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2003 Saturn Ion that died when idles low, this Morning will not start

Tiny
BTMTBOY
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 SATURN ION
  • 116,000 MILES
My daughters car dies yesterday when making a right turn. She was only going about 20 mph, and suddenly the indicator lights came on and the car stalled. Started up without a problem. After school, she tried to start the car and took 2 times to start. Went to take the car to be inspected, the inspector states it died 3 times while it was idleing low during emissions testing.
Now this morning, the car will not start at all. She states her lights come on but the car does not start. So I'm thinking something other than battery?
Any ideas?
Thanks!
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2012 AT 1:31 PM

14 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Doent' turn over or won't fire? Check your battery for condition scan for codes and check fuel pressure. Also check fuses underhoood
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2012 AT 1:50 PM
Tiny
BTMTBOY
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  • 6 POSTS
It will not turn over. The battery was good per my husband, the inspector said he will run free diagnostic test on it. So, I guess we go from there.
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2012 AT 2:52 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check yor chargins system as well, the battery shold be load tested to make sure it's good. It should read at least 12.4 volts with a digital volt meter.
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2012 AT 3:29 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Just to add this one is the security light on solid or flashing when it wont start?
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Tuesday, October 9th, 2012 AT 5:21 PM
Tiny
BTMTBOY
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Battery tested fine, diagnostics tested ok. Told throttle body was sticking and oil was seeping through-it was cleaned and ran fine for 2 days. Last night, while slowing down when exiting the freeway, the dashboard lights came (flashing like when you start the car). Once I came to a complete stop, it completely lost power. I was able to start it up and drive home without any problems. Any ideas?
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Saturday, October 13th, 2012 AT 4:18 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Will its its idling smack the under hood fuse box and inside fuse box and see if it dies or does anything strange.
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Saturday, October 13th, 2012 AT 6:41 PM
Tiny
BTMTBOY
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Tried smacking the fuse box while idling, nothing happens. Stalling still-but only when coming to stop @ red light/stop sign and only intermittently. Starts back up without a problem. Stalling finally reproduced by husband this morning--so now he knows we're not crazy! Any other ideas?
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Monday, October 15th, 2012 AT 2:23 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Oneother thing I can think of is take a screwdriverhand le and smack thoutside of hte maf sensor. If it quits that may be bad. Otherwise I have on other ideas unelss it's fuel pressure problem.
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Monday, October 15th, 2012 AT 4:31 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
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That year ion does have a maf sensor. They added one in the later years but no that year. Also when it stalls will it crank right up or does the no power inop starter happen?
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Monday, October 15th, 2012 AT 4:53 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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I ment to say that year ion doesnt have a maf seso.
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Monday, October 15th, 2012 AT 4:54 PM
Tiny
BTMTBOY
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  • 6 POSTS
After stalling it has cranked up without a problem.
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Monday, October 15th, 2012 AT 5:06 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Try cleaning your idle air control valve and the port it sits in with carb spray and see if that makes any difference?
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Monday, October 15th, 2012 AT 5:19 PM
Tiny
BTMTBOY
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Sorry, but where is the idle air control valve and port located?
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Monday, October 15th, 2012 AT 5:32 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
I posted a diagram of where the idle air control valve is the port is behind the valve once you remove the valve then you will see the port.
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Monday, October 15th, 2012 AT 5:57 PM

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