2004 saturn ion quad coupe

I have starting problems. I have only 34000 miles on it. I live in
Minnesota and it is getting in the 30's at night now. But the problem
seems to happen anytime below 40 degrees. I get out in the morning and it
turns over and just about starts and then I sometimes step on the gas and
let off and then it won't start. Sometimes it does not turn over at all
even with the clutch in. Since the warranty is off I have taken it to my
mechanic and not a Saturn dealer because I don't trust them. The mechanic
had it all day and can't find the problem. Please help!!! Thanks, Bill

 

If the problem is temperature-related, the mechanic is never going to find it
if he keeps the car all day in a heated garage. Have him keep it overnight
either outdoors or in an unheated building, and check it in the morning when
it's cold.

 

The only time you take your car to dealer is when you have engine
driveability problem. This is the case. I know Saturn Ion has the
anti-theft sensor built in the ignition switch. When the ignition key
is turning the sensor inside the ignition switch (passlock switch) read
the reistance and send to the Body Control Module (BCM) and allow fuel
for starting. If not reading the correct resistance it will cut fuel
and enter security tamper mode by not injecting any fuel. When this
happens and secuurity lock is display on the instrument panel cluster.
The resistance in the ignition switch sometimes change slightly at
lower ambient temperature. I think this is what you are experiencing.
This problem can only be correct by replace the defective passlock
switch and program the BCM by the dealer.

 

I have a 2003 QC. There is a known problem with these symptoms- cause is
bad lubricant used in the ignition switch. I had mine replaced by the
dealer. All is well now. I thought yours would be in warranty until 36,000
miles.

Bill K.