How to troubleshoot the ignition system in a Saturn Ion?

It primarily involves checking for sparks on the spark plugs and ignition coils. Remove a park plug wire from the plug and connect it to a spark tester. Ground the tester to the engine, crank the engine and look for a strong spark. Repeat for all the Ion’s wires.

Is there an anti theft system on a Saturn Ion?

But most of today’s vehicles come equipped with an anti-theft system that is integrated into the vehicle’s computers. The 2007 Saturn Ion is one of them. The Ion uses two systems that provide different functions, but for the same purpose: to prevent theft.

What should crankshaft resistance be on Saturn Ion?

Measure the resistance between the crankshaft position sensor’s terminals A and B. (Disengage the DIS module’s five-pin connector first). The resistance should be 700 to 900 ohms. Remove the crankshaft sensor from the engine if the resistance was off.

How does the PASSKey System on a Saturn Ion work?

The PASSKEY system uses an exciter coil located inside the key lock tumbler that detects the correct key being inserted and turned to start the car. When the correct key is turned in the cylinder it sends a signal to the computer which will then allow the fuel injectors to function.

When to replace spark plugs and ignition module?

Replace the coil pack if the same pack has no sparks; replace the ignition module if the same location has none. Proceed with the no-spark test if no sparks appear on all four spark plug wires or both coil packs. Watch the dashboard tachometer for signs of motion while cranking the engine.

What to do if there are no sparks on spark plugs?

Switch the coil pack’s positions if no sparks appear on one of them and crank the engine again. Replace the coil pack if the same pack has no sparks; replace the ignition module if the same location has none. Proceed with the no-spark test if no sparks appear on all four spark plug wires or both coil packs.

Where is the fuse on a Saturn ignition?

Open the fuse panel under the steering column by turning the knob on the fuse panel counterclockwise and pulling down on the cover. Locate the fuse for the starter in the fuse panel using the fuse diagram on the underside of the fuse panel cover. Remove the fuse using a fuse puller in the fuse box.

What to do if you have ignition switch problem?

If you are experiencing problems with your ignition key or switch, you may need a simple key reset or you could have a faulty ignition switch that needs to be replaced. Open the fuse panel under the steering column by turning the knob on the fuse panel counterclockwise and pulling down on the cover.

How does the ignition switch work on a Saturn?

Saturn vehicles use a transponder inside the ignition key to prevent unauthorized engine starting. There is a component inside the dash and linked to the ignition switch that sends a signal to the starter motor allowing the vehicle to start.

What should I do if my Saturn ignition key is not working?

Check the fuse to make sure that the metal strip inside the fuse is not broken or damaged in any way. If it is, replace the fuse with another fuse of the same amperage. Turn the ignition key and try to start the engine. If the battery is known to be fully charged, the Saturn should start.

Where is the starter fuse on a Saturn?

What to do if your ignition system is not working?

Most causes of ignition system problems can’t be corrected by a non-expert, but there are a few things you can do to discover a problem’s location. It primarily involves checking for sparks on the spark plugs and ignition coils. Remove a park plug wire from the plug and connect it to a spark tester.

How much does it cost to replace ignition coil on Saturn Ion?

The ignition module or an ignition coil may fail causing an engine misfire, the Check Engine Light may or may not illuminate. Diagnoses will be required to determine the cause and needed repair. The average cost for a Saturn Ion Ignition Coil Replacement is between $312 -$326.

What should I do if my Saturn ignition is not working?

Turn the ignition key and try to start the engine. If the battery is known to be fully charged, the Saturn should start. If there is an error in the ignition switch, you will not hear the typical faint “click” when you initially turn the ignition key to the “III” position to crank the engine.

Are there any problems with the Saturn Ion?

Although the 2006 Saturn Ion has the most overall complaints, we rate the 2004 model year as worse because of other possible factors such as higher repair cost or more problems at lower mileage. The most-reported problem is also with the 2006 Saturn Ion for key stuck in ignition. Click on the graph bars for more details about a specific model year.

Can a faulty ignition switch cause a car to not start?

There is a component inside the dash and linked to the ignition switch that sends a signal to the starter motor allowing the vehicle to start. If you are experiencing problems with your ignition key or switch, you may need a simple key reset or you could have a faulty ignition switch that needs to be replaced.

What happens when you turn the ignition key on a Saturn?

If the battery is known to be fully charged, the Saturn should start. If there is an error in the ignition switch, you will not hear the typical faint “click” when you initially turn the ignition key to the “III” position to crank the engine.

What should the circuit resistance be on a Saturn Ion?

There’s an open in the circuit resistance is above 200 ohms and a loose terminal or a faulty module if below 200 ohms. Measure the resistance between the crankshaft position sensor’s terminals A and B. (Disengage the DIS module’s five-pin connector first). The resistance should be 700 to 900 ohms.

Which is the most popular Saturn Ion manual?

Our most popular manual is the 2006-2007–Saturn–ION–4 Cylinders F 2.2L FI DOHC–33037502 . This (like all of our manuals) is available to download for free in PDF format.

Are there any problems with the 2006 Saturn Ion?

CarComplaints.com Notes: When it comes to the 2006 Ion, the biggest questions are: what big problem is going to pop up next? And how long until GM chooses to address it? Read more » The 2006 Ion has a defective ignition switch that gave owners fits.

When did the Saturn Ion repair manual come out?

We’ve checked the years that the manuals cover and we have Saturn Ion repair manuals for the following years; 2004, 2005, 2006, 2006, 2006 and 2007. Go through the 6 different PDF’s that are displayed below, for example this one.

Our most popular manual is the 2006-2007–Saturn–ION–4 Cylinders F 2.2L FI DOHC–33037502 . This (like all of our manuals) is available to download for free in PDF format.

How does the PassLock work on a Saturn Ion 3?

The 2003 Saturn Ion 3 is equipped with the Passlock anti-theft system. The system disables the ignition if it detects that starting the car is attempted with an invalid key. When the Passlock system is activated, the security light flashes on the instrument panel. The engine cannot be started until the system resets.

What do you need to know about ignition module?

Test light. The ignition module is responsible for creating the spark that starts your engine, so when your car won’t turn over, testing this part is a good place to begin. You will want to determine whether the ignition module is producing electricity and that the electricity is getting to the spark plugs to get your engine going.

How do you test a spark plug ignition module?

As mentioned previously, you will also need to be sure that the electricity from the module is getting to the spark plugs as well. Test this by attaching a 12V test light to your spark plug terminals. If the light flickers when the ignition is cranked, you will need to check other components for a solution to your starting problem.

What happens if you have a bad ignition control module?

A faulty ignition control module can cause a number of problems. 1. Check engine light is on: The ECM monitors all parts of the vehicle that could affect emissions. This includes the ignition system. If it determines the ignition module has caused a problem with the system, it will turn on the check engine light.

What is the role of the ignition module?

The ignition module is responsible for firing the spark plugs. Each spark plug must fire at exactly the right time for the engine to run properly. The ignition module uses input from the crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor to determine when to fire the spark plugs.

Why does my car key not go into the ignition?

As dirt is the major reason for the key not getting into the ignition, chances are that a few fragments might have stuck to the pins of ignition cylinder. Insert the key into the port as much you can and softly slide it back out.

Why is the ignition key stuck in my Saturn Ion?

New BTSI solenoid fixed my 2007 Saturn Ion when the key would not rotate out of the ignition lock cylinder after car was placed in Park. Thanks for the tip. I figured it had something to do with the car not registering that it was in park, because sometimes, I was able to get the key out by shifting the gears in and out of park several times.

What to do if your key is stuck in the ignition?

This is the SAFEST WAY to disable the Vehicle, without DAMAGE to the computer Board! This WILL NOT remove YOUR key from the ignition (As Saturn had to install a new ignition System, to which our warranty had covered this) however, you will not damage the computer Board!

Can a bad ignition switch cause a car not to start?

However, if your car has ignition switch problems, you may not be able to start the car at all. Ignition switch problems can also cause issues on the road, such as unexpected shutdowns or electrical problems.

What are the engine codes on a Saturn?

Engine codes: P0340, P0341. Both codes relate to the camshaft sensor. This Saturn does not have a camshaft sensor. If I remember, the fuel pressure checked out fine, and the temp sensor looked to be visually fine, though it could be internally bad.

How to test ignition switch with test light?

How To Test Ignition Switch With A Test Light Step 1: Disconnect the module’s wire connector after turning the ignition switch off. Step 2: Rotate the ignition key and place it to the run position.

How do you change spark plugs on Saturn Ion?

How to Change the Spark Plugs on a 2004 Saturn Ion. Park the Saturn Ion on a flat level surface and shut off the engine. Wear a pair of safety glasses and disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery with a wrench.

Where is the spark plug wire located on a Saturn?

The spark plug wires are located across the top of the engine. Always grab a spark plug wire by the boot so you don’t damage the wire. Change each spark plug and return the wire before removing the next wire. If a spark plug wire is placed on the wrong plug, it damages the engine.

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