5th Dec 2009, 20:32

2004 Saturn Ion - same cold start problems in Calgary Canada. We will try some of the solutions posted. Thanks.

7th Dec 2009, 22:48

I also have an 04 Saturn... same "not starting" problems in the cold. I got the car in Buffalo, (obviously really cold). I had gotten a remote starter installed, that's when I noticed I had problems originally with it not starting, so I got it taken out cuz I thought it was the remote starter.

I live in California now, in the desert. We only get about 2 months of colder weather, but overnight when it gets down in the 30s, it won't start in the morning. It will usually start after 15 minutes... I wouldn't suggest getting the remote starter, but it might work for some?

I also don't know what to do, and I used to love my car and bought it brand new so I could have a dependable car... I now take that back... I don't think it's right with this many people with the exact same problem, we need to pay to have the problem fixed.

I still don't know what to do... I guess just wait for 2 months to pass till it gets warm again.

9th Dec 2009, 17:16

I am also an owner of a 2004 Saturn Ion. I started car this morning it was cold, it started fine. Went a mile down the road stopped and got gas, tried to start car and no start, I sat there and waited about 7 minutes, I tried to start it, then bogged and stalled, so I waiting another 10 minutes and then it started. I went and bought a new key, the guy at the key place said the key look like it's been rubbing. So I'm trying a new key for now. I did call Saturn got absolutely no where. He wanted me to take car in, I said I don't want to put all this money into car if they still don't know what the problem is. I don't want to have to replace ignition switch if that's not the solution. So I'm very disappointed with Saturn/GM.

28th Dec 2009, 22:51

Frustrated 2005 Saturn Ion quad coupe owner. I haven't had issues with the cold start except once. I had a remote start installed the first winter I owned the car (2005) and for three years had no problems. Then one very cold morning I dropped my daughter off to school and the car would not start again. The engine was already warm! I called for a tow truck, and of course by the time he got there, the car started. I had them tow it to the dealership anyway, where they replaced the ignition. Within the next two weeks it happened again. This time I noticed the PASSLOCK symbol illuminated on the dash. I got out the manual, waited 10 minutes and the car started. Called the dealership and it was suggested that the remote start was the problem. I hit the kill switch and have not had an issue since.

Enter a new problem. At about 59,000 miles (1,000 before the extended warranty expires), the key starts getting stuck in the ignition. The car turns off but will not release. Brought back to the dealer where they replace the ignition again. Same day, the problem occurs again. It was then suggested that for some reason the car is not registering that the gear is in PARK. Nothing to do about it!

So fast forward, I'm now at about 84,000 miles and the problem is getting worse. No rhyme or reason to the failure. I have resorted to just leaving the key in the ignition and hoping that the car is still there (or maybe not) when I get back. I worry though because the key is still left in the ACC position and it will drain the battery.

As I research the issue it has been suggested to contact an automotive locksmith to fix the tumblers inside. It is supposed to be a cheaper fix, we'll see.

1st Feb 2010, 12:50

I know this might sound a little crazy, but it has worked for me so far.

I am a student so I am broke, and while I have this same problem, I cannot afford to replace anything right now on my car. However I still need to get around, right? Well this is what I have been doing.. My dad used to have to come over and jump my car off EVERY morning in the winter to get it to start for school & work. Angry every day, I would curse my car all the way to school. One of my co-workers told me that I should try to heat my key up.

I had no idea what he meant, so we waited until that night, went out, and he flipped his lighter, held it over my key for about 3 minutes, then started my car. It worked. I have been doing that for about 3 weeks now, and it works EVERY time! No more waiting 10 minutes, or for a jump. At least for now it's a free fix.

Hope this helps some of you who can't afford to have car work done right now.

2nd Feb 2010, 09:36

My daughter's 04 ION has the intermittent no start issue, & after finding a Saturn Technical Service Bulletin dated 3/15/06, I purchased GM/Saturn part# 10392423 ignition switch for $38 at a Saturn dealer. I am having a trusted local mechanic install it today, and will update this site after a few months of cold weather starts.

I have seen that if you turn the key until the warning (idiot) lights come on, and then let the security light go out before starting, this seems to help. If you just turn the key quickly to start, the security bypass system never has time to disengage... so let the security light on the dash go out before attempting to start.

PS - I have stains all over the seats!

13th Feb 2010, 17:15

Like most of you I have had the same cold weather condition, "No Start". Recently I called a car mechanic type radio show and asked them what the problem could be. They told me to change out the battery. So I did, and you guessed it, the "No Start" continued. I recently pulled the battery and charged it. After I connected the battery, I found that the key would not release from the ignition switch (twice). So, I really tightened down on the battery cable. Guess what, I could remove the key. I was wondering if the key issue could be related to loose connections at the battery and/or corrosion at the battery connections?

As for the cold weather "No Starts", I plan on trying some of the suggestions that you have submitted and will let you know what happens.

Good Luck!

Rick.