This problem occurs once in awhile and is more common in cold weather, where the car does not want to start or even try to turn over at all. If you wait about 20 minuets without trying to start the engine and try again later it sometimes works, what could be the cause of this problem?
Saturn ION not starting stuck at shopping plaza parking lot
I drove down the the butler greater mart plaza to find something at a local hardware store and when I tried to go home the car decided not to start. This is what happens with this thing. I have a video from before showing what this thing does but this time I'm not at home and Im stuck in a parking lot. This car is so inconvenient :(
2003 Saturn Ion that won't start in cold weather
Documenting my attempt to use a fix I found on the internet to resolve an issue that plagues 2003-2004 Saturn Ions. The models in this year can have difficulty starting in cold weather. At first it was pretty sporadic for me but this year it was almost constant.
In the video I replace the ignition switch which actually ended up resolving my problem. I guess there is a lubricant in this switch that SHOULDN'T harden in cold weather but the ones that shipped in the cars of these years do. Total cost $29.99 and about 30 minutes of time.
The specific symptoms you will see with this issue are (usually in cold weather) you will try to start the car and it might crank a couple times but then die. When you try to start it again you will hear a short fire but then it stops. This is because the security system has kicked in and shut off fuel to the vehicle for 10 minutes. After you wait 10 minutes you can try to start it again. This cycle can happen multiple times (at its worst I would have to go almost an hour of doing this).
Once you replace the part you may have to reset the security (passlock). This is done by turning the key to start (but it won't) and then leaving it in the run position until the lock light in the dash quits blinking (about 10 minutes). You then do this again (again waiting 10 minutes) and finally a THIRD time (waiting another 10 minutes). After the third attempt you turn the key to OFF and wait 30 seconds (this waiting is important I am told!). It should then fire up.
Be sure to watch this on the Web if you can as I have a lot of in-video comments to help!
Saturn Ion ignition switch replace part 1
I have 6 videos
Part - 1 - removing the steering column bezel
Part - 2 - Replacing the ignition switch and putting the steering column bezel back on
Part - 3 - First step of the Pass Lock reset
Part - 4 - second step of the Pass Lock reset
Part - 5 - third step of the Pass Lock reset
Part - 6 - Success.
Saturn Ion ignition switch replace part 4
I have 6 videos
Part - 1 - removing the steering column bezel
Part - 2 - Replacing the ignition switch and putting the steering column bezel back on
Part - 3 - First step of the Pass Lock reset
Part - 4 - second step of the Pass Lock reset
Part - 5 - third step of the Pass Lock reset
Part - 6 - Success.
2004 Saturn Ion 2.2 Misfire Case Study (P0300)
To learn more about Engine Performance Diagnostics, go to www.scannerdanner.com
This video covers primary ignition operation and coil current ramping on a waste spark ignition system. The engine that is in this Saturn Ion is a Chevy 2.2L Ecotec and is the same engine used in the Chevy Cavalier.
Some other highlights of this video:
How to use misfire counters on scan data.
Transistor operation and testing.
Ignition coil current ramp analysis.
How to check resistance of an ignition coil on an Ecotec engine.
How to check an ignition module with a test light.
Saturn Ion ignition switch replace part 2
I have 6 videos
Part - 1 - removing the steering column bezel
Part - 2 - Replacing the ignition switch and putting the steering column bezel back on
Part - 3 - First step of the Pass Lock reset
Part - 4 - second step of the Pass Lock reset
Part - 5 - third step of the Pass Lock reset
Part - 6 - Success.
Saturn sc2 starter install
tools needed: 3/8 ratchet 10mm 13mm long flat head screw driver 3/8 wobble extension short extension and Patience
How to diagnose & replace a bad starter motor
This video shows a step by step process that I used to diagnose and replace an intermittently failing starter motor on my 1998 Dodge Ram. Battery load testing and voltage drop testing are demonstrated, to help rule out other causes that might appear to be due to a bad starter motor.
Both battery load testing and voltage drop testing are dynamic tests, putting the battery and wiring under active load to expose very common hidden problems.
For an inside look at my old starter motor, see this followup video of a partial starter motor autopsy, here
http://youtu.be/r4sTBK6J5kI
This video is posted for entertainment purposes and is not an instructional guide. Do not attempt this at home without professional advice. I am not a professional mechanic, and any misadventure resulting from your attempt to repair your vehicle is your responsibility.
2006 Saturn Ion Start Up, Engine, and In Depth Tour
In this video I give a full in depth tour of a 2006 Saturn Ion. I take viewers on a close look through the interior and exterior of this car while showing details, over viewing of features, and noting unique styling cues to the vehicle itself. I also show the engine and the details of it, start it up and see how it sounds under acceleration. A thorough tour/review of this car designed to give others a greater overall appreciation of the vehicle.
2000 Saturn LS1, Starting Defect
The anti theft system in the 2000 Saturn LS1, thinks you're trying to steal the car sometimes. You have to wait ten minutes before the 'Security' light stops flashing. Once the security light is not flashing you can start the car. Trying to start the car with the security light flashing will either burn out your starter or deplete your battery!