Recent Feedback
Has anyone come up with an answer for the ignition problems with Saturn Ions? There was some rumor that a different part had been in the works to permanently fix the problem...
Make: saturnModel: ion 3Year: 2005What have you tried so far?: nothing. it is intermittent, but cold weather is coming.
What is the problem that you are having?
Just a dead attempt at starting. In the summer there is no problem, but winter is coming. It has a new battery. Last winter was warm, so not much problem there...
The problem is in the ignition switch. The switch has a anti-theft sensor inside of it. In the cold weather the sensor is not reading correctly. GM has redesigned the switch to keep this from happing again, so replacing the switch with a new GM part will prevent this issue. The switch is easy to replace, its located on the steering column on the left side. It has 2 screws, remove the switch and replace it. The new switch has to be programed by doing the following.
Turn the key on and try to start the car. The engine will not turn over and the security light will flash for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes the light will go out. Turn the key off for 5 seconds and then try to start the engine again, The engine will not start and the security lamp will again flash for 10 minutes. Again after 10 minutes turn the key off and try to start again. This will take 3 cycles of doing this to program the key, after the third time, turn the key off and then start the engine. The switch is now programed.
Where do I get the new redesigned switch? Is there a part # XXXXX that I don't get "new old stock" that only repeats the problem. --What do I specifically ask for?
You can get this switch at any GM dealership. Most Chevy dealers will stock them. Here is the part number, 10392423. GM stop making the old switch back in late 2006 so you will not get any old stock, also when they redesign a part they change the part number so this part number will always be the new part.
Experience: ASE MASTER W/L1 GM WORLD CLASS TECH
Thank you!!!
Many, many thanks!!!
Glad to help. I have seen this issue many times and the switch always corrects the issue. Let me know if you have any problems installing the switch.