Starter Problems of Saturn ION - part 2

Three times when the temperature has been below 30f I have not been able to start my Saturn Ion. Each time I have had to call on star to get a jump start. All three times the jump start has gotten my card running. I have taken the car to have the battery and starter checked both checked out fine. I see there is a gm service bulletin number : 040845005 and a NHTSA item number : 10007431 established for this complaint. I feel as though gm should recall these vehicles and be responsible for the repairs.

See all problems of the 2006 Saturn ION 🔎.

1. Events leading up to failure I was getting ready to leave for work. The time of day was 9am. The temperature had been hovering around freezing all night. The vehicle had not been driven since the previous day at around 9pm. I unlocked my vehicle using keyless entry - driver door only. I inserted my key in the ignition, closed the door, pushed the clutch to the floor while fastening my seatbelt. I then turned the key to the start position. The engine did not start - the starter did not engage at all. When I released the key, the security light (an amber "padlock" icon) started flashing slowly - once per second. I then followed the restart procedure for this situation according to the owner manual - simply wait until the light stops flashing, turn the key to lock, then restart. Ten minutes later, the security light stopped flashing and remained illuminated. I then turned the key to lock, and then restarted engine. 2. The failure, how often, its consequences: the vehicle did not start due to a failure of, or a malfunction of, some component of the factory vehicle security system. It has happened a total of three times between the incident date and March 30, 2009. It only seems to occur when the temperature overnight hovers around freezing, or drops below freezing. The consequences of this failure for me have been minimal, but I was very fortunate in each instance to be parked in a safe place, where my prompt egress was not necessary. I am reporting this situation to the odi because of the potential consequences of this failure occurring during normal driving - if I stall the engine in heavy traffic and am not able to restart for ten minutes until the security light stops flashing, I would be in a very dangerous situation, and my vehicle would present a significant hazard to other drivers. 3. What was done to correct: nothing has been done to correct this failure, as my dealership has no current solution.

See all problems of the 2005 Saturn ION 🔎.

My 2004 Saturn Ion does not start in cold weather. It has a brand new battery and starter, yet it is still having this problem. It will generally start after waiting about 15 minutes to try again. The consequences are being delayed 15-20 minutes each time I want/need to go somewhere.

See all problems of the 2004 Saturn ION 🔎.

I have a 2003 Saturn Ion. I have had it in 3 times to be worked on. Some days it will start some days it will not. I have had a fuse replaced, my started, and a connection to the starter. I know 2 other people who have had the same issue with the same car. Now I read this online blog and a ton of people having the same issue. My car is no longer under warranty so I will have to pay for all of these repairs.

See all problems of the 2003 Saturn ION 🔎.

I have a 2004 Saturn Ion. In cold weather the dielectric lubrication freezes and interferes with the security system - making the vehicle unable to start. This problem occurs approximately 50% of the time when the temperature drops below freezing - more frequently with even colder temperatures. The problem is often remedied by waiting for 10 - 30 minutes until the security system resets itself and then trying to start the vehicle again. I found a lot of complaints by consumers with the same issue by searching google. I also spoke with a Saturn dealership service department. The person I spoke with at the Saturn service department said he was very familiar with the problem and verified the diagnosis I listed above (dielectric lubrication freezing resulting the security system lockdown) but said there were no related recalls. I know three people with Saturn Ions and they all have the exact same problem. Two of the owners I know took the vehicle in to Saturn dealerships for repair and they replaced the starter, a three-hundred dollar procedure which did not fix the problem. I hope you can look into issuing a recall on this issue because based on personal sources, a Saturn dealer, and google searches, it seems to be a very common problem. Also, living in minnesota the temperatures can get dangerously low - where being left stranded outside for 30 minutes without a heat source can result in frostbite, hypothermia, and even death. Thank you.

The vehicle in question does not start on cold mornings and many mornings missed at work, and other appointments. Money has been spent on starters and batteries but many owners of this similar vehicle have had the same problem, but Saturn is refusing to fix the problem. This could be a potential safety hazard when the car does not start in extreme cold temperatures and the vehicle has young children and elderly.

Saturn will not start in cold weather. Starts fine in the warmth of my garage. Barely turns over then dies. Have to wait several minutes or have it jumped. Battery is fully charged and alternator is good. Starter problem or ignition problem. . Read more...

The problem has existed since I purchased the car. My car does not cold start in temperatures under 30 degrees. Many Saturn owners with same problem. Car is no longer under warranty but when it was I brought it in many times for diagnostic tests and service. Dealer replaced ignition switch twice and starter once. Problem has never been fixed. Its worse now then ever before in these cold dayton ohio winters. Now they say they need to replace the mother board for my car after doing another diagnostics test for a total of @ $500. 00. I feel Saturn is not only giving me the run around but will gladly still take my hard earned money. Please help. Im about to be a father and don't want to be stranded in the cold with my child by a company that just got millions loaned to them by our government. Not fair, please help hold them accountable for their wrongdoings.

My car will not start when it is cold. It is due to the faulty design of the ignition switch/passlock error. It happens at least three or four times a week, end every morning it is below 34 degrees. I have had a new battery, fuel filter and starter replaced in the past week. After ten to fifteen minutes it starts, but today after forty five minutes it still did not start. I went online and found that thousands of other Saturn owners have the same problem. This part needs to be recalled.

I own a 2004 Saturn Ion. It does not start in the cold weather (around 36 degrees f and below). I have replaced the starter and two months ago I bought a new battery. My mechanic assured me the battery is top of the line and guaranteed to start in cold weather. However, it did not start yesterday in 30 degree weather. All lights turn on but car does not crank. Does not even make noise. I have researched this through various discussion boards and most of them agree that there is a faulty switch in the ignition that leaks lubricant. When the lubricant freezes, the passlock anti theft alarm does not get it's electrical signal so it activates and prohibits fuel from being used so the car does not start. I take very good care of my car, but I have spent a lot of time and money trying to figure out what is wrong in this situation. If this is the case of a faulty switch, Saturn / gm should be held liable and forced to do a recall with an updated switch design. For the amount that cars cost today manufacturers should not be allowed to put out junk parts and expect consumers to sit back and take it.

My Saturn Ion 2004, bought sept. 2007 from carmax, frequently does not start when it is cold outside. For example, it was about 33 degrees this morning and even when I jumped it, the car would not start. I had the same problem last winter- my first winter having this car. When the weather is warm, I do not have any problems with my car starting. I have had the battery checked and there was nothing wrong with it but I am going to get the starter checked today. I have been reading about this particular problem on various online forums. Apparently there are many other people who have the same problem but there has been no recall. As an educator, I cannot afford to pay for repairs that are not going to fix the problem, as I have read people online have already done. I cannot afford to buy a new car, and most importantly, as a teacher, I cannot afford to be late to school whenever it is cold. I am very hopeful that my efforts in making this complaint will result in a recall for the cause for this problem. Reading the online forums, it seems like the problem is with the ignition/starter. Thank you for your time and patience. Have a wonderful day!.

1. There were no problems, until it got cold out. 2. If there is anytime the weather stoops below 10 degrees f, the car will not start. It will click and click and click, then nothing. Every once and a while it will start for all of a second, then quit. Then it does nothing when I try to start it again. 3. I have done nothing yet, but after reading forums where many people complain about the same problem, I'm going to try changing the ignition module, and possibly get a remote starter.

I have 2 2003 Saturn Ion's which have starter problems which both have had starters replace because of this problem that gm/Saturn continue to ignore. When you get a temperature change the cars sometimes start and sometimes don't. Saturn should recall.

Car will not start in cold weather at night will start in daytime in cold not a power issue, not starter or alternator some kind of odd wiring issue cause it does not happen in daytime.

Purchased vehicle new as a demo, told there was 'minor panel damage but fixed like new" found out car was in chain reaction crash both front and rear. Body and frame still not fixed, keeps cracking windshields now ignition system has failed. Read many other problems with same issue from year 2000 and up on the car. Needs to be a recall or someone needs to pay for this junk car besides me. Starter would stick in after starting car, took it to the dealership 3 times but they could not "reproduce" the situation, therefore would not repair. Now look where I'm at.

We have a 2003 Saturn Ion that has experienced ignition problems over the last 2 years. We had the starter replaced by our mechanic when the problem first occurred in 2006 but have experienced the problem 12-15 times since then. We have found out that the car will start if you wait for 15 minutes or so but it is not always convenient to do so. An internet search reveals numerous Saturn owners with the same problem which has not been acknowledged by Saturn as a design or manufacturing defect. My local dealership is aware of the problem with the passlock ignition system but can only repair it for a fee.

Car has not started 8 times. Saturn Ion 2004. 40,000 miles. Bought it used 5 months ago. Runs fine in warm weather. Bought new battery, still wouldn't start. Bought new alternator. Still wouldn't start. Jump start it, it will start sometimes. Called Saturn recall; 2nd time, they said it was a faulty wire but no one has recalled the wire. The problem: white wire in ignition switch. When it gets too cold outside, not enough volts go through white wire and car thinks someone is breaking in and will not start. Found this out on carspace. Com. Other people with my same car have same problem. You have to clip the white wire then your car will run with no problem. Newer model Saturns are having the same problem. Next I was going to get a new starter, but other have gotten that and starter goes out within a year. It stressful to get into a fairly new car and it not start. All lights come on but engine will not. Now I know to wait 15 minutes and then try starting car again. Why hasn't this been recalled? so here I am again leaving work tonight in the cold and seeing if it will start and if it doesn't sitting around for 15 minutes and then trying it again. It is soooo aggravating!! so again why hasn't this been recalled?.

Saturn Ion 2005 problem starting-every three or four starts, the lock symbol shows up and car will not start, panel, headlamps, accessories are operating, but starter seems locked out. After 10-20 minute wait, it usually starts.

After owning my 2004 Saturn Ion for 8 months, it developed a random starting problem. Sometimes the car would start normally and others not at all. I replaced the battery, starter, and ignition switch. The dealership where I bought the ignition switch said it is common to need to replace the switch when the weather gets cold. After all of those new parts the problem persisted. I researched on the internet and found a forum where dozens of other Ion owners where having similar problems. The only remedy that seemed to "fix" the problem was to disable the vehicles anti-theft system by cutting the proper wire from the ignition switch while the car is running. This allows the car to start every time, but also gives an error message about the disabled system. This is clearly a common problem that occurs for Ion owners in cold weather.

I have been having an issue with my 2003 Saturn Ion quad coupe and after research I have concluded that these people(. . Read more...

My 2004 Saturn Ion has problems starting in the cold after about 10-15 minutes of trying it will start, everything such as starter battery fuel pump has been checked. My security light is on when this is happening.

Vehicle intermittently fails to start. Passlock anti-theft system prevents starter from cranking. This is a known problem with Saturns, yet they refuse to remedy the defect without charging for parts and labor.

The biggest issue is that on cold days (and sometimes not so cold) my car will just click and not start, or will start and die out. But if I keep trying to start it and let it sit for awhile and come back, it will start right up. When it does this, they check engine light usually comes on when trying to start it, but when I get it started it immediately goes off. I've had the battery, alternator and starter checked and they are fine. It only happens usually in the mornings or late at night when it's been cold.

I have a 2006 Saturn Ion that I purchased in April of 2008. I had trouble from the first day I purchased it. The Ion randomly does not start. I've had a mechanic test the battery and said it tested out fine. I had one mechanic tell me it was the starter which would be over $400, another tell me it was the ignition, and another tell me that on only mechanics that had the parts were the dealerships. My car has not started every single day for the last three weeks and randomly since last April. I've missed work due to this issue. The frustrating thing is that my other vehicle that's over 9 years old is more reliable than this Saturn. Looking online, I've realized how many others are having the same problem. It needs to be recalled!!!!.

Only when it's cold outside, my car won't start. I've replaced the starter and found out that it was not the problem. After researching my issue on the internet, I found that thousands of other people have the exact same problem as me. Since the problem is the ignition switch, and everyone that replaces it says the problem persists, I'm not going to waste money on an issue that can't be resolved unless your organization puts a recall on that part. I'm sure you've received numerous of emails regarding this problem, so the only solution would be to recall that item. Since we have given you business by purchasing your vehicles, the only thing to do is to help out your loyal customers.

I have a 2003 Ion 2 which I bought new in March 2003. Starting in Dec 2007, my car would not start up in the morning when it is cold outside. 10-15 min later I would try to start it again and it would start up like nothing was wrong. I had Saturn look at it, they stated that they "could not replicate" the problem and found nothing wrong. In January 2008, it started to happen on a daily basis, so I took it to my local mechanic who said the battery was charging fine and could not pin point a problem but suggested putting in a new starter which cost me $300. At first I thought that my problem was solved, but now in Feb 2008 ( one month later)it is not starting up in the mornings again on real cold days (0-20 degrees), but 10-15 min later, it starts right up.

On cold mornings (35 and below) my 03 Saturn Ion will not start. I turn the key and the lights come on but the engine won't turn over. The security light flashes and it tells me to "service vehicle". If I wait about 10-20 minutes the car will start. (which causes me to be late for work) I've replace the battery but cannot afford 200+ to change out the starter and/or other parts. . Read more...

2004 Saturn Ion, in cold weather failing to start, crank or turn over. Battery, starter, and wires all checked all in working order. Find out there was a TSB # 040845005 for it and was never informed of it. Have had the problem for past two years but never took it to the dealer for that but did have it there for other service and was never advised of the issue. Due to expired warranty dealer and gm customer service are unsure if they will cover all or any of the charge to repair it. Cost is $250 first experienced last winter and in the past month this has occurred 4 times.

During cold weather, my 2003 Saturn Ion will not start. Replaced the battery 12/07, and a diagnostic check of the starter and alternator was fine. It appears to be an ignition switch item from reading similar complaints online.

It turns out Saturn Ion ignition switches came with a flaw from the factory, excessive grease with poor cold weather performance. The passlock issue presents itself as your car suddenly not starting. Suffice it to say if there's no obvious reason for your vehicle to not start, it's probably passlock related. If you've noticed that waiting a few minutes seems to help, that's the clincher. Ten minutes is the magic number, that's when the computer resets. If you were charged for a new battery, starter, ignition switch or a tow I suggest you not let the issue drop, it wasn't your fault or responsibility. Gm should take responsibility. Forgetting the unpleasantness of being stranded in 10 minute increments (also, the car fails to start several times in a row, as long as 40 minutes before) this is a safety issue that should be dealt with accordingly. Calling the problem a safety issue might seem like a stretch but let's think for a moment. What if you're trying to flee an emergency situation (stalker, landslide, fire, flood, etc. ) and your car fails to start? what if it's -10 outside and your car won't start? you're now stuck in a freezing car for a minimum of 10 extra minutes, going inside isn't always an option! leaving aside the safety examples, think of everyday life, today is big meeting day, you're ready to leave and. . . Car won't start. Safety & reliability are two (2) key items definitely failing in order for driving to and from any destination. I feel gm/Saturn should be held responsible for this defect. As far as I know, there has been no notification from gm/Saturn regarding this defect. With the recent fix, I paid $550. 00 for the repair of the ignition switch, new battery, starter and plugs, which all needed to be changed due to the stress & strain of this "starting" issue. I would appreciate reimbursement of the amount stated. Please reply. . . [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I can not provide exact dates as this has gone on for years. I bought the car in 2006. It started out, in freezing temps, the car would not start. I would have to try jumping it or wait till 10 minutes had passed and try again. This happened a lot through winter months. I eventually had to change out my starter and ignition switch back in 2012. I also have noticed the key will not turn to off completely sometimes and sometimes the key wont turn at all. This is also after changing out the switch. I am a mother of two young children and after seeing the other problems with the switch I don't feel safe driving my family down the street a block. The recall says to not drive on jarring roads, but I live in a tiny town of nothing but jarring roads. Sigh. I feel the not starting is also a safety issue because it can leave people stranded in bad weather and unable to get to where you need to go in emergencies. All anyone needs to do is search the internet about Saturn's not starting and there is hours of reading on the subject. The company knew all along. Thank you.

I purchase a 2004 Saturn Ion (6/11/04), brand new. The first sign of cold that year, late November, the car would not start at all. After awhile(10-15 min. ) it would start up like nothing was wrong. I brought it in 12/28/04, which they replaced the ignition lock module; saying "that was the problem". I still had issues with the car through the winter, and they didn't know was what wrong. Everytime I brought it in, they would find nothing wrong and send me on my way since they couldn't reproduce the issue. The next winter than same thing happened. I was stuck in the cold a few mornings before work trying to get the car started. Saturn claimed it was too cold outside for my car to start, and told me to wait a bit before bringing it in. (it maybe went below 0 degrees that week twice) fed up I brought it in again on 1/17/05, which they replaced my block assembly, wire harness, starter, battery, and wire connecters. They really weren't sure what was wrong they admitted, but it seems to work now. The car would work for a few weeks, then the same issue arises again. On 4/15/05 Saturn had to replace my radio receiver for faulty issues. That same winter, my car would not start in the cold again. It was brought in on 12/20/05, which they replaced my ignition switch saying the usual "this will fix the problem". Now, just under two years later, I am back to having the same issues of my car not starting in the cold. Saturn is now throwing their hands up saying I must purchase another ignition switch, and pay them to put it in for a total of $220. Unacceptable. I may have taken actions sooner, but I wasn't aware there were many more Saturn Ion drivers with the same issues I had.

When the weather reaches freezing and car has been left off for about 6 to 8 hours it will not start again. I had the problem two years ago and Saturn replaced the starter on the car and now the problem is back again this winter. I have checked several sites and this appears to be a big problem that should be address. Replacing the starter every other winter is not an acceptable solution.

Everytime the weather is a bit cold, my Saturn Ion 2003 will not start. I took it to a local auto mechanic shop and they told me that it was a typical and unfair problem for the Saturn Ion owners. The also told me they do the same job on these same cars approximately 15 cars/times per week. The explanation they gave was that the ignition switch need it to be replaced. Then I took it to my Saturn dealership and they said the exact same thing: "the ignition switch needs to be replaced because it is causing the passlock (security) system to think the car is being stolen and shuts the starter off. " he also said it was really common to replace the ignition switches every winter because those kinds of cars have been having that same problem regardless what the year model they are. I also asked them how many cars (per week) they had to fix due to this same problem and they told me it varied, but it was always between 10 and 25 cars per week. Also they said that previous year the weather was so cold and the Saturn Ions were not starting, that in just a week they had 40-something cars come in to get fix for the same problem. They told they would fix it for me but I would have to pay for everything. I refused to pay because it was not my fault, and I'm assuming people are paying to for something that is not even their fault. I also called Saturn and the customer care representative at Saturn said that Saturn does not have a recommendation for this problem at this time. The last thing I did was a research on the web about this problem and I found many websites, blogs and forums that address the problem as a factory default from Saturn. I read people's comments and they all said they had the same problem with their Saturn Ions and that Saturn did want to admit it was a problem of them. It appears as if no one was to take responsibility and the ones paying for this are the customers. This is not fair.

2003 Saturn Ion. When attempting to start car on cold mornings pass lock system engages and locks car from being able to start for some period of time. Has left me stranded in cold weather several times, latest being date just below. This is not a battery or starter issue. From research I have done, this seems to be a faulty design with the starter switch, and is is apparently known to Saturn corp.