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Saturn Ion Starting Problems

367 messages,  Last post on Dec 04, 2009 at 10:36 PM

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#357 of 367 I need to replace my 05' Saturn Ion Ignition Switch...HELP!! by dezell904 Oct 03, 2009 (6:24 am)
I have read all the posts about how to do it, but still cant figure it out. I bought the switch already. I removed the plastic casing on top of the steering column that covers all the wires and things, I also used a 7mm wrench to get the screws off the lower casings as well. I can see the ignition switch on the left but I cant figure what to do next. I see two gold rounded off bolts,one on the left and one on the right. Do I need to take the whole steering wheel off just to replace the ignition switch? Please help me with this...if someone could post an example video of them doing this it would help alot of people...thanks
#358 of 367 It's done! by esprix Oct 11, 2009 (12:48 pm)
Well, today I got out and made the white wire fix on our Ion before the weather got too cold.   First, BIG THANK YOU to oblio9 for his VERY HELPFUL step-by-step video:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww5AGhFWcBw   My two cents:   * I didn't have any wire nuts, so I just covered the ends with electrical tape, and then tape everything together. * The video was helpful in carefully popping off the plastic cover of the steering column, although it doesn't include how to put it back on (which was the part I was most worried about). Just put in on in the reverse order of how he took it off - right hand side first, left hand side snaps into it, and then the top slides in the back and snaps into the bottom two halves. It'll make sense once you try it. * Not only does the yellow indicator light now stay on on your dashboard, but every time you start the engine the odometer will give you the "service engine" display, so you'll have to hit your trip button to get rid of it. * I knew the yellow light would bother me, so while I had the black electrical tape out I put a small piece over the light on my dashboard (I can still see any other lights that might light up, though).   Between this VERY informative thread, and that video, I can't thank everyone enough. Once we get into the winter months I'll report back with any problems, but after reading everyone's experiences, I'm not expecting any! Replies to this message: esprix (Oct 12, 2009 8:40 pm)
#359 of 367 Saturn Ion starting problems by joetree Oct 12, 2009 (3:14 pm)
HELP! My daughter has a 2003 Saturn Ion and we are trying to determine if it is worth shipping from Hawaii to Las Vegas. She is having that 10 minute wait start problem. I changed the plastic initiation switch, then went through the 30-minute learn procedure found in Programming Theft Deterrent System Components, it still would not start. I took off the new ignition switch and put the old one back on and it started up fine. The next morning it would not start. We waited for 10 minutes and it started. But now the problem is more definite, it is not starting more often.    My questions are: If I disconnect the white wire will it affect the airbags or any other part of the car? Is it required that the airbag fuse be pulled before you cut the white wire? Can a remote starter unit be installed on a standard shift where you have to press the clutch to start?   Thanks everyone this forum has been an enormous help for me and my daughter. And yes, we have filed a complaint!   Joe
#360 of 367 Re: It's done! [esprix] by esprix Oct 12, 2009 (8:40 pm)
Replying to: esprix (Oct 11, 2009 12:48 pm) Oh, I also wanted to mention that in the YouTube video comments someone mentions that disconnecting your battery for an hour will turn off the indicator light on the dashboard at least until the next time it tells you you need an oil change. Might be worth a shot if the light annoys you.
#361 of 367 why? by zx2vt Oct 26, 2009 (4:17 pm)
what does the cold and wet weather have to do w/ this problem? i think i may have the same problem as everyone else here. just a few questions though. If i hook my white wire up to a switch. will i be able to just flip the switch when my car don't start or will i still have to wait the 10 min.? Also i am usually able to jump start my car when i don't start. Replies to this message: oblio9 (Oct 26, 2009 6:45 pm)
#362 of 367 Re: why? [zx2vt] by oblio9 Oct 26, 2009 (6:45 pm)
Replying to: zx2vt (Oct 26, 2009 4:17 pm) No idea though at one point I think someone mentioned that the wire was smaller than it should be (?). For me it was always a combination of cold and wet. On a sub-zero day it started, no problem. On a damp 40 degree morning I was screwed. With Saturn going belly up, no point in asking why as I don't think this will ever get fixed without employing some kind of hack.   What you could do, and I have contemplated but not tried, is cut the wire while it is running and then when it is powered of install a switch. then I would just keep the switch of during the cold months and turn it on for cool weather or vehicle inspections. I am curious if anyone has tried this yet and how it worked.
#363 of 367 Chasing the white wire by malloallo Nov 16, 2009 (2:01 pm)
After nearly a year of not being able to start the car during the winter, and colder, moist weather, I finally decided to cut the white wire, beneath the steering column. The entire process took a half-hour, and was very easy to do, after watching the Youtube video. After snipping the wire, the passlock light came on, but that was all. This morning, the car started right up. I'll keep everyone posted, but free sure beats spending $150 for a new ignition switch.
#364 of 367 Problem Starting Saturn Ion? COMPLAIN! by mrniceguy424 Dec 02, 2009 (8:14 am)
I bought a used 2004 Saturn Ion 6 months ago. I have had no real problems until it started getting cold. Now, most mornings I have the common ignition problem that everybody else has.   I turn the key, everything lights up, the engine cranks once, then nothing. I have to keep turning the key all the way off, wait 10 seconds, and try again. Eventually, after 10-30 minutes of doing this repeatedly, the car starts. Every once in a while, the car does start after only a few tries.   I have read about this problem on many different forums, and I am angered and dismayed that GM will do nothing about this. Good thing my employer is understanding, and has not fired me yet for being late every time this happens.   If you own an Ion in a cold climate, you will have this problem. There are several simple fixes, but I think GM should do something about it.   Please complain to BBB at http://www.bbb.org and the NHTSA at https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/Complaint.cfm Replies to this message: joetree (Dec 02, 2009 9:04 am)
#365 of 367 Re: Problem Starting Saturn Ion? COMPLAIN! [mrniceguy424] by joetree Dec 02, 2009 (9:04 am)
Replying to: mrniceguy424 (Dec 02, 2009 8:14 am) Mr nice guy, just go ahead and cut the white wire under the ignition. Make sure you watch the video on how to cut the white first. I cut the wire shortly after my posting and ship the car to California then drove it to Las Vegas and my daughter has been driving it and it has not failed to start. Everything else is working just fine. Good Luck! Joe
#366 of 367 Re: Try Battery ground [canadianay] by davidjmechanic Dec 04, 2009 (11:35 am)
Replying to: canadianay (Sep 11, 2009 12:13 pm) Excellent diagnostic analysis !! I wish I would have read this before I got it towed to Saturn only for them to tell me I needed a new battery. Beware of this problem !

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