engine and loss of power light came on.

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer. The computer monitors nearly everything. If there is a problem, it records the problem and stores it. Using an OBD2 scanner, a person retrieves trouble codes from the computer.

Here is a guide to show you how

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

check this video

https://youtu.be/U1RoG3I-Oww

There are many different codes. Each one identifies a different problem. Once the code is obtained, a shop or anyone can look up the code and identify where the problem is coming from.

I am not sure where you are located, but most nationally recognized parts stores will scan it for free and tell you what they find.

If you get the code, let me know and I can tell you what it means.

Just to add to this one if the reduced power light is coming on then your having a failure in your electronic throttle system.Get the computer scanned for codes and post the exact code numbers not the code descriptions.

Is electronic throttle control problem typically an expensive fix?

When I started the car this morning it ran fine. Could the problem have corrected itself? Owners manual said that was possible.

It all depends on what the actually problem is on how much it will cost to fix.If the computer doesnt detect the problem next key cycle the system resets itself.It will only go into reduced power mode when the computer detects a problem in the throttle system.Usually the problem doesnt fix itself get the codes read and post them.

saturn had a federal recall on catalytic converters on ions that were effected by this but only on consumer complaints its pass the 5 year period for freem replaced but thats what it sounds like. I use to work at a Saturn dealorship.

A plugged cat doesnt turn on the reduced power light that turns on because of a issue with the throttle by wire system.They said the power light came on meaning the reduced power light. Plugged cats will not turn that light on but thanks for the info on the cats.

saturntech9 your correct i miss read it and jumped the gun thanks for replying and correcting that.

Your welcome thats what were here for.

The check engine light is on and the car does not want to go over 65 to 70 mph, and the rpm's wont go above 2500. We had the car checked at a car repair place and they said the themostat code was triggered and the o 2 sencor code was triggered but that neither one would be a serious issue. We are driving back to michigan from Arizona.

Was a professional scan tool used or diyer scan tool to read the codes?Also what are the exact code numbers not code descriptions found?The two codes your talking about shouldn't case those symptoms. Have you had a exhaust back pressure test done yet?

car has no power and is puttering check engine light is on.

Have you checked the EPs fuse in the under hood fuse box?Its the square fuse with a clear top you can look thru the top of the fuse to see if its bad.Also have the car scanned for codes and let me know what the exact code numbers are not code descriptios are.

Every so often the check engine light and the loss of power light pop up on my car and when this happens my vehicle hesitates and struggles to move when idling at a stop sign or red light. Otherwise is runs without problem once I get in motion. It is an extremely intermittent problem, as it sometimes goes away for weeks, if not a motnhs at a time before occuring again.

So the reduced performance light comes on?If so there is a failure in the throttle by wire system. You need to get me the exact code numbers not code descriptions?

I changed the starter on saturday because it had quit. The car worked fine beforehand, with the exception of the starter. Now the car starts great but won't go over 15 - 20 mph. When I press the accelerator in park it revs a little funny, and the check engine light has come on. Could I have accidently disconnected something when replacing the starter?

Sure, you could have. You need to have the codes read to determine why the check engine light is on and that should get you pointed in the right direction.

My cars engine started running rough and has no power when I try to accelerate. I can floor it and it barely goes. The rpms stay under 2,000 I also noticed that it had smoke coming from the exhaust when I take off. It does not do this all of the time though. I drove all the way to work and it didn't have any problems, but did on my way home.

The first thing you need to do is take it to a auto parts store and have them scan it for codes.Let me know what the exact codes are.

my check engine light is not on and the parts store said they couldn't help.

I dont know why the auto parts store thinks just because your lights not on that there isnt any codes.We need to see if you have any codes that is are starting point then we can gonfrom there.Do they rent the scanners anywhere in your area?

Maxsom. I have a new question. I have a 2004 Saturn ion 2.2 that I had the engine rebuilt, new rings(std),new pistons(std), new rod inserts(std), had the cyl head redone by a machine shop, after it was done the car smoke very badly. Thinking the rings need to seat I drove it over 800 miles it burned about 2qts of oil. well I had it tore back down and check to see if we had broke ring. it was not. we could see that most of the oil lost was on #1 cyl. so we put different rings in it (all molly) before we had molly/chrome. we sent the head back to the machine shop to recheck it. it was good. now that we have put it all back together it still smokes all coming from #1 cyl. I have drove it now 400 miles. I know the rings has to seat but this is bad. any clues.

Driving along at a slow speed through a construction area yesterday, and my car dinged and flashed the "Service Vehicle" message, and the security symbol lit up. I arrived at my destination a few minutes later, turned the car off and went inside. When I came out about 15 minutes later, the message was gone and did not come on for the rest of day. This morning I was driving to work and the message and light came on again.

I didn't experience any obvious problems either time (ie loss of power, sputtering, steering, etc). The key fob works to lock/unlock and arm the security system, though it seems to take a little bit more to get the system to arm, like the button is wearing out (I've been using the same key fob for 8 years). Any ideas?

The only thing I can recommend is to have the computer scanned for trouble codes. Most parts stores will do it for free.

Thank you!

Let me know what you find.

Engine Performance problem
2004 Saturn Ion 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive

my car loses power going up hills, and then sometimes she will kick in and shoot ahead. what can the problem be.

Could be caused by one of the following below

Oxygen sensor.
Catalytic converter.
Fuel injectors dirty/sticking.
Mass airflow sensor/Airflow meter.
Throttle position sensor.
Crankshaft position sensor
Knock sensor
Manifold absolute pressure sensor.
EGR Valve
Fuel pressure regulator leaking or defective fuel pump.
False air leakage.
Fuel contamination.
Foul/defective spark plugs.
Open spark plug wires.
Ignition coil/Coil packs defective.
Incorrect ignition timing.
Cap and rotor.

Note:If it doesn't apply disregard it