2004 Ion 1 weird starting issue
 

Hey Everyone,
I had a weird starting issue with my Ion 1 this morning(2004, 39k on clock). Car was warm, I went into a store for about 10 minutes. came out, and the car wouldn't start. It cranked briefly, then just sat there. I checked the battery and that wasn't the problem-all lights,etc worked fine and continued to burn while i worked the key. At one point the 'service engine' message came on. I then got under the hood and jiggled all the connectors, got in, the car fired right up. There is no service message on the display-she's back to normal. Two questions:

1. Could this be the infamous ECTS and pigtail I've heard so much about,and
2. Would the problem throw a code(the service message is gone)-I dont have an OBDII reader, but would buy one if I have to.

Thanks a lot!
Neil

Sounds more like a loose connection than a sensor problem ...

I agree with Mike. Check your battery cables where they're attached to the battery.

Hooked the beast up to a scanner-led me to the ECTS-looks like that's the problem. I've heard that I should get one from Saturn, and also replace the connector. Do any of you guys have any advice on this?
Thanks!

Yep, that's the way to go, Neil. Make sure the replacement sensor has a brass tip. If not, don't purchase it. Check your connector first, though. I replaced both on mine and after I had cut the wire harness and spliced in the new one, I inspected the old one and discovered that the connector was cracked. Probably could have gotten by with just replacing it instead of the sensor too, as the old sensor also was brass tipped. Haven't had any problems since replacing both, though.

The ION has never been plagued with the infamous etcs problem, and that includes not having a common problem with the connector.

Joe, is there something else I should be checking? I'm also replacing the battery and cleaning up the connectors-just because the battery is original to the car.
I've heard the ignition switch itself can be troublesome,that was replaced about 9 months ago. are there workarounds on this?
No other codes-hmm....

Just read the sticky-gonna check that ignition switch grease thing,too.

Since that's an 04 model and has the OEM battery, I'm thinking you've already solved the problem. It's rare for a battery to last 10 years. And after that length of time, I'm sure you've got corrosion on the cables and posts.

ION batteries tend to last quite a long time because they are mounted in the trunk away from the heat and vibration. Let us know how things are working out after the battery replacement.

Hey Everyone,
Replaced the battery, cleaned everything up- also replaced the ECTS and pigtail. In addition, I went ahead and replaced the ignition switch as per the sticky(thanks, RjION!)- since a new one was only $22.00, I figured I'd save the trouble of disassembling the old one and cleaning it.
After going through the relearning process, the car fired right up-scanned it-no codes!
I honestly think the real problem(at least the one causing the starting issue) was the Passlock thing, with grease on the switch. I have to say that it does feel good to have the rest of the system spiffed up, too.
Finally feeling like I'm getting to know this car-thanks to you guys for all the insight!
Neil

Glad to hear that it all worked out, Neil. Happy motoring and stick around.

I will, Charlie-let me know when you want those Chassis Ears(probably when it warms up,eh?).
Neil

Here's a picture of the beast:Attachment 651

That's a nice looking car. I can see why you've gone to the efforts to fix it.

Plastic Saturns hold up so well it's crazy. A little elbow grease and most of them can look like new. Thanks for sharing the picture, add a few to the ION picture thread.

Plastic Saturns hold up so well it's crazy. A little elbow grease and most of them can look like new. Thanks for sharing the picture, add a few to the ION picture thread.

Thats a nice little ION-1.......I do like em in white.

Thanks,guys-its nice to be finally down to cosmetic stuff. I have to get one wheel cover, and touch up the paint on the bumpers. I also have to steam clean the interior.

I'll post some more pics once I wash the thing!

https://www.saturnforum.com/forum/al...&pictureid=332

I have a "mint" set of factory alloy wheels .... $100.00 plus shipping. UPS hub to hub is pretty reansonable.

Wow-those are nice,RJ-would my tires would just swap over? They're 185/70 14s.

They bolt right up and fit like they were made for the car, oh wait they were made for the car. They are 16 inch wheels and they use 205/55X16 tires. The ION 1 came with 14", ION 2 with 15", and the ION 3 with 16". I have that same set that came on my QuadCoupe.