Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 61-75, 76-90, 91-105, 106-120, 121-131
I've had this 2004 ION 2 sedan since September '07 (64,xxx miles) and now have 125,xxx miles (90 mile commute, 180 r/t).
Through the '07-08 winter I had no problems with the cold start parking outside at night, in a garage during the day.
Now I park outside at all times and this morning I experienced this issue. disappointed, as I just dropped the cash for the 100k maintenance, hood latch cable, and a few other items to prepare for the winter.
I love my saturns, but what a joke. severely disappointed...
Sure enough, wait 10 minutes and try again. Barely turned over. Not cool. Current temp as reported by weather.com is -10, feels like -30...
Having the same problems with my 2003 Saturn Ion 3 (Cold start issues). My daughter called Saturn (1-866-790-5700) and lodged a complaint. I called the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) at 888-327-4236 and filed a complaint as well.
Alas I have the same problem. Twice now my car wouldn't start and jumping it didn't seem to make a difference. I went and bought a new battery and was researching how to replace it when I bumped into this site with all the comments about the cold winter start issue. So I went back out to my car (temperature had warmed up while picking up the batter) and sure enough it fired right up.
Going to take this battery back and call my local Saturn to see what my odds are for a fix - although after reading all this, my hopes are not high.
I'm the owner of a 2003 Ion. I'm the original owner and I live in Massachusetts. I've had issues from the beginning and I also have felt that Saturn (GM) has given me the cold shoulder. My issues have been with...
1. Front turn signals (multiple times - $hundreds)
2. Hood Release (changed 3 times since I've owned it... never ever had to change a hood release before - $125 each time)
3. Electronic Power Steering (this wasn't even bad, it was the monitoring device that was defective - $800)
4. Failure to start several times (already told me it would be $230 to replace the part and I don't think it would even fix the problem).
5. Currently I have a windshield wiper, on the drivers side, that is broken/damaged. Happened during a snowstorm. Now this wiper flaps in the wind.
6. I just got to work and when I placed the car into Park, the accelerator was racing.
Anyone want to buy a piece of junk?
Hello, I have an Ion with the same starting problems. I am starting a class action against them for this failure to start in cold weather. I am contacting an attorney and we are looking for persons interested in joining the class. If interested, email me at carrie@pastorandassociates.com
I cut the white wire and it really works!
Thank you to all of you who took the time to give advice on how to fix this problem. I hope that you may be blessed with more than I can ever pay you.
As a single Mom, and a full time student I could not afford any of the other solutions mentioned. It was even hard to find someone to cut the wire for me! After seeing your pictures and reading your messages I decided I'd had enough. I can put gas in my car (and maybe change a tire) but that's as far as I would ever go until now. Two weeks ago I got home, left the car running, cut the wire (with a wire cutter from the dollar store), and put some black tape around the ends. Total cost $1 (for the wire cutters!).
My prayers have been answered and my problem solved. I see the little light on my dashboard but, you know what? That's the least of my problems. As far as I'm concerned, now I have a car that starts EVERY SINGLE MORNING with no problem at all. If you're still wondering how thank-full I am; because of you, I'll be able to finish my Internship (without getting kicked out for being late), graduate with a BA, and give my son the life he deserves.
Yes, I know that Saturn is wrong for what they've done. My focus however, is on finding a solution rather than a problem. For those of you who did that... Did I say THANK YOU?
I don't usually write comments anywhere. On the other hand, this truly deserves it. Hats off to you!
From
~Forever thankful Mom, no longer stranded.
I have an ION 2 that will not start, the weather is not a problem as I live in California (at least you would think), but my car has the no start problem, but even worse it has been sitting all weekend and still won't start.
I just had the battery changed about a month ago, I tried jump starting the car, it will start, but once you remove the cables it will totally die. This is the first time with this severe no start, has anyone experienced this problem with any suggestion?
I haven't had a lot of luck with the purchase of this car.
I must say that I am shocked and appalled at discovering how many others have the same no-start problem as I with my 2004 Ion! I have taken my car to two mechanics (figuring the dealership would be more expensive) and replaced the battery and still they could find no reason for the problem, which happens exactly as described in the beginning of this forum.
My car was fine for the first year, then the next it had 1-2 incidents with not starting in the cold. Each year the incidents become more and more frequent. This winter it has been ridiculous and has made me late to work. Thank goodness I don't have to transport a child yet with this car! I want to thank everyone for this helpful comments... I will be stopping by my Saturn dealership this week with all these comments printed out demanding they correct the issue for no charge. Wish me luck!
~Frustrated in NJ.
Hello.
I have the same start problems as above although worse in the winter this has happened in the spring as well. I am about to pay $230 (not including labor) today. I am very frustrated that so many people are having the same exact problem! It starts only after several attempts and the key seems to be waiting that 5 min before it starts for good. Although relieved that its not just me! I am going to contact the woman that left her email above. Only because I am a loyal customer (I pay my dealership a small fortune just for an oil change) GM needs to admit there is a problem that's called CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!
Im in Milford Ct.
Glad I found this little forum. I was about to go out and get my starter replaced after experiencing this problem about 10 times or so over the passed few months. Luckily it's only happened while at home, or 1 minute up the street at the store (I've had to walk home a few times).
Just contacted my local Saturn dealer, he quoted me "approx $160". I'll hold out as long as I can... hopefully Saturn will acknowledge the problem soon.
My 2004 Ion has been diagnosed with the no start problem (TSB 04-08-45-005D) as well. The estimate is $230 to replace the ignition switch. The service manager said the problem should not re-occur because the ignition switch is redesigned. He also admitted that that fact implies "design flaw." I filed a complaint with Saturn (866-790-5700) and am supposed to receive a call back tomorrow about cost assistance. Of course, the employee I spoke to had never heard of such a problem with the Ion.
Owning a 2003 Ion in Milwaukee means my car has a 33 percent chance of not starting six months out of the year. I will say aside from the cold start issues, it's been a decent vehicle.
Here's a trick I learned through trial and error over the years: Get one of those heating pads you stick in the microwave, heat it up, and stick it on the steering column over the ignition switch. This warms up the lube.
If that doesn't work, just be patient. Try starting every two minutes -- none more frequently, otherwise the 'security' system will lock you out. I haven't been stranded in the cold for more than 15 minutes using this technique.
It beats paying out the yin-yang to have the car quasi-fixed by those geniuses at the dealership.
Having the same problems with my 2003 Saturn Ion 3 (Cold start issues). Now with the possibility of Saturn going out of business this really sucks. Does anyone know if installing a remote start system will fix the problem?
My 2006 Ion has given me the same no start problem again this morning. I live in northern Florida, and when the temp hits below 32F, it won't start. The three times this has happened I called On Star and they would send someone to jump start me. So far that has gotten my car started, but I end up having to waiting 45 minutes to an hour for help. I sent in a complaint to the NHTSA, and everyone with this problem should do the same. Maybe if they get enough complaints, they will force GM to fix this ignition switch problem.