When I did this, I did it without removing the steering wheel. I did it using instructions posted by someone on the SaturnFans com forums. Had to bend that chunk of metal just above the styrofoam piece... and you also need to buy a set of ignition parts wrenches which include a 5.5 mm wrench. It was a pain to do, but worth it. I believe most Saturn S Series cars 10-12 years old need to have this part changed. '97's probably earlier because of the bad check-valve issue.
I've been troubleshooting my ignition for plenty of crank but no ignition resulting in planned hill parking everywhere I go. Today I am convinced it is the switch assembly. Bought it used (98 SL) and the mechanism has always seemed loose and got it to start today by pressing in on it and moving it around while normal turn for start. Does this sound like a cylinder, switch or just loose fasteners? Thx-at your convenience.
I just put gas into my 1997 Saturn SL....Returned to my car and nothing lit up and did not start. I replaced the Starter 6 months ago. Would you assume it is the ignition switch?
There is juice from the battery...I have had problems cranking it, even after the new starter but it would eventually start. Do you have a video or advice on how to check the alternator? thank you for all this advice, I have used your videos as guide for most work I have done to my car.
the battery is less than a year old and seemed to have juice. I skipped your advice about the alternator and bought and installed a new ignition switch....still nothing. I checked the fuses and were also good. So I guess it is safe to say that it is the alternator. FML
Rich, I am a general contractor and not too handy on cars but after watching your videos I sound like I've been a mechanic all my life. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with us.
The 1st gen saturn s-series have the most practical designs out of any other econo-car on the road, don't they? I always thought that saturns were junk, too, until I owned one...every time I compare, the saturn takes the cake.
Another awesome video....I always start with your videos or scotty kilmer's, you guys always have the answers! .. Couldn't figure out how to remove the wheel lock clamp...guess they ARE bolts and not rivets/pins...and kudos on the chisel to remove them....thanks a bunch Rich!! Keep it up!
Wow, that car is trashed inside! I keep my car absolutely pristine in and out (97 sl-1). Why don't people keep their cars in better condition, expensive or not? Anyway, my Saturn is having an issue w/ the ignition switch. Whenever I open the driver's door, the door chime dings as if I've left the keys in the ignition. Just started doing this a few days ago. What do you guys think a shop would charge to replace the ignition switch? This looks to be a bit too involved of a job for me...
Sir. I have an Honda accord 99, 4 cyl, sedan and the ignitor wont stay at the position 1 (position when electricity is opened). I need to push a litle more and to hold on that position to conect the electricity even if the engine is turnet on. Can i repair this ignitor or it cant be repaired? Thnx.
rich, I'v watched your other videos on igntion cylinder removel on a 1997 sw1 but none are the same the two removels you show are different it is more like this one there are no holes or pins to push on is there a way to remove this type of key cylinder?
rich, I'v watched your other videos on igntion cylinder removel on a 1997 sw1 but none are the same the two removels you show are different it is more like this one there are no holes or pins to push on is there a way to remove this type of key cylinder?
rich, I'v watched your other videos on igntion cylinder removel on a 1997 sw1 but none are the same the two removels you show are different it is more like this one there are no holes or pins to push on is there a way to remove this type of key cylinder?
rich, I'v watched your other videos on igntion cylinder removel on a 1997 sw1 but none are the same the two removels you show are different it is more like this one there are no holes or pins to push on is there a way to remove this type of key cylinder?
I just changed my switch with out removing the steering wheel . just remove the bottom dash cover and undo the switch screws fom behind it took me les the 30 min to do alot more simple than pulling the wheel. dont waste your time with this video
When I replaced my ignition switch, I didn't need to take off the steering wheel. I did run into a problem with those security bolts though. My friend provided me with a great answer that allowed me to remove them easier and actually replace them instead of throwing them away: use a cut-off blade on a dremel and cut out a slot in the head of the security screw! Then you can just use a screwdriver! Brilliant!
If you have 12 volts at the switch and you turn the key to start and you don't get any currant at the purple wire at the starter solenoid that would be a bad switch.
When I did this, I did it without removing the steering wheel. I did it using instructions posted by someone on the SaturnFans com forums. Had to bend that chunk of metal just above the styrofoam piece... and you also need to buy a set of ignition parts wrenches which include a 5.5 mm wrench. It was a pain to do, but worth it. I believe most Saturn S Series cars 10-12 years old need to have this part changed. '97's probably earlier because of the bad check-valve issue.
samchungrrt 4 weeks ago
@samchungrrt When working a car it is always nice finding shortcuts.
richpin06a 4 weeks ago
I've been troubleshooting my ignition for plenty of crank but no ignition resulting in planned hill parking everywhere I go. Today I am convinced it is the switch assembly. Bought it used (98 SL) and the mechanism has always seemed loose and got it to start today by pressing in on it and moving it around while normal turn for start. Does this sound like a cylinder, switch or just loose fasteners? Thx-at your convenience.
bugietube 2 months ago
@bugietube If you have to press or wiggle the key while trying to start the car it could be the ignition switch.
richpin06a 2 months ago
surprised ya havnt burnt the compartment up with them cigs!
BerkLeeDrm 3 months ago
I just put gas into my 1997 Saturn SL....Returned to my car and nothing lit up and did not start. I replaced the Starter 6 months ago. Would you assume it is the ignition switch?
bdryser1 6 months ago
@bdryser1 I would start with the battery then the cables then go check the alternator.
richpin06a 6 months ago
@richpin06a
There is juice from the battery...I have had problems cranking it, even after the new starter but it would eventually start. Do you have a video or advice on how to check the alternator? thank you for all this advice, I have used your videos as guide for most work I have done to my car.
bdryser1 6 months ago
@bdryser1 I have a video "In Car Alternator Testing Updated " How old is the battery if you do not know i would start there and put a new one in.
richpin06a 6 months ago
@richpin06a
the battery is less than a year old and seemed to have juice. I skipped your advice about the alternator and bought and installed a new ignition switch....still nothing. I checked the fuses and were also good. So I guess it is safe to say that it is the alternator. FML
bdryser1 6 months ago
great video thanks for posting
O7ROADKING 9 months ago
Rich, I am a general contractor and not too handy on cars but after watching your videos I sound like I've been a mechanic all my life. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with us.
nmeart2068 10 months ago
Rich, you are full of information. I bought a used Saturn for my daughter specifically for saving gas. You are the man. Keep up the great work.
nmeart2068 10 months ago
@nmeart2068 I got scared there for a minute i though you were going to say i was full of S**T................lol
richpin06a 10 months ago 3
Couldn't you have just left the steering wheel and everything in place?
sweetlikeADAM 11 months ago
@sweetlikeADAM With the multifunction switch in the way it makes it very difficult to get at those headless bolts.
richpin06a 11 months ago
I've just take out the ignition switch on a 2004 Ion. Man, I thought *that* was a pain. This is much worse. Great video!
digijen27 1 year ago
The 1st gen saturn s-series have the most practical designs out of any other econo-car on the road, don't they? I always thought that saturns were junk, too, until I owned one...every time I compare, the saturn takes the cake.
siegekhn 1 year ago
@siegekhn Yes i must say there were well thought out,you appreciate them after working on other vehicles.
richpin06a 1 year ago
Another awesome video....I always start with your videos or scotty kilmer's, you guys always have the answers! .. Couldn't figure out how to remove the wheel lock clamp...guess they ARE bolts and not rivets/pins...and kudos on the chisel to remove them....thanks a bunch Rich!! Keep it up!
siegekhn 1 year ago
Wow, that car is trashed inside! I keep my car absolutely pristine in and out (97 sl-1). Why don't people keep their cars in better condition, expensive or not? Anyway, my Saturn is having an issue w/ the ignition switch. Whenever I open the driver's door, the door chime dings as if I've left the keys in the ignition. Just started doing this a few days ago. What do you guys think a shop would charge to replace the ignition switch? This looks to be a bit too involved of a job for me...
Thepylot78 1 year ago
@Thepylot78 LOL ...it is trashed alright i am working on a car in the junk yard so you can imagine the condition it is in.
richpin06a 1 year ago
Comment removed
Thepylot78 1 year ago
Thanks Ray Romano!
djmuggs187 1 year ago
isnt it better to just buy a new dam car?
YarkoBeatz 1 year ago 5
@YarkoBeatz Yes it is but i can't find a new 1998 one
richpin06a 1 year ago
How would i change the ignition switch on my 72 matador? would i do the same as shown in your video?
TheNikon187 1 year ago
Sir. I have an Honda accord 99, 4 cyl, sedan and the ignitor wont stay at the position 1 (position when electricity is opened). I need to push a litle more and to hold on that position to conect the electricity even if the engine is turnet on. Can i repair this ignitor or it cant be repaired? Thnx.
prodigious08 1 year ago
Sorry Rich It's a 1997 saturn sw1 4 cyl 1.9
rons1946tj 1 year ago
@rons1946tj I do have a video were i am working on a 98 lock cylinder which should help you out.
richpin06a 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
rich, I'v watched your other videos on igntion cylinder removel on a 1997 sw1 but none are the same the two removels you show are different it is more like this one there are no holes or pins to push on is there a way to remove this type of key cylinder?
rons1946tj 1 year ago
rich, I'v watched your other videos on igntion cylinder removel on a 1997 sw1 but none are the same the two removels you show are different it is more like this one there are no holes or pins to push on is there a way to remove this type of key cylinder?
rons1946tj 1 year ago
@rons1946tj What year and make do you have.
richpin06a 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
rich, I'v watched your other videos on igntion cylinder removel on a 1997 sw1 but none are the same the two removels you show are different it is more like this one there are no holes or pins to push on is there a way to remove this type of key cylinder?
rons1946tj 1 year ago
rich, I'v watched your other videos on igntion cylinder removel on a 1997 sw1 but none are the same the two removels you show are different it is more like this one there are no holes or pins to push on is there a way to remove this type of key cylinder?
rons1946tj 1 year ago
Does this work on every vehicle, for the most part?
thegonzoboy 2 years ago
30 minutes on a Gen 1 very doable.
richpin06a 2 years ago
I just changed my switch with out removing the steering wheel . just remove the bottom dash cover and undo the switch screws fom behind it took me les the 30 min to do alot more simple than pulling the wheel. dont waste your time with this video
esplinmachine 2 years ago
Now my airbag light is on,lol
graced713 2 years ago
Seriously, thanks for these vids. Very thorough.
tratorsulli 2 years ago
When I replaced my ignition switch, I didn't need to take off the steering wheel. I did run into a problem with those security bolts though. My friend provided me with a great answer that allowed me to remove them easier and actually replace them instead of throwing them away: use a cut-off blade on a dremel and cut out a slot in the head of the security screw! Then you can just use a screwdriver! Brilliant!
tratorsulli 2 years ago
can't you use vice grips on them? i got to replace my loose bolts also...
gyartz 2 years ago
is there a certain way that one would replace the bolts on that bracket when you put it back together?
im going to attempt this tomorrow, these videos are probably going to save my sanity and my bank accout!
KillMisterSam 3 years ago
You have two choices.Buy the two special bolts from the dealer or match up the bolts from the bracket.
richpin06a 3 years ago
rich, do the rest of the steering components rely on that piece?
is that what the turn signal and wiper arm mechanism screw to?
bengerman1388 3 years ago
Yes the bracket that secures the ignition switch also hold the turn signal and wiper arm mechanism.
richpin06a 3 years ago
how can you tell the ignition switch is bad? is it anything you can do to avoid this crazy repair;)thanks rich
youscoup 3 years ago
If you have 12 volts at the switch and you turn the key to start and you don't get any currant at the purple wire at the starter solenoid that would be a bad switch.
richpin06a 3 years ago
One thing, never never pound on steering wheel to remove, USE A STEERING WHEEL PULLER!!
If not you might damage it,
RC60618 3 years ago