Saturn Ion won't start

Tiny
BAS20HZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 SATURN ION
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 77,000 MILES
2004 Saturn Ion 2.2 liter doesn't start every time. All electrical turns on. I replaced the starter. It only starts sometimes. When it doesn't there is no sound indicating it's trying.
Sunday, May 1st, 2011 AT 12:52 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
When it doesn't start is the security light flashing or on solid?Also does it mostly not start when the temp outside is colder?If so then you most likely need a new ignition switch.
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Sunday, May 1st, 2011 AT 2:05 AM
Tiny
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Security light is solid on. Temp doesn't seem to matter.
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Sunday, May 1st, 2011 AT 7:32 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Sounds like the ignition switch pretty common on those cars they changed the design on them atleast 4 times to try to fix that problem. The switch is about 50 there easy to change you just have to relearn the pass lock sensor after changing the switch.
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Sunday, May 1st, 2011 AT 3:09 PM
Tiny
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Thanks I was starting to think it was the bcm. I've been reading that this is a problem for them. Is this still a possibility or should I dive in and buy the ignition switch.
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Monday, May 2nd, 2011 AT 7:51 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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I have replaced a lot of ignition switches and not that many bcms I would say its the ignition switch. The way you can tell is with a advanced scanner that can read your bcm codes and if you have codes B2960 and or b3033 then you would replace the switch. If it was my car I would replace the switch. Do you know how to relearn the the pass lock sensor in the new switch when you change it?
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Monday, May 2nd, 2011 AT 7:16 PM
Tiny
BAS20HZ
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No I've never replaced an ignition switch before. Any tips from the most basic on would be helpful thanks.
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Monday, May 2nd, 2011 AT 7:29 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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You have to remove the left side lower column cover its held on by some 7mm headed screws i think.Then there two T-20 torx's screw's holding the switch on.What i use to remove the screw's is http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NCEXGG/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000ALH2UU&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0WSHMS3QDGK71725XAB8
Because there isn't really room for a socket and a ratchet to get in there.That works great and has a lot of different bits with it.I posted how to learn the new pass lock sensor after you replace the switch.

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Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011 AT 9:57 PM

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