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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 91 of 121

#897 of 1201 Just cut the white wire by kvc123

Jan 07, 2012 (1:07 am)

So I own a Saturn Ion 2005 which I bought used and keep in perfect condition. I have about 69,000 miles on it and was super confused when my car wouldn't start for no reason. And then the next day it would start, then a couple weeks later it wouldn't start.. you get the point. I finally found a highly recommended mechanic and took my Saturn in. He checked everything on my car and told me my car is in perfect condition. After he did some research figured out about the white wire and we decided to just go with it. So this is my suggestion to you, find an awesome mechanic and JUST CUT THE WHITE WIRE. The worst case scenario is that it doesn't work out for you and you just splice the wires back together. Or you can spend hundreds of dollars replacing random parts and it still won't fix anything. I cut the white wire and my car has been starting perfectly at all times, rain or shine. Seriously, just cut the wire. If you feel confident to do it yourself, heres a good instructional video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww5AGhFWcBw

#898 of 1201 Re: Power Steering/Electrical Issue (Won't Shift Gears) [chelseawi] by gmcustsvcsarah

Jan 07, 2012 (11:40 am)

Replying to: chelseawi (Jan 04, 2012 11:07 pm)
Chelseawi,
I am sorry that you are having a rough time right now with your Ion 2. Edmunds posters are always very helpful, and I am seeing great feedback for you already.
 
If we can help you get set up with a diagnostic appointment at a dealership, please get in touch with us via email and we'll do our best!
 
Sarah
GM Customer Service

#899 of 1201 Re: Power Steering/Electrical Issue (Won't Shift Gears) [dweezil] by chelseawi

Jan 07, 2012 (11:53 am)

Replying to: dweezil (Jan 05, 2012 8:06 am)
Thank you very much. I've actually been stuck here in the house since posting this ha ha when I went out to the car yesterday, instead of the dash being lit up,the lights were off and wouldn't start. I know that means the battery died since the ignition has been stuck to the "on" position for a few days. I wish I would've found out about the switch sooner, but I will get the battery charged (I was told I would have to have it taken out first) and I will have to utilize that switch for awhile. I was also advised to disconnect the negative terminal at night. I forgot to mention the car is a 4 door automatic. Thanks again for the advice = )

#900 of 1201 Re: Just cut the white wire [kvc123] by ladyrae79

Jan 07, 2012 (10:48 pm)

Replying to: kvc123 (Jan 07, 2012 1:07 am)
This will be so amazing if it works! I am going to check it out this week. Thank you so much for commenting on my post! I will let you know if it works and if it does, you will never be forgotten! Thanks!

#901 of 1201 Re: Another winter of no starts in cold [ladyrae79] by bgblondie

Jan 09, 2012 (5:08 pm)

Replying to: ladyrae79 (Jan 03, 2012 10:17 am)
Ok, well good to know I'm not the only person having these issues with my 2004 Saturn Ion! I've had it for a little over 3 years now and NEVER had this not starting problem until last winter! (3 times last winter and this winter multiple times!) Of course when you ask over and over for carfax, you never get them! - So I have no clue if the previous owner had these issues with my car. I've had the battery replaced, and everything and anything tested and it all comes out ok. If I try to start it early in the morning...nothing, once the sun hits it for an hour or so, no problem, it starts. Has anyone figure out what is causing this problem!? It's getting VERY annoying and I can't be late for work every time it drops below 35 degrees! :-/

#902 of 1201 Re: Just cut the white wire [kvc123] by traciejo

Jan 09, 2012 (10:48 pm)

Replying to: kvc123 (Jan 07, 2012 1:07 am)
So day before yesterday my son watched the youtube video and we went out to the garage and went to work. I have been having coldstart problems off and on for the past year and day before yesterday was the worst, usually it will start after just a few minutes, but this time it went on all day. Every time I tried to start it, it died; so finally after several hours and several attempts it started, so my son CUT THE WHITE WIRE as seen on your youtube video. Thank you so much, this ais the first solution I have got to the problem and it has worked thus far. She starts right up cold warm or otherwise.

#903 of 1201 Re: 2004 Ion starting problems [saturntech9] by marley5555

Jan 10, 2012 (12:50 pm)

Replying to: saturntech9 (Dec 22, 2011 2:42 pm)
Does anybody know if I have to also reset the anti-theft system after changing out the ignition relay switch?
 
Also, somebody mentioned a website or video which shows how to do both?
 
Thanks again for everybody's help!!

#904 of 1201 Re: Just cut the white wire [kvc123] by brava58

Jan 10, 2012 (4:12 pm)

Replying to: kvc123 (Jan 07, 2012 1:07 am)
I went to the youtube video and read the comments. Someone made an excellent point. If you cut the wire and have a constant alert light on your dash WILL you be able to get your car inspected? I live in VA where car inspections are done yearly and emissions every 2 years.
 
I'd hate to cute a wire and then not be able to get my inspection done.
 
How do you explain the light being on when you are being inspected? What am I missing?

#905 of 1201 Problems.... by cartrbl

Jan 11, 2012 (11:04 am)

I have been reading a lot on these forums and have taken some notes on what might be wrong with my car.
I also have been having problems with my 2004 Saturn Ion not starting in the cold weather. Seems like I have to go out 30 minutes before work, just to get it started. Its become almost a daily thing now. I have seen people post stuff about the White Wire and other fixes. My dad (who use to work for Saturn, but now retired) has tried helping me find the solution, but he lives 900 miles away and can only help me over the phone. At times, it can get frustrating.
My car also, sometimes, wont release the key. I have to start the car back up, put it in reverse, then back into park before it'll give the key.
I haven't taken it to a mechanic (probably should) but I just dont have the money to do so. Figured if its an easy fix, I can do it myself and cheaper too.
My dad did mention something about a button under the steering column. I replaced it for around $20 but its still not wanting to start in the mornings or when its cold, period. I haven't had anymore problems with the key sticking though. It comes out every time now (that may be some helpful news!).
I have also noticed, that sometimes, when the car doesn't start, my lights and everything come on IN the car, BUT on the radio, it lights up but no sound comes out and no numbers show up on the little screen (Yes the radio is on!). Is that a related problem or is it just another problem I need to fix? I've tried turning the radio Off, then Back on, still the same issue.

#906 of 1201 Too cold to start by kat78

Jan 11, 2012 (12:44 pm)

Ok, so we have come to the conclusion that the 2004 Saturn Ion will not start in extreme cold weather. Now that we agree on that can someone please tell me what in the Hell to do about it! I have to start out an hour early during the winter months in the event my car will not start, children late for school and I am sometimes late for work! What the Hell! Is there a solution to the problem? Please share
 
P.S. I am non technical and do not feel comfortable in locating and cutting white wires.

Messages Page 91 of 121

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