2001 Saturn SW2 Ignition Switch?

SARAFACE

MEMBER
2001 SATURN SW2
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
101,000 MILES

A week ago, my car wouldn't start after driving it somewhere. It would start up fine, run and then after I turned it off, it wouldn't turn over again until the car cooled down. I replaced the ignition switch and it worked for a week. Now, it's doing it again. It's not the starter, I've had it tested. What else can it be?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,645 POSTS

It could be several things. We need to eliminate a couple things first. When it doesn't start, I need to know if you are getting spark and fuel to the engine. Here are written directions and a video to explaine how to check for both. Chances are the engine will be missing spark or fuel pressure. From there, I can further direct you.

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_test_an_ignition_system.htm

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm

Let me know what you find.

Joe
PS: Is the security light flashing or staying on?

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Thursday, November 12th, 2009 AT 8:39 PM

SARAFACE

MEMBER
4 POSTS

The security light is not flashing. When I turn the key, I hear a click. For a second after, I hear some clicking under the dashboard on the passenger side. All of the lights come on, everything else is operational, except the engine won't start. The funny thing is, I got it started after about 30 minutes and it hasn't had a hiccup since then. I let it idle for 5 minutes and drove it 10 miles to work and when I turned it off and back on again, it cranked right up.

Also- the check engine light is on. I wasn't given a code when I had it checked, but I was told it was a pvc valve. Maybe, this could be related?

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Thursday, November 12th, 2009 AT 11:00 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,645 POSTS

Actually, the two are not related. THey are two different components.

Based on your description, I would start at the battery. First, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. Also, check the ground wire going to the engine block. Make sure it is clean and tight too. Also, make sure the terminal going to the starter it good also.

If all is good, my next guess is a starter relay getting ready to go bad or the solenoid on the starter is going bad.

Let me know if it happens again. If it does, I need you to have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check for voltage to the smaller wire on the starter. You should have 12+ volts. If you do, the starter is the problem. If there is less, let me know.

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Friday, November 13th, 2009 AT 6:39 AM

SARAFACE

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thank you so much, I've made a list of the possible problems and I will take them to my mechanic/ good friend who works on my car for free (<3333) and ask him to go over all of it with me.
It still hasn't given me a problem since that one instance. (Which still baffles me, because it had only been driven one block before being turned off)
If it does start up again, I will be back! (With more $$ to donate, of course!)

Thanks again!

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Friday, November 13th, 2009 AT 11:28 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS