Four problems related to battery have been reported for the 2003 Saturn ION. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I have a 2003 Saturn Ion. The key "jammed" in the "on" position leaving the car running. To shut it off you have to raise the hood, pull a fuse, then go to the trunk and disconnect the battery. This is a major issue for me because the car is driven by a college, female. Gas stations, convenience stores and small children left in car, etc. . . Are a problem, because the car is running. I have replaced the shifter, and now the ignition ($463) plus tax for a lock cylinder !.
Car intermittently starts. This has been a sporadic event since December 2007. It happens perhaps once or twice a month in the colder weather. Car will start fine at one stop, then try to start it again and nothing happens. Come back 10-20 minutes later and it starts right up. Originally thought it was the old battery, but that has been replace and the problem is recurring.
My Saturn 2003 Ion continues to have intermittent starting problems(not related to the battery), and problems with the key getting stuck in the ignition cylinder, even after the ignition cylinder was replaced. They cannot detect a problem yet it still keeps happening!.
I have a 5-speed manual 2003 Saturn Ion . Every time it's cold outside, the car refuses to start. This has happened repeated last winter, and has a couple times this fall, also. Now, that the temperature is staying low, I'm concerned about the time and effort required to make the car start. The radio and lights work fine, indicating there is power getting to this equipment. However, when trying to turn the car over to start, a message pops up saying "service engine. " nothing happens after that. One can almost predict when it will happen. If the temperature gets below freezing, one must be prepared to sit at home until the temperature rises, and allows for the car to start.