- #313 of 367
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Re: saturn ion 04* [ilubay07]
by bertbaggins
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Jun 17, 2009 (8:11 pm)
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Replying to: ilubay07 (Jun 17, 2009 6:55 pm)
what do you mean you "changed the passlock" My car did everthing that you described, and the only way I fixed the starting problem was to cut the wire. I've only had problems with starting in cold weather, so I don't want to tell you to cut the wire if you are having problems in warm weather. all I know is my car starts in the winter now that i've cut the wire
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- #314 of 367
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Re: saturn ion 04* [bertbaggins]
by ilubay07
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Jun 17, 2009 (8:36 pm)
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Replying to: bertbaggins (Jun 17, 2009 8:11 pm)
i mean when it resets it.. i just don't know what to do now.. i mean it has just got worse..
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- #315 of 367
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Re: cut the white wire...now what? [bertbaggins]
by wa1968
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Jul 02, 2009 (2:48 pm)
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Replying to: bertbaggins (Mar 20, 2009 6:56 pm)
I cut the white wire as shown on the utube video six months ago. It defeats the secure key function but the car starts every time.
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- #316 of 367
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03 Ion starting problems
by bugaloo78
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Jul 07, 2009 (1:11 pm)
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I have been reading all the starting problems on here and about cutting the white wire, but I'm not sure I am having that problem. I have not noticed this problem when it is cold. This happens when the engine is warm and only sometimes. I have replaced the battery and the starter.
When it doesn't start, "service vehicle" is on the display. I turn the key off and wait a while. If I keep trying the key, once it doesn't say "service vehicle" it will start. When it says "service vehicle" the starter will turn for a few seconds or not at all. I have not noticed anything different about the security lights, but will keep an eye on it in the future.
I do have a scan tool and there are no codes stored in it, but of course I have not had my computer with when it doesn't want to start. I'm going to start carrying it with me all the time now to see if I can get a code.
Can anyone confirm that this is a passlock problem or is it something else? 
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- #317 of 367
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Re: 03 Ion starting problems [bugaloo78]
by climb3rchick
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Jul 08, 2009 (9:16 am)
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Replying to: bugaloo78 (Jul 07, 2009 1:11 pm)
I'm in the same boat. I have had intermittent problems for the last 2 years on my 05 Ion SC2...always in warm 70+ temperatures. I've had my vehicle towed 4 times in the last year, and it always eventually starts up again. It's been since last summer since I experienced any issues, until this morning that is. Typically, my car will die on me when I'm driving it. So, I pull over and try starting it...it will sound but never actually turn over. The engine lights are on, etc etc. Eventually, the car will start and be fine for weeks or even months at a time. Taken it to the shop 5+ times for this issue. They've replaced the ignition switch once, and the rest of the times they couldn't figure out what was wrong with it, as it will always eventually start. I end up paying diagnosis fees for them to tell me they don't know what's wrong. Today, however, was different. I went out to the car to go to work, and it wouldn't start. Difference this time is there was no sound like it was attempting to turn over...nothing. The lights came on on the dash, but the engine wouldn't start. This morning it was approx 68 degrees out. Any guidance with warm weather start issues would be much appreciated.
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- #318 of 367
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Re: 03 Ion starting problems [climb3rchick]
by bugaloo78
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Jul 08, 2009 (9:30 am)
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Replying to: climb3rchick (Jul 08, 2009 9:16 am)
I wish I could help you, but I'm looking for guidance myself. I've been a mechanic for about 10 years and can't figure this out. I have never had mine quit running once it was started. Mine is now sounds different when I start it and this is everytime. The starter literally sounds like it rapidly engages and disingages when I am starting it. I will usually start. It has no codes and so check engine or "service vechicle" light either. I have an igintion switch on its way. It was only $21 so at this point I figured what the heck that's cheap. I keep my code reader in the car with me in hopes that I will be able to get something next time it won't turn over at all.
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- #319 of 367
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Re: 03 Ion starting problems [climb3rchick]
by muppet502001
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Jul 08, 2009 (9:46 am)
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Replying to: climb3rchick (Jul 08, 2009 9:16 am)
my car is 04 and the same problem is that i'll be driving and all of sudden the car makes this noise and i find i'm doing 60 miles/hr and the car stops at 40 almost like it can't get out of its own way. I drive the jersey parkway to & from work everyday and when this happens which is not all the time i have to pull off the road turn the engine off and then the problem stops. Yes i have had the car to saturn several times and the same thing it doesn't happen when they drive the car. try explaining to them that this does not happen all the time. i've wondered if it happens every so many miles or maybe there's a chip somewhere and when it reaches that point it happens or could it be the computer. Saturn told me they can't help me if they can't find the problem. i love my car just can't stand dealing with the saturn dealers. theyve made me feel stupid I had a problem with getting the car out of park and they asked if i had my foot on the brake after driving the car for one year you would think i know how to move stick from park to drive. I can't believe with all the problems people have there are no recalls. good luck
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- #320 of 367
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Re: 03 Ion starting problems [muppet502001]
by bugaloo78
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Jul 09, 2009 (8:10 pm)
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Replying to: muppet502001 (Jul 08, 2009 9:46 am)
There wouldn't be anything in the computer to make that happen regardless of miles or anything else. This might sound strange, but I wonder if your exhaust is starting to rot out. Meaning part of your catalytic converter, silencer, or muffler is rotted out inside and blocking the exhaust sometimes. Maybe shutting it off allows the piece to settle and clear the path again. I know this sounds weird, but a blocked converter causes the same symptoms. If this happens after dark, look at your exhaust when it is acting up and see if it is glowing. I really don't think you are having a passlock issue.
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- #321 of 367
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Re: 03 Ion starting problems [climb3rchick]
by bugaloo78
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Jul 09, 2009 (8:20 pm)
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Replying to: climb3rchick (Jul 08, 2009 9:16 am)
I may have a little more info on your problem. I have never had mine die once it was started. If the Passlock has been "activated" the motor will make about one turn when you try to start it and then there will be nothing. The lock light comes on and the "service vehicle" in on the display and there is no starting it for 10 min. When you say "it will sound but never actually turn over" what do you mean? The starter works, but the engine won't start or no starter turn at all?
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- #322 of 367
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Re: 03 Ion starting problems [bugaloo78]
by climb3rchick
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Jul 13, 2009 (7:12 am)
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Replying to: bugaloo78 (Jul 09, 2009 8:20 pm)
Yes, most of the time the starter works but the engine won't start (this is usually when I break down while driving...which is 95% of the incidents). The other morning, however, the starter didn't work at all. I turned the key and "nothing." Sure enough, I came home from work and it started up on the first try with no problems.
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