I'm currently dealing with a starter problem, and have ruled it down to the Relay. However, i cant seem to find my Relay. As far as i know, the relay is inside the car, though i cant find it. If anyone could help (escpesially with pictures) youd be a life saver!

 

Starter relays on this s series are part of the starter itself.

There's a purple wire that runs from the ignition switch down to the starter. That's the trigger for the relay. Pretty sure it's 12 volts.

EDIT: corrected 5 to 12 volts, pink to purple

 

Is there one under the dash, next to the steering column as listed in the following

I wonder if this has any relevance with your model: https://www.justanswer.com/saturn/8c...ter-relay.html
Also as for a picture, you can check this video {timestamped} on a 99' SL2:

 

I never did know or need to know how/where the RKE disabled the starter.

The mystery has been solved. For me.
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One could argue that it should be called a starter control relay, as the current that comes through that relay is the control current to the starter solenoid within the starter.

The closure of this starter control relay depends on the state of the RKE as shown in the video.

Regardless of what you call it, it can and will keep your car from starting if it fails.

Thanks for chipping in. No one ever talks about this relay.

There's always something to understand or learn about these cars.

 

Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.
Home >> Saturn >> 1997 >> SC2 L4-1.9L DOHC VIN 7 >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Starting and Charging >> Diagrams >> Electrical Diagrams >> Starting System

Starting System

Starting/Charging System (Part 1 Of 2):

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Starting/Charging System (Part 1 Of 2):

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pro multis · About Operation CHARM

 

The Remote Keyless Entry module sometimes fail and prevents starter operation. Its sole purpose is for theft deterrent; preventing starter operation. It can be bypassed entirely if you are not concerned of a thief stealing your car.

Locate the 87a relay and socket under the steering wheel. If taped, remove tape and remove the relay. Examine the relay pinouts from labeling on the relay cover. Pins 30 and 87 are closed to allow starting. The relay is normally unpowered, electrical contacts open, interrupting the starting circuit - basic starter/theft prevention. If you can determine relay socket pinouts matching the relay pinouts, applying a paper clip into relay socket pins 30 and 87 will allow everyday starting but without antitheft protection. The RKE module is in the right or left side passenger quarter panel. This is the remote module for the remote to simultaneously Lock/Unlock doors and enable/disable the starting circuit. Bypassing the RKE module starting relay is all you're doing to allow starting. Remote door locking/unlocking remains.

 

Question sort of on subject:
2003 Saturn Ion, is the key a transponder key or is it in the fob?
I have but one working key/4 button fob and I am looking to acquire a back up spare to open, start, then drive.
I suppose if Xpond in key, I can get by with just an xkey in a pinch...

lucky me, I have access to an Autel Xkey machine/scanner

 

If I'm not mistaken, Ions use a plain ignition key (no stamped markings on the key).

 

I wrote up a sticky on that. It's probably in the general Tech section. If I hadn't been up since 12:30, I'd probably look it up. But that ain't going to happen right now

 

Found it, thanks...

BTW, where is the [LIKE] button?