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Saturn Ion Starting Problems

1201 messages,  Last post on May 10, 2013 at 9:26 AM

You are in the Saturn ION Forum.

What is this discussion about? Saturn ION, Electrical, Coupe, Sedan

Messages Page 65 of 121

#632 of 1201 Re: 2006 Saturn ion ignition switch [dozensaturn] by notlkh

Aug 10, 2011 (4:37 am)

Replying to: dozensaturn (Aug 09, 2011 5:52 pm)
Since the last time I posted here, my ion has not stopped starting even once, which is normal behavior during the summer for my ion. I expect it to stop starting maybe once a month, if that, until October or November, whereupon it should become a weekly event, then in December about at least a daily event. This has been the pattern for 5 years, since I purchased this vehicle. Which is strange since it seems inconsistant with your observations that it is not related to the weather/season.
 
Do you experience any variations whatsoever between the temperature/humidity extremes?

#633 of 1201 Re: 2006 Saturn ion ignition switch [notlkh] by gmcustsvc

Aug 10, 2011 (7:35 am)

Replying to: notlkh (Aug 10, 2011 4:37 am)
notlkh,
 
Have you had the vehicle diagnosed by a GM dealership? Please keep me posted.
 
Thank you,
Caron, GM Customer Service

#634 of 1201 Re: 2006 Saturn ion ignition switch [gmcustsvc] by notlkh

Aug 10, 2011 (8:08 am)

Replying to: gmcustsvc (Aug 10, 2011 7:35 am)
Once I had it in for a service early on, and I mentioned the issue, but I was told that they couldn't do anything since no error code showed up, and that it started fine there.
 
Eventually I came across this thread, and saw how prevalent this issue is, and how it seems to be unaddressable by GM, I've decided to live with it. I don't mind 10 minutes of extra reading time every now and then, just so long as I'm not freezing too many times during a cold winters day.
 
However, if you think it is worth trying again, when should I do it? Would it be worth doing now, when it hasn't happened in over a month? Or should I wait until it happens, and then get it in as soon as possible, within a day or two of the issue ocurring again?

#635 of 1201 Re: 2006 Saturn ion ignition switch [notlkh] by saturntech9

Aug 10, 2011 (11:15 am)

Replying to: notlkh (Aug 10, 2011 8:08 am)
You need to have the ignition switch replaced the first bulletines we got at the saturn dealer for the no starts said the no start is worse at temps of 40 degrees or less.I would just replace the ignition switch if it was my car.I know the auto zone ignition switch is made by wells and has a lifetime warranty.

#636 of 1201 Re: 2006 Saturn ion ignition switch [notlkh] by gmcustsvc

Aug 11, 2011 (8:18 am)

Replying to: notlkh (Aug 10, 2011 8:08 am)
notlkh,
 
If you are not having any problems at this time I would encourage you to wait until you are experiencing these concerns to have the vehicle brought into the dealership. At that time please be sure to contact us directly and we will be able to assist in setting up a case with GM Customer Assistance to try and get these problems resolved.
 
Thank you,
Caron, GM Customer Service

#637 of 1201 Re: 2006 Saturn ion ignition switch [notlkh] by saturntech9

Aug 11, 2011 (9:22 am)

Replying to: notlkh (Aug 10, 2011 8:08 am)
I would only wait to get the switch fixed if gm customer service was for sure going to pay for it?Otherwise if you know someone handy with tools its a easy fix amazon has the switch for 22 and i will give full replacement instructions.Otherwise why put yourself thru anymore years of this no start you have been lucky so far.I have seen some of those switches not let the car start for a day or more.Its up to you its your car and your burden.

#638 of 1201 Re: 2006 Saturn ion ignition switch [gmcustsvc] by dozensaturn

Aug 11, 2011 (6:06 pm)

Replying to: gmcustsvc (Aug 11, 2011 8:18 am)
You better hurry up getting to a gm dealer ... the window is less than ten, yes ten minutes and the car may start and the dealer cannot trace the problem. GM need to get a car that is 'guaranted' to have the starting problem and to the diagnostics themselves. I have at least one, that act up every week, sometimes more than once in one day! I will gladly sell them this vehicle ... By the way, to change the AC Delco Switch (less than $20 at Rockauto.com ... same as the GM dealer sell for $49) is NOT the answer.

#639 of 1201 Re: 2006 Saturn ion ignition switch [dozensaturn] by notlkh

Aug 12, 2011 (5:13 am)

Replying to: dozensaturn (Aug 11, 2011 6:06 pm)
So many opinions about this issue.
 
DozenSaturn first is adamant that the issue is not weather related,
Saturntech9 insists it is the ignition switch, and should be changed immediately
GMCustsvc suggests waiting until it stops starting and let the dealership diagnose and correct,
And then Dozensaturn points out that the diagnostic window is the 10 minutes that it won't start...
 
It seems that the white wire method is the most reliable, but to me it also suggests that the issue is not currently diagnosable, as I don't believe the diagnostics have been designed to detect variations in resistance in a wire due to possible temperature variations, and I also agree with the 10 minute diagnostic window that Dozensaturn mentioned.
 
But the ignition switch, is it physically connected to the white wire? If not, I don't see how it could correct the starting issue...

#640 of 1201 Re: 2006 Saturn ion ignition switch [notlkh] by dweezil

Aug 12, 2011 (6:22 am)

Replying to: notlkh (Aug 12, 2011 5:13 am)
The white wire fix as mentioned also sets off a light on the dash that can get you failed on smog and other inspections. That's mentioned in one of the "how to" videos on You Tube as well.
 
There is a Passlock "bypass" kit available that I read about in this very Edmund's thread that is sold by car stereo outfits that's been used with some success .

#641 of 1201 Re: 2006 Saturn ion ignition switch [notlkh] by dozensaturn

Aug 12, 2011 (7:28 am)

Replying to: notlkh (Aug 12, 2011 5:13 am)
Yes there are many opinions about the 'starting issue' ... Yet, GM has not come thru with a corrective repair procedure, nor even issued any recommendations other than tow the vehicle to a GM dealer for diagnostic tests ...
The fact is - not all ION's that we have or have had experience this problem. Of our's, one is notorius - several times a week, sometimes multiple times the same day. Another one a handful times per year. Then other's that has never had that problem. We are 'facing out' the ION's for non GM vehicles.
It really disturbs to read how many - even at dealerships get taken and have the battery replaced. The battery is NOT the cause of the problem.
 
Would it not be great if GM would announce a solution to this problem, and then stand behind that to be correct - and this problem would go into the history books!

Messages Page 65 of 121

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