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!
Cutting White Wire on Saturn Ion to Fix Starting Issue
This is me showing how I cut the passlock wire on my car. My car would not start on damp, cold mornings, often taking 30 - 40 minutes to get it to start. After reading several forums I found users who were doing this to "fix" the problem. I thought I would tape this for anyone who was thinking of doing the same but doesn't know anything about cars. Like me. :)
Note: I owe thanks to meron for the post at this link http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f1137a7/83 it is where I first heard about this solution.
Update 10.6.2012: I added a switch, I believe it was this one http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062533 I installed it with it in the off position, started the car, switched it to On while the car was running and the service engine light went away. Car started fine after that. I just shut it off again as it was cold one morning this week and I had trouble getting the car started. Once I got it running, turned it off and haven't had trouble starting it since. YMMV
262 Cummins Pull Start on a Cold Day
Gettin the Hayes Clipper fired up to take it to its winter parking spot. The truck pulling is a 2000 Kenworth C-500 winch tractor C-15 Caterpiller 18spd. The Hayes is a 220 Cummins 5+4.
Cold Start the 1972 Plymouth Fury! Brrrr...
Hi! Its cold and there's a lot of snow on the ol' 72 Fury. Lets see if it will go. I bought this car about 5 years ago, and I've been using it as a daily driver since then. It shows about 75000 miles, so it should last me a while yet. I like these fuselage models, especially the 72 Fury. Its a mean looking old thing! I actually hit a moose with this car last week, and it didn't leave a mark on the car! No wonder the cops liked these things, they're incredibly tough, even if they are a bit hard to look at. Thanks for checking it out!
2004 Saturn ION Starting Problems
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 Idle problem.mov
In this video we show you how to replace an idle air control solenoid and clean the throttle body on a 1996 Saturn. This car was having a excessively high idle. It would stay at 1500 RPM even though your foot was not on the gas pedal. This was caused by carbon build up around and behind the throttle body as well as a defective idle air control solenoid.
Jonesy's Auto Club videos are for reference and entertainment only and should not be taken as a direct step by step guides. If you attempt a repair like the one seen in this video please use the proper safety equipment, take your time and do the job right.
2004 Saturn Ion Coupe 2.2L Start Up & Rev
2004 Saturn Ion Coupe
This 1 has a 2.2L 4 Cyl making 140 HP while paired to a CVT.
This is a Coupe but it has 2 small doors that open for rear set passenger. Typical Low Rent Saturn Interior of 2004. Very Creaky & Squeaky plastics everywhere. It is not a small car & can accommodate 4 passengers Rater well, but execution of the car was done poorly.
Saturn Ignition Module Replacement
She's a runner! I only paid $10 bucks for a part from the salvage yard. New the part is $110! youch...
What to Do When Your Car Won't Start: Car Expert Lauren Fix
Courtesy of Time Warner Cable/ YNN
Aired: 3/15/2012
We're all in a rush these days, but what should you do when your vehicle won't start? This frustrating experience can put a wrench in your day.
What To Do If Your Car Won't Start
Over the years, cars have become much more reliable. But with so many moving parts, even the most well maintained vehicles are occasionally temperamental. Assuming you're not a mechanic, let's take a look at the most common situations and how to deal with them.
• You Turn The Key - Nothing Happens
Listen to your car. Even though it has betrayed you by not starting, it's still considerate enough to give you hints as to why. If you turn the key and the engine doesn't crank at all, things may not be all that bad (believe it or not). The problem most likely lies with the battery, especially in cold weather.
When your car responds with silence or clicking:
• Turn on the car lights. If they're dim, you may have poor battery connections or a dead battery. Did you leave your headlights on last night or leave an interior light on? It happens to the best of us.
• Tighten and clean the battery connections and try again. They could just be corroded or loose. This can be done with baking soda, water and an old toothbrush
• Jump start the car.
If this works, immediately have your battery tested, especially if it's old. An auto parts store will often test your battery for free and can replace it if you need a new one.
Things could still be worse; you may have a bad starter or alternator. Unfortunately at this point, you'll need a tow truck and a mechanic.
• If the Car Cranks But Doesn't Start. Now What?
If the starter turns, but the engine won't start, the problem can be much harder to diagnose. In the winter, one common problem is a frozen fuel line, so be sure to always keep your fuel tank half full. If water accumulates in your fuel line, the condensation will freeze and your car won't start. If you've been driving in wet conditions or deep snow, wet spark plugs or other engine components can prevent your car from starting.
If you still have no luck, you'll probably want to turn the problem over to your trusty mechanic. Bottom line: If your auto won't start, the problem is either spark or gas.
Preventative maintenance and preparation can be the difference between a car that starts versus one that becomes the world's biggest paperweight.
2001 Chevy Malibu Won't Start - Anti-Theft, Security Flaw
This is related to 2001 Chevy Malibu I hopped in and it would not start. Sounded and acted like it was out of gas, or the fuel pump was bad, or there was no spark to fire the plugs. I googled for like 2 hours and found a solution, tried it and it worked! Turn the key to the "On" position for 10 - 15 minutes, turn it to the "Off" position for like 5 seconds (In the video I said 5 minute, but did not realize how PISSED OFF I was At CHEVY)... It worked. Second video was after the 11 minutes I waited, turned off for 5 seconds and then it started...
Peace Out,
Tom
