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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 10 of 121

#89 of 1201 Re: 05 Ion 1 won't start after ignition lock replacement [conagher] by rockfish1

Feb 19, 2008 (6:51 am)

Replying to: conagher (Feb 18, 2008 9:04 pm)
This is the re-learn procedure I used when I replaced the ignition switch.
 
To relearn passlock, 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.

#90 of 1201 Re: 05 Ion 1 won't start after ignition lock replacement [rockfish1] by conagher

Feb 19, 2008 (9:15 am)

Replying to: rockfish1 (Feb 19, 2008 6:51 am)
Thanks rock...I'll try that. I will be stopping by the dealer after work to get a new switch. My soon-to-be ex has graciously let me use her car during all this. The Chilton manual doesn't mention anything about waiting the 30 seconds at the end of the 3 cycles; it says to turn the ignition to Off, Run, then Off again. Then it 's supposed to start. Your suggestion sounds like a good one. I'll try anything at this point. I had found several variations to that relearn process on the web yesterday and I got so frustrated when none of them worked. Thanks again for the tip. I'll keep you posted. Have a great day!

#91 of 1201 2005 Ion 1 finally starts!! by conagher

Feb 19, 2008 (6:10 pm)

Replying to: rockfish1 (Feb 19, 2008 6:51 am)
Rock, it worked!! I replaced the ignition switch and then did the key relearn thingy. I suspected that something wasn't right when the Security light wasn't flashing before. Thanks again.

#92 of 1201 Re: 2005 Ion 1 finally starts!! [conagher] by rockfish1

Feb 20, 2008 (6:28 am)

Replying to: conagher (Feb 19, 2008 6:10 pm)
Replacing the ignition switch is not that costly or complex. I remain surprised that Saturn has not addressed this problem with owners in a better manner. I remember the salesman was very enthusiastic about showing how to replace the headlight by pulling the whole assembly out. Maybe they could have a class on ignition switch replacement since they don't want to extend warranty coverage.

#93 of 1201 Re: 2004 Saturn ION with intermittent starting problem [philsat] by gammageo

Feb 21, 2008 (7:42 am)

Replying to: philsat (Feb 10, 2007 6:29 pm)
I've had the exact same problem. I'd let it sit for a few minutes, try again and it imight start. I've heard/read several different solution recomendations and I THINK I'VE FINALLY GOT IT! Let me tell you why. I talked to the service dept. and I got the usual "yest it could be this or that" so I just called parts and at that time I was going to buy that Pass Lock Sensor based on another person's response on this or another chat site. The guy in parts said don't bother with that. Get an ignition switch. He noted that he sells them by the bunches when the weather gets cold - knows exactly where they are in the bins without even looking it up. I bought one, installed it and haven't had the problem since. It's easy to do. Ther are 3 or 4 bolts that secure the housing on the steering column. Remove it and you'll see the switch on the left side on top. Two "torqs" screws hold it which are kind of hard to get at so you'll need a flexible mini socket set set or something. You may have to put your key in and put it in the "on" position to allow the switch to come off - be sure you've disconnected your battery so you don't accidently trip an air bag. Unpug the switch and install the new one - you may have to reconnect the battery to get the key to come out again. Reconnect your housing and you're good to go. It's been below zero the past few days here and I've had no problems. The business about the lubrication is apparently true. The part is only 25 bucks or so. I too jumped through some hoops - new battery, new starter, clean the terminals repeatedly. The sad part is that it seems this isn't as widely know as it should be at the Saturn Dealerships - Saturn should replace this free anyway. Good Luck.

#94 of 1201 2003 Ion Starting Problems by jlp4

Mar 14, 2008 (10:29 am)

I have had problems with my Ion since this past December. I am at the Saturn dealership weekly with the same non-start problem. It doesn't matter how cold it is. I have had the ignition switch & BCM replaced. Saturn has rekeyed the Pass lock system. This time they told me my battery cables were loose. Don't know how that one happened since the dealership is the only one show has touched the car. The dealership is very familiar with this problem with the Ion.

#95 of 1201 Re: 2003 Ion Starting Problems [jlp4] by tbsierra

Mar 18, 2008 (11:00 am)

Replying to: jlp4 (Mar 14, 2008 10:29 am)
My husband is thinking about installing a remote starter on his 2004 Ion and is wondering if anyone has tried it? He is thinking maybe this will bypass the problems with the anti-theft system. Has anyone tried this or can anyone think of any reason this might not work?

#96 of 1201 For the record.... by reba05

Mar 31, 2008 (11:11 am)

I had to replace my ignition switch in January in my 2006 Ion. When I couldn't start my car, I called the dealership to make an appt. to get it in, thinking I would need to tow it there, however the service guy knew exactly what was wrong and walked me through getting the system reset so it would start for me to bring it in.
Being that he knew right away what the issue was, I did ask why Saturn has not addressed this with a recall when it is happening to so many Ions, and he agreed....
 
Overall very happy with the car, with the exception of that incident happening on a minus 20 degree day!

#97 of 1201 key stuck in ignition, engin on! by xanas

Apr 07, 2008 (7:45 pm)

Please help. My roommate has a newer model (i'm thinking 2005 or newer) Saturn Ion, the key is stuck in the ignition, can't turn it to turn the engine off. The steering wheel is not locked, the automatic transmission is in park. Any suggestions?? Thanks.

#98 of 1201 Saturn 05 starting problem.. by nsk123

May 01, 2008 (4:08 pm)

Replying to: xanas (Apr 07, 2008 7:45 pm)
First, thanks everyone on this forum for sharing their experiences and solutions to the problem. This greatly helps.
 
Secondly, screw Saturn for having known this problem and not doing anything about it and not even issuing a recall.
 
Thirdly, screw the dealerships who try to make money out of it. I got a quote of 900$ from the dealership. Thanks to this forum, I am informed wont get conned, but cant help pitying those innocent souls who were conned into buying the whole package.
 
Fourth, did anyone take up the matter with Saturn Corporate? If yes, can you please share your experiences?
 
My car has the same problems in sunny CA, so I guess temperature is no the culprit in my car, can any one tell me if they still had problems after the re-learning trick? I am not too comfortable tinkering with white wires, or replacing the ignition switch myself. At the same time I hate to pay the dealership, any ransom.
 
Is there nothing what we can do to make Saturn issue a recall? Chain mail sent to Saturn Corporate? Is Saturn selling Ions with faulty ignition switches or is this a (only) recognized mode of revenue?

Messages Page 10 of 121

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