no problem.
  • rgiergie Member Posts: 3
    hi adam...how much did it cost you to change the ignition lock and switch?
    to y'all...anybody knows where i can get my car fixed in chicagoland?? thanks!
  • saturntech9saturntech9 Member Posts: 152
    When the car doesnt start if the security light is on then its not a bad starter.That means the starter has been disabled by the security system.The most likely cause is a bad ignition switch there easy to change and will provide instructions on how to change the switch if intrested.
  • debz3debz3 Member Posts: 1
    opps sorry my email is
    deborahblevins87@gmail.com

    THANK YOU!!
  • pamela519pamela519 Member Posts: 62
    Saturntech9 - not sure if you are the one who has been with me through this whole ordeal. Today we picked my car up from the dealership. They wanted $627 for the starter (not sure if that included labor) A friend of my daughters' knows cars and has agreed to help me. I forwarded him this blog and he is going to install the ignition switch for me. if that doesn't work he will cut the wire (as also described in here + the u tube video) and install a switch so I can pass smog test. we had planned on having it towed, but wonder of wonders it started. and . . . . it did what it has never done before and started clicking, so it very well may be the starter. we can get one online for $123 (new) and as i said before the very rude GM district manager said that is not a recognized GM part. I say, thank God for that as GM has admitted the part is defective. we drove the car over to his house and fingers crossed the ignition relay switch is all it needs...... if not, the $123 for the new starter online and hopefully that will be the end of this 2.5 year nightmare
  • tukimatukima Member Posts: 1
    Hi Susie 163,

    nope you are not the only person that has this problem. I have had this problem over the years and have done the same things you have to figure out what the problem was. I decided it was best to leave my car overnight at the dealership on a super cold night so they can try to start it in the morning. That was the only way to find out what the problem was. Solution turned out they had to replace the ignition switch. I did not have any problems with it since then; however I am having alternator problems as of today. You cant win for loosing. I hope this helps you find the solution for your car.
  • saturntech9saturntech9 Member Posts: 152
    So is the security light on when it wont start?Because if it is that has nothing to do with the starter like i said before.When the ignition switch is bad it disables the starter thru the pass lock security system.If the security light is in or flashing when it doesnt start i would replace the ignition switch.
  • saturntech9saturntech9 Member Posts: 152
    I sent it to your email.
  • mcewan821mcewan821 Member Posts: 2
    Good Evening!!
    I am just one of the thousands apparently that have the same problem with the Saturn Ion starting issue. My brother replaced the ignition switch today thinking that may have been the problem but unfortunately that was not it. The ignition is stuck in the "on" position. It will not go backwards and my brother had to pull the fuel pump fuse and unhook the battery to get it to shut off...What do you all think should be the next part to consider?? We have an '07 Saturn Ion..it only has 59,000 miles on it and I am seriously about ready to junk it.

    Thanks for any help you can give!

    Jennifer
  • pamela519pamela519 Member Posts: 62
    so, EVERYBODY - I finally did what you all told met to. I had a friend who knows his way around cars and is an excellent mechanic. he read these blogs, watched the u tube video and was also on a blog called moontajelectrics.com. Turns out I did need a starter. when i went to get it at the dealership it actually started. it sounded like it needed the starter. when i used to try and start it there was no clicking or noise at all. so, he put in the starter. after reading all the blogs he cut the wire. still was running really well. then he went to put the switch in (so I could pass smog inspection) also talked about on here. now the car won't start, he can't get it out of park, the windows won't go up or down...... he welded the wire back, did the thing where after 3 times it's supposed to reset itself. nothing.... now moontaj is talking about a BCM which may be bad. how is this possible when it started and was fine and why did putting the switch in freeze ir? Up to now, between the battery, the starter, the labor, the diagnostic at the dealer i am close to $500 and was told a BCM is about $300 which means a mechanic or dealer will charge me between $600 - $900. HELP!!!
  • pamela519pamela519 Member Posts: 62
    OMG... after following all the directions on here, even trying to deal with GM, I am now being told it may be the BCM thing. and up to now I am at about $500. I am sick to my stomach.
  • pamela519pamela519 Member Posts: 62
    so, EVERYBODY - I finally did what you all told met to. I had a friend who knows his way around cars and is an excellent mechanic. he read these blogs, watched the u tube video and was also on a blog called moontajelectrics.com. Turns out I did need a starter. when i went to get it at the dealership it actually started. it sounded like it needed the starter. when i used to try and start it there was no clicking or noise at all. so, he put in the starter. after reading all the blogs he cut the wire. still was running really well. then he went to put the switch in (so I could pass smog inspection) also talked about on here. now the car won't start, he can't get it out of park, the windows won't go up or down...... he welded the wire back, did the thing where after 3 times it's supposed to reset itself. nothing.... now moontaj is talking about a BCM which may be bad. how is this possible when it started and was fine and why did putting the switch in freeze ir? Up to now, between the battery, the starter, the labor, the diagnostic at the dealer i am close to $500 and was told a BCM is about $300 which means a mechanic or dealer will charge me between $600 - $900. HELP!!!
  • saturntech9saturntech9 Member Posts: 152
    If the key is stuck in the run position most likely the tumblar door came loose and is binding the cylinder up.You will have to replace the ignition cylinder and housing.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    mcewan821,
    Have you spoke with a dealer? If not, I would recommend doing so. Please keep me updated on your concerns and situation.
    Christina
    GM Customer Service
  • mcewan821mcewan821 Member Posts: 2
    Thank you for your responses...

    We did order a new lock cylinder and that fixed the problem. We had an automobile locksmith come out and replace it. So after about $400 later, we have an ignition that will finally turn. Is there a plan to have a recall on this? I am just curious as to what we can do since so many have had the exact came issue.

    Thank you!

    Jennifer McEwan
  • pamela519pamela519 Member Posts: 62
    Mcewan821 - I am sitting here laughing and I wish i could say b/c something was funny. sadly, it is so not funny. although there is over 38 pages of this blog with most having the same issue, GM has refused to do a recall. It's not only the part you are talking about, it's also the starter and the ignition relay switch. people have spent a fortune trying to get their Ions in running condition. I have already spent close to $530 and that was with a mechanic for a battery and a friend put a new starter in which cost him $180. GM wanted $600 for the same part and the mechanic $300. You are very lucky you only had to spend $400. I am very bitter. GM offered to help, knew I was over my warranty, yet started a file, called me continuously and made the appointment for me to get the car fixed. After GM running the diagnostic for $129, telling me I needed a starter for $600 GM told me they would not help. they admitted the part was defective, but the fact that I was over warranty, which as I said they already knew, they abandoned me. Count your blessings you only spent $400, they will NEVER recall the part. I am so over GM. I will be buying a car in the next 6 months (b/c I have no choice as I am over this 2.5 year ordeal I have gone through with my Saturn) and I will NEVER buy a GM car again, nor will my 3 daughters or anyone else that knows me that has read this blog

    sorry to overwhelm you with this, but they sent me your post and i had to reply. Not to mention, b/f this I have never participated in anything like this.
  • dozensaturndozensaturn Member Posts: 41
    Jennifer,
    Dream on! Just kidding of course. If GM had a plan to hav a recall, why did they then let this problem remain for all this time! We encounterd this specific problem in 2007 on one of our dozen plus ION's, less and one thousand miles out of warranty but still within 36 months. The dealership mishandled the repair, could never show what parts (lock-cylinder etc) they replaced but charged full service cost about $400. At that time we had another 7 ION's, still under warranty ... all 2005's some with the typical problem of key stuck, won't start etc. An independant lock-smith changed the lock cylinders and in a few cases we had to replace the start switch as well ALL AT OUR COST. Nedless to say, but the Saturn dealer got zero additional business from us ... NADA ... The GM dealership that today would be the place to take the few ION's we have left are of course clueless of this problem, just claim that they will do diagnostic's at our cost ... Spill of time and money ... Better off to continue our plan to replace all ION's with NON-GM vehicles, such as Ford, Toyota, Nissan or Honda - rather than the only GM product in that size, the Chevrolet Cruize. GM and their attention to the KNOWN problem with the ION (and Cobalt) has not earned our trust and do not deserve repeat business as far as we are concerned.
    Good luck with the repair to yours, after spending $400 - Sorry but it will likely not end with just the lock cylinder.
  • dweezildweezil Member Posts: 271
    Amen: GM still using the public to finish their product development for them all the way up through just recently. [And the jury is still out on the Cruze as to whether it's going to be reliable or not or another GM line with PITA problems GM will never recognize of fix.
  • pmsull1pmsull1 Member Posts: 6
    So perhaps you might share the location of this wire bundle in the trunk, in the event that my ignition switch replacement doesn't solve my problem next week? Any help would be greatly appreciated...ie; where you found it, what color or looks like etc..
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    Good morning, Jennifer!

    Glad to hear that the concern was resolved. As far as your question on “is there a plan to have a recall?” we do document information from forums when we notice a widespread concern. I cannot speak to decision making on recalls, but I can say that we do take notice. If there were to be a recall on this concern, you would be notified.

    If you have any other questions, please feel free to email Christina.

    Best,
    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • jenniemcpjenniemcp Member Posts: 2
    Saturn tech - my '04 ion wouldn't restart Saturday after I tried restarting it almost immediately after pulling it into the garage. We've changed out the battery and draws it down in 2 hours. I got it to the Chevy dealership and they ran a diagnostic (insisted on it) and it found nothing. So they think my new battery is bad and want to just replace it. My Saturn's ignition switch had to be replaced in Jan '08, so almost 4 years ago. Is it possible the ignition switch went out again and it won't show up on diagnostic? I told them go ahead and put a new battery in, see if it restarts before the guy leaves today and see if it will start first thing in the morning. I would be surprised if it does, and wonder if I should insist the ignition switch be replaced again even if the newest battery seems to fix the problem? Thanks.
  • pamela519pamela519 Member Posts: 62
    Sarah that's very sweet of you to say, but it is painfully obvious GM has no intention of doing any recall. this blog has over 40 pages going back at least a few years with the same problems over and over. GM should have done the recall a few years ago and then people such as myself would never have had to find this blog. not sure of you know my history and i certainly won't bore you with it. suffice it to say GM offered help, fully knowing I was over the warranty and when they were told the part was known to be a bad design and was deficient (don't think I'm using the right word) they did nothing b/c I was over my warranty which they were fully aware of. not to mention I started with Saturn way before my warranty was over

    Pamela
  • kuhar352kuhar352 Member Posts: 1
    Hi...I just cut the white wire in my 2006 Ion last night. I capped the ends and taped everything back up. Does anyone know what will happen if/when I have to get a new battery or my current battery dies? Will the car start? Thanks.
  • lkmartinlkmartin Member Posts: 2
    Started off as slight pause in ignition but would turn over. Now one click and won't start. Will not jump either. Full electrical. Coolant like comes on all the time never over heats while driving when it heats up during idle fan kicks on to cool. Is it my starter or battery or cold start problem due to possible failed coolant sensor?
  • saturntech9saturntech9 Member Posts: 152
    Is the security light on solid or flashing when it doesnt start?Also is the coolant low?A bad coolant temp sesnor will not cause the starter to be inop.
  • lkmartinlkmartin Member Posts: 2
    Solid like it would be if you have it turned to accs. Like a year ago I had to replace a bad ignitioncoil. It was doing almost the same thing but the service engine marquee scroll across and the check engine light would be on. The only time it would flash was when I would.drive and it would pump fuel into.the cat causing it to super heat up. But to answer your question solid and no indication of service engine.
  • sd46916sd46916 Member Posts: 7
    Saturntech9: I have 2005 Saturn Ion 2 also having a problem starting on cold mornings recently. Key turns over, click but no turn over & have power to everything else (jump start wouldn't work either). Do you think I should try ignition switch replace or someone else said it could be clutch safety (?) since my car is manual transmission; although I am sure to push the clutch to the floor when trying to start it. Could you please send me instructions on how to replace or repair either (link would do too), part#, etc? My email address is sheila6973@yahoo.com. I would sure appreciate it! Do you have any other suggestions for repair?
  • nstuber1971nstuber1971 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2003 Ion with 44,000 miles and bought it brand new. We've had this similar issue for the past 3 years. We have bought new batteries every winter for the last 3 years because that's what we thought it was. But after reading everyone's comments, I'm thinking that's not the case. This has only happened to me once the temp outside drops below freezing. Is that the case with the rest of you? Very frustrating!!! What is the BCM that everyone is talking about? Thanks
  • saturntech9saturntech9 Member Posts: 152
    The bcm is the body control module it controls the body functions security door locks keyless entry inside lights also is the inside fuse box.Is the security light on solid or flashing when it doesnt start?In your case sounds like a bad ignition switch.
  • dozensaturndozensaturn Member Posts: 41
    One thing for sure - It is NOT a battery problem - Many owners have been taken by dealers and service centers. Furthermore, it is NOT a problem caused by the climate. This same problem is common throughout, including warmer areas like Florida, Southern California etc.
    No this is a problem that GM (Saturn actually) should have corrected shortly after the ION's were first brought to the market. We have changed lock cylinders (helped on some for some time) and changed the BCM, same there worked on some. The problem is not on all ION's (strange) ... I have several 2005's and a few with 100k miles that are OK - At the same time one of our 2004's need repeated attempts to start almost daily - and this is in FLorida.
    Good luck to you ... some day you will do just like us - move away from the non-supportive GM and select from several of their fine competitors ...
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    Jenniemcp,

    How have things gone with your vehicle since your battery replacement?

    Sarah
    GM Customer Service
  • saturntech9saturntech9 Member Posts: 152
    Most of the time its the ignition switch that fails because it has the pass lock sensor in it.The reason it says on colder weather it happens more often is because of the grease they use.It becomes more solid in temps below 40 degrees.I even had customer that lived in indio california where it gets really hot.Every winter out his car would intermintantly not start changed his ignition switch he hasnt complained about it since.I have replaced a ton of those switches for intermintant no starts hot or cold.There is even a bulletin for it from saturn.
  • pamela519pamela519 Member Posts: 62
    You know I have weighed in a lot on this..... And I, being from southern california can confirm what you have said. Does not depend on the cold weather to start or not.. An old friend of my daughter's who is an ace mechanic put the starter in which both the dealership and the mechanic said I needed. GM dealership wanted $600 to replace the starter, the mechanic wanted $300, Jason bought the starter for $180 and it was in. Car started fine each and every time he started it up. At first he watched the utube video about cutting the wire, than adding the switch so I could pass smog, etc. Everything was great, but when he tried to put the switch in, it froze. turned out to be a loose fuse, but we let them be b/c it was starting fine. He had it for about 10 days and each time started right up. I got it back and it started each time i tried. then on the 3rd try (which was a week after i got it back) it would not start and now the key is stuck in the ignition. it won't turn to off, it's stuck somewhere between "on" (the furthest to the right it can go as when you are starting the car) and the middle (between on and off). Won't budge, won't come out of the ignition. Next up for us, the ignition relay switch, which seems to be the most talked about part on this blog for fixing this problem. He is going to switch out the ignition relay switch with a new one and I pray to God this works. If it does I will be selling my 2005 over 100,000 miles Saturn Ion and be happy with whatever I can get for it. I am so over this and I can't wait to get rid of this car... not sure what i'm going to get, but I am 100% sure it will not be a GM
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