HI - Thanks for uploading the video for us. When you were getting the "no start" problem, was your car security light flashing at the same time. My mother's 03 Alero 3.4 is not starting in the cold/damp mornings but her security light is not flashing. I think its her fuel pump but I am just making sure. Any help will be appreciated!
@moparNcats To be honest I don't recall. My symptoms were it would not start on cold damp mornings. All power was there, it would act like it might turn over the first time but on subsequent attempts it would just make a clicking noise. If I tried it again about 10 minutes later there was a half way decent chance it would start. If that sounds like your issue, cutting and reconnecting the wire (assuming you do it right) should be free. Let me know how it works out. Good luck. :)
I have a issue with my 2003 ion it turns off but my radio and miles stay on and key won't go to off where everything will be off. any body know cutting the wire would fix this i don't have like 200 or more to fix it
Well, after a bunch (hours) of looking around on the Net, I think I will try the switch, and keep this wire cutting thing in my back pocket. Only because I have smog coming up. I sure appreciate all the tips I have found regarding this thing.
the passlock system is to prevent any one from stealing ur car if the ignition is broken there for locking out the system and take 10 mins for it to reset no one whos gonna steal a car is gonna wait 10 mins to be able to steal it 1 and 2 the more its get played with the less likely the cars security systems gonna reset hence the reason for the no starts and perm. lock outs
this video is stupidty at its best as an automotive technician and any person with common sence would know u never cut a wire thats there from the factory on a car just because u screw up electrical systems on a car. there is an updated ignition starter switch which fixes this problem and costs about $25 takes 10min to put it in and 30min to reprogram with out the dealership charging u. buy the part install and cycle the key once to the on postion untill the security light gos off and repeat 2x
@saturntuner88 Yeah, but this was free and it works. Too many stories about replacing the ignition and it coming back for me, and many other people, to bother. Thanks for watching!
I have a 2006 ION 3. Great car except when it doesn't start. I live in So Cal, I don't think it is a temperature related thing. I have been fairly convinced I need new keys. When I get them if it doesn't work, I will try the wire trick. THANKS for posting. Would also like to know if it worked in the long run.
@CCMCJONESEK the problem is at around 20°F the car just won't start. It doesn't turn over and after a while of warm up time it just starts and dies. eventually you have to rev the ignition at about between the 2 and 3 on the rpm meter
Yea the wheel does that too. You gotta wiggle the wheel around and turn the key to get passed that
I must be the only one that did this and had a fuck up am I? After I did this fix, my car stopped starting completely. Which is weird cause when I cut it, everything went the way it should and started. But then later on it just stopped. It would turn over, and ignite, then just die within seconds.
Okay, we're getting ready to do this. However, we're going to install a simple single-pole, single-throw toggle switch so we can re-engage the pass lock system for inspection purposes and when we need to replace the battery. So here's my question. Once we have installed the switch, do we need to pull the airbag fuse anytime we turn the pass lock system off? Thanks!
Do you know if this also works on manual transmissions? Or if the process is exactly the same? I'm sure it is, but in case it isn't I don't want to be stuck with fail safe mode... Awesome video!
I'm definitely gonna try this. My car has made me late for work so many times. I sit in the cold for twenty minutes at a time. I've had enough and I don't have $300 for a remote starter with a bypass. Thanks for the video!!!
@cpfan517 Let me know how it works. A coworker actually had the same problem and stumbled across the video. Been working for her for the last week anyway. :) Good luck!
@oblio9 After replacing the starter for the second time and still having intermittent starting problems, my husband finally watched your video, started the car, and cut the white wire. That was 3 months ago, we have not had a starting problem since cutting the wire regardless of the weather conditions. Thank you!
Thanks for posting this video i hope it works my car left me at the gas station!!! Its been doin this more often than before ill give it a try thanks again ***** five stars
This is happening with my mom's car. I am going to get my brother to do this today!! Thanks so much!! Also, thanks to everyone who comments that it works!!
I just cut the white wire! My 2006 Ion left me sitting in the cold for 50 minutes this morning and I'd had enough. Thank you for posting this video...you made this so easy!!I have my fingers crossed that this morning was the last time I've been held hostage by that car. Thanks again!
Holy Crap, it works !!! I had an apointment to install a remote starter ($300) just to bypass the problem then I found this video. I thought it was worth a try, not expecting a "You Tube" quick fix to work, but to my greatfull suprise it worked. I can't remember the last time the car started on the first try when it was cold. BTW, I have an 06 Saturn Ion
@66lillie I am glad it worked for you. I am close to 3 years (?) after having done this. Not a problem starting once. Glad it saved you some money. :)
Almost missed my midterm exam this morning because of this problem but luckily I found a ride. As soon as I got out of school I went and fixed it thanks to this video. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
@alphatraz1 May be true but I have heard of the problem coming back after replacing the ignition. Never heard of it returning after cutting the wire. I'll take the sure thing.
my daugther has 04,almost every morning her car refused to crank but thanks to this video the car problem is fixed;Just followed the steps.I tried new battery and didnt work. Several mechanics had suggested to change the starter but thanks to God an this Guy I didnt have to do it.
my daugther has 04,almost every morning her car refused to crank but thanks to this videothe car problem is fixed;Just fallowed the steps.I tried new battery and didnt work. Several mechanics suggest me to change the starter but thanks to God an this Guy I didnt have to do it.
do you think this will work for a 2001 saturn L200? my wife has this problem and ofcourse that means i have this problem. it sucks i really hate saturn. i hope this works!
@joeivo911 All I can vouch for is what worked for me. Assuming it has the same wire and it works the same and you have the same symptoms everyone else has then it may be worth a try. Good luck.
My 04 has done the same thing for years. I've replaced the battery and starter. Thanks for the video. Do you mind giving me an update on if yours has had any starting problems since?
I'm so happy that you post this video my car just start everytime now because of you they told me change ignition change the key but nobody seem to undestand the problem in fact all theses person i see in garage they know they just don't want to do it ...finally i show your clip to a mecanic
For 30$ he fixe the car buy cutting this fuck and white wire passlock GM and now i can go on because here in Canada winter is coming no more fighting in the morning for 10 minutes
This just happened to me for the first time yesterday Oct 6, 2011. I live here in Florida and the temperature was around 80 degrees when it failed to start. After about 15 minutes it finally fired up. I just read about the inline switch some are using. Does anyone believe that turning off the inline switch for starting and back on before the car is turned off will still enable the security system to work? It's my first car with an alarm and I really don't want to disable it if I don't have to..
My husband followed this video instruction over a year ago. It works great, and I can live with the security light on full-time. It sure beats having a car that randomly doesn't start.
My husband followed this video instruction over a year ago. It works great, and I can live with the security light on full-time. It sure beats having a car that randomly doesn't start.
dude i pulled that black handle under the wheel while i was driving to find out what it was, and holy shit i almost killed myself when the wheel dropped xD
@headlkehole.. Yeah that's exactly what I did. Just used a couple butt connectors and make the wires long enough to reach the toggle switch. You could always just leave the toggle switch tucked away with the white wire if you didn't wanna extend the wires. Then you would be popping those plastic pieces off every time you you wanted to turn it on or off. I didn't wanna deal with that. Good luck.
I'm gonna fave this video. I just bought a wrecked 20004 Saturn ION. We are in the middle of getting it fixed at the moment though. I'm a pizza driver for Dominos Pizza so I need the car to start when I need it to start. I'm sure this will come in handy some day.
Somebody please do a video on Re-Connecting that white wire. If anyone can't please explain whether or not the car has to be running or not running. Also, if its not running do the battery terminal cables have to be removed before I attempt to connect it back. Please....any information would help.
I had this problem (2004 Saturn Ion) cut the wire in January and I haven't had any problems since, of course the pass-lock light is on but she starts every time, Thanks!
About to do this to mine -- say, what's the percentage of people who do this and end up having to try to start their car 2 times each time? Doesn't sound ideal for me. So is it just like a dead crank? and the very next crank it'll start up? Thanks all!
And the switch popped right in. The switch did not look tacky or out of place since the hole was intended for a switch of some sort anyway. Just buy one that matches the controls already on the car. Hope this was helpful! Along with everyone else, thanks for the video!!
I have also cut the white wire, I took an extra couple of steps though. Just an idea for those who live in smog/imissions testing states. For roughly $5 I added a toggle switch so I could turn the passlock on and off. Some states won't pass the inspection while the service engine light is on. It only takes a few more minutes and you won't have to fuss with it later. My Ion actually had a insert in the dash already (I'm assuming for an accessory my model does not have) that popped right out and
@Intimmid8tor How exactly did you do this? Did you run an extra wire from both snipped ends of the white wire into the toggle switch? That sounds like a great idea.
I have a 2000 saturn ls2..I have been going through almost the same problem. Except mine will actually start, but the fuel system goes haywire and the security light never stops flashing. SOMETIMES ..the bcm resets itself and the car will run great for a month. Will this procedure work for me too?
Thank you for this video!!! Just cut the wire and so far so good!! My wifes car had the same problem ( Chevy Malibu 03). Her wire was yellow that I had to cut. Unreal they won't address this issue. But thanks again!! You saved a lot of people a lot of time and frustration!!!!
I gave her the good old snip an hour ago! I gotta say thank you for this video. I had no problems during the procedure except for the hour I had to wait in order to start the sucker. I swear I could hear the little GM troll inside saying "Noooo!" as I went at it with the wire cutters. And just an FYI for those who are having the same starting issues with their Ion, mine was refusing to start in warm weather with all of the same symtoms as the cold weather starts. Thanks again oblio9!
if its not starting in cooler temps, likely its crappy connections or the crappy battery thats installed to make a buck off of us, cutting a wire could risk losing a 10,000 dollar car all together
I live in Petersburg Va. and I did this fix to my 2003 Saturn ion 3 on November 1st 2010,I have never had any problems starting my car afterwards, and it has been cold here in the mornings lows in the 20's a few times so far, and still not a problem. Yes the passlock symbol stays on and the service car message shows,but I just used a couple pieces of black tape to block it out and a quick push of the reset button to turn off the service car message and your done.
I have a 2003 Saturn Ion and it will be my lat GM vehicle. I can't believe they never addressed this issue! Can we sue? I don't want money, just the hours of my life back in the 8 years I've had this car. Gonna try cutting the wire in the morning.... gonna look up how to get the dash off too so I can cut that light as well!
thank you so much! i did the wire cut on my 2004 saturn ion you just saved me 400 dollars i had called saturn and was going to pay them to fix it!!! one thing is that my service car light came on, imma get tired of that damn beep every time i start my car.... but at least i can start it now!!!! lol
thank you so much! i did the wire cut on my 2004 saturn ion you just saved me 400 dollars i had called saturn and was going to pay them to fix it!!! one thing is that my service car light came on, imma get tired of that damn beep every time i start my car.... but at least i can start it now!!!! lol
I have this issue bad with my recently purchased 04 Ion Sedan 3. I removed the ignition switched, cleanded & re-greased - it only lasted 2 days before the "no-start" happened again. I then performed the "white wire cut" mod and it worked! The only dodownfall is the passlock light, Service Message on display (although easily removed) and I have to try to start the car twice each time BUT IT WORKS!
I have a 2005 Ion.. For the past 3 years, I have been dealing with this issue!! I can't begin to explain how stressed it makes me.. Like today for instance. I went out at 7am trying to get it to start.. It is now 9:30am and still nothing.. Not to mention I had to be at work at 8am!!! My boyfriend has his doubts but I am going to take my chances. At this point it is worth the try!!! Wish me luck!!
I bought a 2003 saturn ion from a used car dealership in Michigan...it is cold here also ..when I bought the car all those dash lights were already on also the odometer doesn't work I see in your video that after you cut your wire your dash lights read the exact ones that mine read oil coolant and service..anyways my car also will not start in the cold but I am thinking a previous owner has already cut that wire has your car had any other problems?
I have an 03 and It is driving me up the wall. Every single day I have to wait at least an hour before it will start. If this will fix it, then I'm all for it. Down with GM!
I had another unrelated issue since cutting the wire - the battery failed. After reading the comments below speculating what may happen if you disconnect the battery (after cutting the wire), I changed the battery WITHOUT loss of DC power. There are separate terminals under the hood for jumpstarting, so I connected those to my other vehicle with booster cables, then changed the battery. No loss of electrical power to the computer, and everything is now A-OK!
I have a couple questions - my Ion does the same thing when it's windy. Also, I live in southern california, where you would think it wouldn't be cold enough. we do get damp weather, though being close to the ocean. Now, my question is, first of all, how has your car been running since you clipped the wire, and did you have any problems when you took your car in for smog checks? I know out here if there are lights on the dash on, it can affect your smog check passing.
@bofort2004 Denver has vans at certain off ramps that read your emissions and your plate so you don't have to go have it checked. So it isnt a concern for me currently. Otherwise it has been working right as rain for 2 years now.
I performed the white wire cut following the intstruction in this vid Thurs. evening. I live in Ottawa - temps well into the minus and it worked. We have an emissions (smog) test which was done yesterday and no problem passing with passlock light on dash (just bought the car last week so test had to be done). Your regulations may be different but it is a similiar test I am sure. The car runs fine as well. I do have to cycle the key twice but small price to pay for a starting car.
thanks a bunch man this was easy as pie had it done in 10 minutes in parking lot at work . would have done this years ago if i had only known. thanks again. will save the wife a lot of stress in the mornings.
@327bran Still haven't had a problem with it starting. Not even once. At this point I consider the Service Engine light to be theft prevention. Not that anyone would steal it.
Beware of the battery! It won't start until you reconnect the white wire. My husband just uses a resistor to bypass the passlock. He measured the resistance on the ignition side(white wire) using a multimeter, set to ohms. This told him what resistor to buy. He attached the resistor to the white wire on the wiring harness side and attached to ground. No security light and literally a 10cent fix.
Thank you so much for posting this video. I just finished doing this procedure in my 2005 Saturn Ion. It is currently in the garage so it is not cold enough to test whether or not it works. However, based on what I've read from numerous sites and forums, I don't think I will have to worry about my car not starting in the cold again. You rock man!!!
@apod55 you should be fine...i cut mine two years ago and it is still working fine...and i live in montreal canada so its cold....lol today is -30 degrees (celcius)
I LOVE my Ion but to hear this is a common problem with them, is disheartening! I thought it was just my battery or the starter. Thankfully I don't really drive much in the mornings but I can almost promise you if its 35 or below that previous night, it will not start. Thankfully I live in Cali where those nights are rare! It happened today at 30 degrees.
Thanks for the video, I think I'm gonna try it out. I will let everyone know if it works for me!
Reconnecting the white wire. I did this yesterday and it worked for me with no trouble. First I took the column apart again. Then I disconnected the battery (I took off both terminals just to be safe). I let it sit for about 10 minutes ( I don't know if that is necessary. I just wanted to play it safe). Then I reconnected the white wire. Hooked the battery back up. Then to my relief the car started right up. All dash warning lights when off. It then passed smog. Do this at your own risk.
@n2orockss Thanks, but my question is more simple than that. The question is, how did you physically reconnect the white wire after you had cut it in half? Just cut back the white wire casing and twist the wiring underneath together? Thanks! I can't wait to cut that damn white wire on Wednesday when I get back into town!!!!
@Rkmusic007 Yes, absolutely put it back after cutting the wire. Otherwise your airbags wont work. I would personally remove the fuse anytime I was monkeying with the wire and put it back after I was done.
@Rkmusic007 I would assume so but I have not reconnected the wire myself. It might work if the car isn't running as my understanding was if cut while running the passlock system would assume it had a failure somewhere where as if you did it while not running it would assume it was an attempt at theft. Obviously if it suddenly started working again then it wouldn't make some sort of assumption about theft. So actually maybe it doesn't have to be running. hmmmm..... I guess let me know what worked
Did this 2 years ago and have never had a problem starting the car again, when the temperature changes so does the viscosity of the ignition switch grease, which in turn changes the voltage sent by the switch, which in turn sets off the Pass Lock security feature. Cut the wire and be done with this issue. Trust me it works. i live in upstate NY, weather is brutal. thanks again Oblio!
One other thing - prior to cutting the wire, I took the ignition switch apart, cleaned out the old grease, and applied new di-electric grease. It made no difference. Thanks to Jerry and all the others for solving this problem!!!
2005 Saturn Ion 2. This problem got progressively worse each year. Was now occurring every day. I cut the wire three weeks ago, and have not had a single instance since! Wonderful! My security lite stays on all the time, but no other lites were affected. However, now it usually fails to start the first time when you turn the switch to "START". I then have to turn it OFF, then to START and it starts properly. Still a big improvement over waiting 10, 20, 30 min. Anyone else seen this behaviour?
THANKS for posting this ! Cut the white wire last weekend with confidence after viewing your video ... below-freezing temperatures all this week, not a single starting problem. all hail the power of INTERWEB
Always reconnect any wire before connecting battery. The old ignition switch has grease inside that on cold and or damp days does not let car start the new ignition switch has different grease so therefore it works in all weather conditions.
I need to RE-CONNECT the white wire to pass smog. Does anyone know if the car needs to be running or turned off when the white wire is hooked back up????
So my ion sucks! Im confused on weather to do this on my car,to many conflicting reports. But if i do i was wondering do you have to put the wire back together before replacing the battery? Any help would be appreciated
I would have cut it 6 yrs ago if i'd known this. I saw this video last year (THANKS!), but didn't do it. Had enough of the no start crap. You can replace the switch, but it'll just do it again. If you plan to trade or have to get emissions test and you want it looking normal with warning light out, reconnect the wire with the car running.
An '04 bought new. Had dealer replace switch under warranty the 1st yr. Every winter it has had this BS cold start issue. Last week it did it again. This weeks avg morn low temps low 20's (Macon Ga area). It has started fine this week, jump in turn key and it fires right up. Prob due to the fact that I cut that F'n wire Sun. So what that there is 1 little light that has a symbol of a car with a padlock on it lit up in yellow. And it says service vehicle, but push the trip button and it goes away
For anyone interested, there is a tool that keeps posting on here that you can replace the ignition switch for about $40 and that it fixes the original issue that forced me/us to cut the white wire in the first place. Since his posts are not helpful beyond mentioning the price and are fairly insulting to anyone who has chosen this solution, I have been deleting his posts. If anyone other than him posts a proper link to the switch and a tutorial, I would be more than happy to link to it. :)
@oblio9 Let me amend that. If the original poster posts a link to the actual switch and a link to a tutorial, and manages not to call people who have followed this video names, then I will let it be.
I will post this link to replace the ignition this way. "h t t p:// moontaj. com / passlock". This tutorial not only shows how to replace the switch, it show how to put the correct grease in the original switch if one didn't want to replace it. I just replaced mine with a new one cause I didn't feel like trying to take the original one apart. My Saturn is also a 2004 and this definitely works.
@MikeO32989 I have added this link to comments associated to this video. That is more helpful than your initial comments. I took this vehicle to a garage who charged me $500 for a new starter. I am not a cheapskate but when it didn't start the very next morning, I was open to alternatives. At the time all Saturn would do was replace the ignition switch and there were MANY reports of this fixing the problem for a few weeks or months then it would come back. At the time this was the only known
"fix" this permanently. Is it ideal? No. Does it cost me a thing to try. Nope. And I haven't had the problem since. I am not really worried about someone going to the trouble of stealing my Saturn. They aren't a hot commodity. And if I really cared about cars I probably wouldn't have bought one in the first place. I just need a box with wheels that gets me to work. So I don't particularly care if it is the "proper" way to "fix". It was priced right and had the desired effect. Had your solution
existed 2 years ago, it is the one I would have tried. But it didn't. At this point I will gladly take a few lights on my dash and accusations of being a cheapskate over being late for work again or stressing about a future junker that I intend to drive into the ground. When it comes time for an inspection (and that should be several years away as I live in Colorado) I'll reattach the wire before going in. And it's resale value took a bigger hit when Saturn went under. Still, thanks for the link
Cool. I was just trying to provide an alternative. Cutting wires, disabling the theft deterent system, having system lights on in the dash is not an acceptable solution for me and something I would never consider but hey that's just me. I'd rather try to find a solution before I just take a butcher knife to it. Oh and hey thanks for calling me a "tool" (I thank you meant Troll) for just trying to help. Might want to check yourself before you go stating I'm calling people names.
OK. More info on this. That tutorial is for fixing the existing switch. If actually replacing the switch with a new one (which is what I did), there is an extra step that's not mentioned in the tutorial. The passlock system will have to "re-learn" the new switch after it's installed. It's a 30 minute procedure. Not hard, just have to be patient. I'll post it in another post.
Here is the procedure (might be in more than one post).
I. Try to start the engine (first time). It may or may not fire the starter. If you have a manual transaxle, be sure to hold the clutch in when you try to start the car. After the start fails, *LEAVE THE KEY IN THE "RUN" POSITION* for 10 minutes. During this 10 minutes, the passkey icon (the lock) in the dash will flash every half second or so. After *EXACTLY* 10 minutes, it will stop flashing.
II. Second time - Once it has stopped flashing, turn the key to the "ACC" position, which is halfway between OFF and RUN. Wait about 10 seconds. Turn the key back to the RUN position (depressing the clutch, if it is a manual) and try to start it again. It will fail to start again. The passcode light will again flash for yet another 10 minutes. When it stops flashing, continue to the next step.
III. Third time - Once it has stopped flashing, again turn the key to the "ACC" position, (halfway between OFF and RUN). Wait about 10 seconds. Turn the key back to the RUN position (depressing the clutch, if it is a manual) and try to start it. The passcode light will flash again for yet another 10 minutes. When it stops flashing, continue to the next step.
IV. After you have done this 3 times, over a period of exactly thirty minutes, turn the key to the OFF position. Wait for 30 seconds. Do not get impatient, because one wrong move could cause you to have to start this procedure all over again! After 30 seconds, the car will start and this "re-learn procedure" is completed.
I get so pissed when I read anyone who say's this is not the answer to this problem...trust me it is. I have two 2004 Ions..the first one I bought never had this issue, the second would not start in damp/cold weather. Cut the wire 2 years ago and NEVER had a no start. I can re-set the "check engine" light by pushing the re-set stem after starting the car. Oblio is a hero! Do not listen to the sceptics...this works!
I get so pissed when I read anyone who say's this is not the answer to this problem...trust me it is. I have two 2004 Ions..the first one I bought never had this issue, the second would not start in damp/cold weather. Cut the wire 2 years ago and NEVER had a no start. I can re-set the "check engine" light by pushing the re-set stem after starting the car. Oblio is a hero! Do not listen to the sceptics...this works!
I never said cutting the white wire didn't work. I said replacing the ignition switch is the correct way to do it without disabling Passlock, and having service lights always on, The grease in the original ignition switches would freeze in cold temps and cause this problem. In 2009 the switches were replaced with ones with the proper grease and now replacing the ignition switch solves the problem. Replacing the switch isn't much harder than cutting the white wire.
@TheCowboysfantastic : Thanks for the update. I was very skeptical cause this car is all I got . I live in Southern California and this problem happens in the morning even on hot days. Ive almost had it ! I just need to just do it and get over it . LMAO !
Youtube will not accept links in these posts or I would gladly link to a tutorial to replace the ignition switch. I wish I had a way to contact you personally to voice my concern about the information you are giving out which is not the correct way to solve this problem. You are clearly not doing your homework or you would have found rather easily the solution I posted (that you keep deleting). And if calling people cheapskates for not shelling out $40 is offensive, I don't get it.
Thanks for your video, I just used it to cut my own wire. I've never done much under the hood before, and it feels awesome to get this problem fixed. I'm looking forward to two things:
- colder weather, to rejoice when my car starts without a problem
and...to not have to hear anybody say "it must be your battery" again!!
So thanks, I wouldn't have done it without your video! :)
I own a 2004 Saturn ion I bought it brand new in 2004 I've had start problems for as long as I can remember and I tried this fix today and so far so good
Cut the white wire 2 weeks ago, cold now here in Fla, has not had any trouble since. Easy to do after whatching your video. I am her Mother and so you see how easy this is. Thanks so much. She was very frustrated before.
I have a question, i have read about putting a toggle on to get rid of the check engine status. How does that work if you have to "cut" it while its running. how to you go back and forth with the toggle?
@ysuguy02 I haven't done it myself yet but I would just make sure it was toggled to "Off" then solder the two wires to the toggle while the car was off. Once that was done I would only switch it to "On" and "Off" while the car was running. That way during the summer months I could have my odometer back. :)
I cut my wire last year and the car has started every time since. I am able to reset the service engine light after I start the car by pushing the odometer reset.
you don't want to increase voltage make sure its red to red and black to black just like if you wanted to jump another battery, warning if they are hooked with neg term on the battery to positive on the second battery and you hook one of the cars terminals to each battery you will be jumping the car to 24 volts and probably blow ever fuse in the car. Could even burst into flames, don't mess this up, please
so you shut the car off it remembers the amount of amps till the next morning, temp drops, resistance increases in the cable and bam, anti theft detects a change in amps, Ok now it will start on the second attempt because it is remembering the the amp value on the failed start. How to fix this, I installed two 12volt Batteries both pulling 750 cold cranking amps for a total of 12 volt with 1500 cold cranking amps, Be sure to put positive to positive and negative to negative between batteries
OK Lets talk about the real issue, My Saturn ION 03 Had the same issue here in Wisconsin. I have thought and thought about this and I believe I have solved the problem. The batter as you all know is in the trunk, it is connected by a (long) cable that essentialy goes to the starter, this (long) cable acts as a resistor, when is is cold it changes the resistor value of the cable, the interlock is sensitive to this, Continued::::
I too cut the white wire, it works fine. The service lite stays on now but it STARTS. what did you find out about the coolent light? my light sticks on too.
Can't remember if it is a comment here or on the edmunds forums but somebody mentioned it is a known issue on these saturns and you either need to short the sensor or replace a pump or something. I'm not too worried about it since it has been on for well over a year with no issues.
I had a 97 Saturn that was a fantastic car. It was the reason I bought a second one. Saturn's quality went down the crapper in the early 2000's I believe.
@oblio9 kinda true. the s series was the only good model they ever made, really. so yeah, youre right. last s series was made in 02, so thats when their quality went down the drain.
My 2004 Ion 2 Quad Coupe wil always start and turn off but sometimes the key gets stuck once you turn the car off. The key will not come out for anywhere from 20 seconds to 40 minutes one time. Is this the same solution or just for your car not starting?
@kadie1414 this may sound stupid, but u may as well try it. if it wont come out. push the key in, turn it to acc, then back again, all while keeping it pushed in. it happens on my 99 SW2 sometimes, and if i do that, itll pop right out.
We recently bought a 2003 saturn Ion with 59000 miles for my son and his girlfriend. It started having these start issues shortly after we bought it and it matched these symptoms to a tee. I decided to cut the white wire tonight and watched the video here before doing so. All went as planned however we do have service light activated and cannot be cleared and passlock warning on. If it works I will figure out how to deal with these later. Will post update in a few weeks. Thanks
@RFEngGuy Above & beyond explanation on resolutioneng . com. Very cool, thanks. Question: After determining the resistance & while waiting for the Digikey parts to arrive, can I cut the white wire then reconnect while engine running after parts arrive and start over again incorporating your fix?
I avoided the dash light problems by installing a resistor. Cut the white wire. Disconnect the battery, measure the resistance from the ignition switch side of the white wire the white/black wire while the key is in the crank position. You have to expose the conductor on the white/black wire. Solder whatever resistance value you mesure from the vehicle side of the white wire you cut to the white/black wire. I will post better description at resolutioneng . com in a few days.
OMG!! Thank you for posting this. I'm a (proud..LOL) owner of a 2006 used Saturn ION and I've been having this "passlock" problem for a long time now. Thanks for your suggestion. At my own risk I will try this if it happens again! Great suggestion because I dont feel like giving hundreds of doolars for them to look at it and not fix it...Hope it has worked for you since~!! --Thanks again!! On behalf of all disgruntled Saturn Ion owners------Annette :-)
hey, got my '05 ion last august, been dealing with this not starting being late for work once a week for the last 5 months, just wanted to say thank you soooo much to the man that made this video!! i'm gonna cut my white wire tomorrow and im looking forward to hitting snooze on cold mornings!! seriously though, this video is a really good thing you did, somebody should get you back, take it easy, man, and thanks again!!!
We cut the white wire on our 2005 Saturn Ion, followed the video exactly..the car seemed to be working perfectly for about 3.5 weeks, and now we're seeing the same problems as before. Randomly the car will not start, it seems to happen either when we put the key in the ignition or try to remove it (again not all the time, just randomly)....its so annoying....
We cut the white wire on our 2005 Saturn Ion, followed the video exactly..the car seemed to be working perfectly for about 3.5 weeks, and now we're seeing the same problems as before. Randomly the car will not start, it seems to happen either when we put the key in the ignition or try to remove it (again not all the time, just randomly)....its so annoying....
I just cut the wire can't wait til morning to see if this worked.
WannaBeRacn247 3 days ago
HI - Thanks for uploading the video for us. When you were getting the "no start" problem, was your car security light flashing at the same time. My mother's 03 Alero 3.4 is not starting in the cold/damp mornings but her security light is not flashing. I think its her fuel pump but I am just making sure. Any help will be appreciated!
moparNcats 4 days ago
@moparNcats To be honest I don't recall. My symptoms were it would not start on cold damp mornings. All power was there, it would act like it might turn over the first time but on subsequent attempts it would just make a clicking noise. If I tried it again about 10 minutes later there was a half way decent chance it would start. If that sounds like your issue, cutting and reconnecting the wire (assuming you do it right) should be free. Let me know how it works out. Good luck. :)
oblio9 4 days ago
I have a issue with my 2003 ion it turns off but my radio and miles stay on and key won't go to off where everything will be off. any body know cutting the wire would fix this i don't have like 200 or more to fix it
rocky7570 6 days ago
Well, after a bunch (hours) of looking around on the Net, I think I will try the switch, and keep this wire cutting thing in my back pocket. Only because I have smog coming up. I sure appreciate all the tips I have found regarding this thing.
church74steve 1 week ago
the passlock system is to prevent any one from stealing ur car if the ignition is broken there for locking out the system and take 10 mins for it to reset no one whos gonna steal a car is gonna wait 10 mins to be able to steal it 1 and 2 the more its get played with the less likely the cars security systems gonna reset hence the reason for the no starts and perm. lock outs
saturntuner88 1 week ago
@saturntuner88 I think the fact that it is a Saturn is theft deterrent enough. :)
oblio9 1 week ago
this video is stupidty at its best as an automotive technician and any person with common sence would know u never cut a wire thats there from the factory on a car just because u screw up electrical systems on a car. there is an updated ignition starter switch which fixes this problem and costs about $25 takes 10min to put it in and 30min to reprogram with out the dealership charging u. buy the part install and cycle the key once to the on postion untill the security light gos off and repeat 2x
saturntuner88 1 week ago
@saturntuner88 Yeah, but this was free and it works. Too many stories about replacing the ignition and it coming back for me, and many other people, to bother. Thanks for watching!
oblio9 1 week ago
I have a 2006 ION 3. Great car except when it doesn't start. I live in So Cal, I don't think it is a temperature related thing. I have been fairly convinced I need new keys. When I get them if it doesn't work, I will try the wire trick. THANKS for posting. Would also like to know if it worked in the long run.
church74steve 1 week ago
@church74steve 3 years and it still starts without a hitch.
oblio9 1 week ago
@CCMCJONESEK the problem is at around 20°F the car just won't start. It doesn't turn over and after a while of warm up time it just starts and dies. eventually you have to rev the ignition at about between the 2 and 3 on the rpm meter
Yea the wheel does that too. You gotta wiggle the wheel around and turn the key to get passed that
327bran 1 week ago
I must be the only one that did this and had a fuck up am I? After I did this fix, my car stopped starting completely. Which is weird cause when I cut it, everything went the way it should and started. But then later on it just stopped. It would turn over, and ignite, then just die within seconds.
Can anyone help me with this issue at all?
Speedian 2 weeks ago
what was the problem with the car?? my mom has a 04 saturn ion and the key doesnt turn... its like its the wrong key (but its the correct key)...
CCMCJONESEK 2 weeks ago
Okay, we're getting ready to do this. However, we're going to install a simple single-pole, single-throw toggle switch so we can re-engage the pass lock system for inspection purposes and when we need to replace the battery. So here's my question. Once we have installed the switch, do we need to pull the airbag fuse anytime we turn the pass lock system off? Thanks!
idealynx 2 weeks ago
@idealynx Doubtful? I pulled it so that if I accidentally shorted something when cutting the wirethe air bag wouldn't deploy and take my head off.
oblio9 1 week ago
when do you put the air bag fuse back in.... and does your car still start
MrKidder68 3 weeks ago
@MrKidder68 I put it back in once I knew the car still worked. Car still starts fine.
oblio9 1 week ago
Another possible fix is the ignition switch. I have a video posted on this - which fixed my issue.
mafisk67 3 weeks ago
@mafisk67 Yes, but for how long? duh-Duh-DUH!
oblio9 1 week ago
Do you know if this also works on manual transmissions? Or if the process is exactly the same? I'm sure it is, but in case it isn't I don't want to be stuck with fail safe mode... Awesome video!
raidereagle13 3 weeks ago
Saved 3 ions in my family and 2 other friends ions so far. good work!
lilsoccakid74 1 month ago
I'm definitely gonna try this. My car has made me late for work so many times. I sit in the cold for twenty minutes at a time. I've had enough and I don't have $300 for a remote starter with a bypass. Thanks for the video!!!
cpfan517 1 month ago
@cpfan517 Let me know how it works. A coworker actually had the same problem and stumbled across the video. Been working for her for the last week anyway. :) Good luck!
oblio9 1 month ago
@oblio9 After replacing the starter for the second time and still having intermittent starting problems, my husband finally watched your video, started the car, and cut the white wire. That was 3 months ago, we have not had a starting problem since cutting the wire regardless of the weather conditions. Thank you!
Thankful138 1 month ago
Thanks for posting this video i hope it works my car left me at the gas station!!! Its been doin this more often than before ill give it a try thanks again ***** five stars
arangaha 1 month ago
ONE QUICK IMPORTANT QUESTION. DOES DOING THIS MAKE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON????
macario111 1 month ago
my girl almost missed her clinical for school! I am having the same issues. I'm gonna try it later and I hope it works! Thanks for this video!!
eddy041469 2 months ago
is this for what they call a bypass? for the pass lock system?
leolujanmusic 2 months ago
This is happening with my mom's car. I am going to get my brother to do this today!! Thanks so much!! Also, thanks to everyone who comments that it works!!
cicelyodom 2 months ago
I just cut the white wire! My 2006 Ion left me sitting in the cold for 50 minutes this morning and I'd had enough. Thank you for posting this video...you made this so easy!!I have my fingers crossed that this morning was the last time I've been held hostage by that car. Thanks again!
kuhar352 2 months ago
Holy Crap, it works !!! I had an apointment to install a remote starter ($300) just to bypass the problem then I found this video. I thought it was worth a try, not expecting a "You Tube" quick fix to work, but to my greatfull suprise it worked. I can't remember the last time the car started on the first try when it was cold. BTW, I have an 06 Saturn Ion
66lillie 2 months ago
@66lillie I am glad it worked for you. I am close to 3 years (?) after having done this. Not a problem starting once. Glad it saved you some money. :)
oblio9 2 months ago
Almost missed my midterm exam this morning because of this problem but luckily I found a ride. As soon as I got out of school I went and fixed it thanks to this video. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
bushido6386 2 months ago
@bushido6386 You're welcome. Glad it worked for you. Thanks for commenting.
oblio9 2 months ago
Replacing the ignition switch is just as easy as cutting the wire.
alphatraz1 2 months ago
@alphatraz1 May be true but I have heard of the problem coming back after replacing the ignition. Never heard of it returning after cutting the wire. I'll take the sure thing.
oblio9 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
my daugther has 04,almost every morning her car refused to crank but thanks to this video the car problem is fixed;Just followed the steps.I tried new battery and didnt work. Several mechanics had suggested to change the starter but thanks to God an this Guy I didnt have to do it.
yareiza 3 months ago
my daugther has 04,almost every morning her car refused to crank but thanks to this videothe car problem is fixed;Just fallowed the steps.I tried new battery and didnt work. Several mechanics suggest me to change the starter but thanks to God an this Guy I didnt have to do it.
yareiza 3 months ago
THANK YOU! This has been plaguing me every cold and/or rainy day since 2006. Now it's fixed! *dances happily*
peachcloverlauper 3 months ago
do you think this will work for a 2001 saturn L200? my wife has this problem and ofcourse that means i have this problem. it sucks i really hate saturn. i hope this works!
joeivo911 3 months ago
@joeivo911 All I can vouch for is what worked for me. Assuming it has the same wire and it works the same and you have the same symptoms everyone else has then it may be worth a try. Good luck.
oblio9 2 months ago
My 04 has done the same thing for years. I've replaced the battery and starter. Thanks for the video. Do you mind giving me an update on if yours has had any starting problems since?
masonw86 3 months ago
@masonw86 Coming up on 3 years since I did this hasn't had a problem starting once.
oblio9 3 months ago
I'm so happy that you post this video my car just start everytime now because of you they told me change ignition change the key but nobody seem to undestand the problem in fact all theses person i see in garage they know they just don't want to do it ...finally i show your clip to a mecanic
For 30$ he fixe the car buy cutting this fuck and white wire passlock GM and now i can go on because here in Canada winter is coming no more fighting in the morning for 10 minutes
unityunit 3 months ago
This just happened to me for the first time yesterday Oct 6, 2011. I live here in Florida and the temperature was around 80 degrees when it failed to start. After about 15 minutes it finally fired up. I just read about the inline switch some are using. Does anyone believe that turning off the inline switch for starting and back on before the car is turned off will still enable the security system to work? It's my first car with an alarm and I really don't want to disable it if I don't have to..
endsz323 3 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
My husband followed this video instruction over a year ago. It works great, and I can live with the security light on full-time. It sure beats having a car that randomly doesn't start.
onescrappycat 4 months ago
My husband followed this video instruction over a year ago. It works great, and I can live with the security light on full-time. It sure beats having a car that randomly doesn't start.
onescrappycat 4 months ago
I can live with a yellow light, great video!
BallsonPHACE 4 months ago
dude i pulled that black handle under the wheel while i was driving to find out what it was, and holy shit i almost killed myself when the wheel dropped xD
327bran 4 months ago
Getting ready to do this to mine as well, and was wondering if your car is still starting or if you've had any problems after you did this?
biscut963 6 months ago
@headlkehole.. Yeah that's exactly what I did. Just used a couple butt connectors and make the wires long enough to reach the toggle switch. You could always just leave the toggle switch tucked away with the white wire if you didn't wanna extend the wires. Then you would be popping those plastic pieces off every time you you wanted to turn it on or off. I didn't wanna deal with that. Good luck.
Intimmid8tor 7 months ago
I'm gonna fave this video. I just bought a wrecked 20004 Saturn ION. We are in the middle of getting it fixed at the moment though. I'm a pizza driver for Dominos Pizza so I need the car to start when I need it to start. I'm sure this will come in handy some day.
DracoAzule 7 months ago
Somebody please do a video on Re-Connecting that white wire. If anyone can't please explain whether or not the car has to be running or not running. Also, if its not running do the battery terminal cables have to be removed before I attempt to connect it back. Please....any information would help.
davidjmechanic 7 months ago
I had this problem (2004 Saturn Ion) cut the wire in January and I haven't had any problems since, of course the pass-lock light is on but she starts every time, Thanks!
elsm8586 7 months ago
oh well, did it last wknd, always cranks 1st time. No need to crank 2 times.
chhodgkins 8 months ago
About to do this to mine -- say, what's the percentage of people who do this and end up having to try to start their car 2 times each time? Doesn't sound ideal for me. So is it just like a dead crank? and the very next crank it'll start up? Thanks all!
chhodgkins 8 months ago
And the switch popped right in. The switch did not look tacky or out of place since the hole was intended for a switch of some sort anyway. Just buy one that matches the controls already on the car. Hope this was helpful! Along with everyone else, thanks for the video!!
Intimmid8tor 8 months ago
I have also cut the white wire, I took an extra couple of steps though. Just an idea for those who live in smog/imissions testing states. For roughly $5 I added a toggle switch so I could turn the passlock on and off. Some states won't pass the inspection while the service engine light is on. It only takes a few more minutes and you won't have to fuss with it later. My Ion actually had a insert in the dash already (I'm assuming for an accessory my model does not have) that popped right out and
Intimmid8tor 8 months ago
@Intimmid8tor How exactly did you do this? Did you run an extra wire from both snipped ends of the white wire into the toggle switch? That sounds like a great idea.
headlkehole 7 months ago
I have a 2000 saturn ls2..I have been going through almost the same problem. Except mine will actually start, but the fuel system goes haywire and the security light never stops flashing. SOMETIMES ..the bcm resets itself and the car will run great for a month. Will this procedure work for me too?
kkotes 9 months ago
Thank you for this video!!! Just cut the wire and so far so good!! My wifes car had the same problem ( Chevy Malibu 03). Her wire was yellow that I had to cut. Unreal they won't address this issue. But thanks again!! You saved a lot of people a lot of time and frustration!!!!
MrJeffHenson 9 months ago
I gave her the good old snip an hour ago! I gotta say thank you for this video. I had no problems during the procedure except for the hour I had to wait in order to start the sucker. I swear I could hear the little GM troll inside saying "Noooo!" as I went at it with the wire cutters. And just an FYI for those who are having the same starting issues with their Ion, mine was refusing to start in warm weather with all of the same symtoms as the cold weather starts. Thanks again oblio9!
jadiasrecords 9 months ago
if its not starting in cooler temps, likely its crappy connections or the crappy battery thats installed to make a buck off of us, cutting a wire could risk losing a 10,000 dollar car all together
BarryGoldwater99 9 months ago
I live in Petersburg Va. and I did this fix to my 2003 Saturn ion 3 on November 1st 2010,I have never had any problems starting my car afterwards, and it has been cold here in the mornings lows in the 20's a few times so far, and still not a problem. Yes the passlock symbol stays on and the service car message shows,but I just used a couple pieces of black tape to block it out and a quick push of the reset button to turn off the service car message and your done.
Small price to pay.ThanksOblio9
usaspcpl 10 months ago
I have a 2003 Saturn Ion and it will be my lat GM vehicle. I can't believe they never addressed this issue! Can we sue? I don't want money, just the hours of my life back in the 8 years I've had this car. Gonna try cutting the wire in the morning.... gonna look up how to get the dash off too so I can cut that light as well!
MrWhiskersTallEars 10 months ago
Comment removed
vstringbassist 11 months ago
thank you so much! i did the wire cut on my 2004 saturn ion you just saved me 400 dollars i had called saturn and was going to pay them to fix it!!! one thing is that my service car light came on, imma get tired of that damn beep every time i start my car.... but at least i can start it now!!!! lol
84woodbury 11 months ago
thank you so much! i did the wire cut on my 2004 saturn ion you just saved me 400 dollars i had called saturn and was going to pay them to fix it!!! one thing is that my service car light came on, imma get tired of that damn beep every time i start my car.... but at least i can start it now!!!! lol
84woodbury 11 months ago
is that a Subaru key i see on your key chain? Subaru is the best car money can buy!
richardlyew 11 months ago
oblio9 - Thank you for doing this video!
vstringbassist 11 months ago
Comment removed
vstringbassist 11 months ago
I have this issue bad with my recently purchased 04 Ion Sedan 3. I removed the ignition switched, cleanded & re-greased - it only lasted 2 days before the "no-start" happened again. I then performed the "white wire cut" mod and it worked! The only dodownfall is the passlock light, Service Message on display (although easily removed) and I have to try to start the car twice each time BUT IT WORKS!
vstringbassist 11 months ago
Did anybody else tried this and how did it worked?
adidas00123 11 months ago
Is there any way to get rid of the service engine light that came on when the wire was cut?
broncos3883 11 months ago
2 1/2 hours later and it finally started!!
recombs23 11 months ago
I have a 2005 Ion.. For the past 3 years, I have been dealing with this issue!! I can't begin to explain how stressed it makes me.. Like today for instance. I went out at 7am trying to get it to start.. It is now 9:30am and still nothing.. Not to mention I had to be at work at 8am!!! My boyfriend has his doubts but I am going to take my chances. At this point it is worth the try!!! Wish me luck!!
recombs23 11 months ago
I bought a 2003 saturn ion from a used car dealership in Michigan...it is cold here also ..when I bought the car all those dash lights were already on also the odometer doesn't work I see in your video that after you cut your wire your dash lights read the exact ones that mine read oil coolant and service..anyways my car also will not start in the cold but I am thinking a previous owner has already cut that wire has your car had any other problems?
mrsjbarber 11 months ago
I have an 03 and It is driving me up the wall. Every single day I have to wait at least an hour before it will start. If this will fix it, then I'm all for it. Down with GM!
teddin 1 year ago
@teddin If you are in the sam eboat as me then go for it. I am so happy I don't have to even think about it starting anymore. :)
oblio9 11 months ago
Further to my comments below....
I had another unrelated issue since cutting the wire - the battery failed. After reading the comments below speculating what may happen if you disconnect the battery (after cutting the wire), I changed the battery WITHOUT loss of DC power. There are separate terminals under the hood for jumpstarting, so I connected those to my other vehicle with booster cables, then changed the battery. No loss of electrical power to the computer, and everything is now A-OK!
spmmenow 1 year ago
I have a couple questions - my Ion does the same thing when it's windy. Also, I live in southern california, where you would think it wouldn't be cold enough. we do get damp weather, though being close to the ocean. Now, my question is, first of all, how has your car been running since you clipped the wire, and did you have any problems when you took your car in for smog checks? I know out here if there are lights on the dash on, it can affect your smog check passing.
bofort2004 1 year ago
@bofort2004 Denver has vans at certain off ramps that read your emissions and your plate so you don't have to go have it checked. So it isnt a concern for me currently. Otherwise it has been working right as rain for 2 years now.
oblio9 11 months ago
@bofort2004
I performed the white wire cut following the intstruction in this vid Thurs. evening. I live in Ottawa - temps well into the minus and it worked. We have an emissions (smog) test which was done yesterday and no problem passing with passlock light on dash (just bought the car last week so test had to be done). Your regulations may be different but it is a similiar test I am sure. The car runs fine as well. I do have to cycle the key twice but small price to pay for a starting car.
vstringbassist 11 months ago
thanks a bunch man this was easy as pie had it done in 10 minutes in parking lot at work . would have done this years ago if i had only known. thanks again. will save the wife a lot of stress in the mornings.
johncrowe1 1 year ago
@johncrowe1 Glad it worked for you! Anything that keeps the wife happy. ;)
oblio9 11 months ago
@oblio9 and hows it running years later?
327bran 4 months ago
@327bran Still haven't had a problem with it starting. Not even once. At this point I consider the Service Engine light to be theft prevention. Not that anyone would steal it.
oblio9 4 months ago
Beware of the battery! It won't start until you reconnect the white wire. My husband just uses a resistor to bypass the passlock. He measured the resistance on the ignition side(white wire) using a multimeter, set to ohms. This told him what resistor to buy. He attached the resistor to the white wire on the wiring harness side and attached to ground. No security light and literally a 10cent fix.
AntoniaDeCanada 1 year ago
Thank you so much for posting this video. I just finished doing this procedure in my 2005 Saturn Ion. It is currently in the garage so it is not cold enough to test whether or not it works. However, based on what I've read from numerous sites and forums, I don't think I will have to worry about my car not starting in the cold again. You rock man!!!
apod55 1 year ago
@apod55 you should be fine...i cut mine two years ago and it is still working fine...and i live in montreal canada so its cold....lol today is -30 degrees (celcius)
pontiacjustinss 1 year ago
I LOVE my Ion but to hear this is a common problem with them, is disheartening! I thought it was just my battery or the starter. Thankfully I don't really drive much in the mornings but I can almost promise you if its 35 or below that previous night, it will not start. Thankfully I live in Cali where those nights are rare! It happened today at 30 degrees.
Thanks for the video, I think I'm gonna try it out. I will let everyone know if it works for me!
Bellarexxar 1 year ago
Comment removed
davidjmechanic 1 year ago
Reconnecting the white wire. I did this yesterday and it worked for me with no trouble. First I took the column apart again. Then I disconnected the battery (I took off both terminals just to be safe). I let it sit for about 10 minutes ( I don't know if that is necessary. I just wanted to play it safe). Then I reconnected the white wire. Hooked the battery back up. Then to my relief the car started right up. All dash warning lights when off. It then passed smog. Do this at your own risk.
n2orockss 1 year ago
@n2orockss Thanks, but my question is more simple than that. The question is, how did you physically reconnect the white wire after you had cut it in half? Just cut back the white wire casing and twist the wiring underneath together? Thanks! I can't wait to cut that damn white wire on Wednesday when I get back into town!!!!
blackpajamas420 1 year ago
hi there.. just wondering..
after the fuse for the airbag is removed and the white wire is cut should i put the airbag fuse back in?
and when i reverse the procedure during summer time should i remove the fuse again? and reconnect the white wire while the car is running?
Please advice as I am about to do it ASAP.
Rkmusic007 1 year ago 2
@Rkmusic007 Yes, absolutely put it back after cutting the wire. Otherwise your airbags wont work. I would personally remove the fuse anytime I was monkeying with the wire and put it back after I was done.
oblio9 1 year ago
@oblio9 when i reverse the procedure during summer time should i reconnect the white wire while the car is running?
Rkmusic007 1 year ago
@Rkmusic007 I would assume so but I have not reconnected the wire myself. It might work if the car isn't running as my understanding was if cut while running the passlock system would assume it had a failure somewhere where as if you did it while not running it would assume it was an attempt at theft. Obviously if it suddenly started working again then it wouldn't make some sort of assumption about theft. So actually maybe it doesn't have to be running. hmmmm..... I guess let me know what worked
oblio9 1 year ago
Did this 2 years ago and have never had a problem starting the car again, when the temperature changes so does the viscosity of the ignition switch grease, which in turn changes the voltage sent by the switch, which in turn sets off the Pass Lock security feature. Cut the wire and be done with this issue. Trust me it works. i live in upstate NY, weather is brutal. thanks again Oblio!
TheCowboysfantastic 1 year ago
@TheCowboysfantastic just one question.....does your passlock light stay on? if so, should it be a concern?
GrasshopperScott 1 year ago
@GrasshopperScott Yes it stays on and it doesn't concern me but I have kids so I am a pro at ignoring what annoys me.
oblio9 11 months ago
One other thing - prior to cutting the wire, I took the ignition switch apart, cleaned out the old grease, and applied new di-electric grease. It made no difference. Thanks to Jerry and all the others for solving this problem!!!
spmmenow 1 year ago
2005 Saturn Ion 2. This problem got progressively worse each year. Was now occurring every day. I cut the wire three weeks ago, and have not had a single instance since! Wonderful! My security lite stays on all the time, but no other lites were affected. However, now it usually fails to start the first time when you turn the switch to "START". I then have to turn it OFF, then to START and it starts properly. Still a big improvement over waiting 10, 20, 30 min. Anyone else seen this behaviour?
spmmenow 1 year ago
THANKS for posting this ! Cut the white wire last weekend with confidence after viewing your video ... below-freezing temperatures all this week, not a single starting problem. all hail the power of INTERWEB
marcstrauss 1 year ago
Always reconnect any wire before connecting battery. The old ignition switch has grease inside that on cold and or damp days does not let car start the new ignition switch has different grease so therefore it works in all weather conditions.
GHOSTMAN2NV 1 year ago
I need to RE-CONNECT the white wire to pass smog. Does anyone know if the car needs to be running or turned off when the white wire is hooked back up????
Thanks.
Cutting it works great by the way.
n2orockss 1 year ago
@n2orockss Could anyone please explain how you "reconnect" the white wire? Thanks!
blackpajamas420 1 year ago
Comment removed
n2orockss 1 year ago
So my ion sucks! Im confused on weather to do this on my car,to many conflicting reports. But if i do i was wondering do you have to put the wire back together before replacing the battery? Any help would be appreciated
titansfan28100 1 year ago
I did this a year ago on mine, and it's still working :)
Had the issue for years.
I ended up putting a switch on it, so in the summer I can get ride of the service car light.
riceboy9000 1 year ago
I have that awesome feature too!
GreasedSocks 1 year ago
Thank you oblio9 and Mike032989 for the great info.
Just in time before the deep freeze.
I did the dielectric pcb/wiper switch cleanup instead as per
://moontaj dot com/passlock
and no more cold freezing waits inside the car with this GM POS "extra feature".
Of many problems with this ion03, one is out of the way.
I WAS GIVEN THE ROUND AROUND,NEGLECTED BY SATURN'S CUSTOMER SERVICE. IT ONLY TOOK ME 30 MIN OF "REPAIR WORK"(not parts swap).
NO MORE GM FOR ME !
DandyFluff58 1 year ago
Thanks a lot! This was very helpfut. Worked like a charm!
blo0p3r1112 1 year ago
I would have cut it 6 yrs ago if i'd known this. I saw this video last year (THANKS!), but didn't do it. Had enough of the no start crap. You can replace the switch, but it'll just do it again. If you plan to trade or have to get emissions test and you want it looking normal with warning light out, reconnect the wire with the car running.
wanahoho 1 year ago
An '04 bought new. Had dealer replace switch under warranty the 1st yr. Every winter it has had this BS cold start issue. Last week it did it again. This weeks avg morn low temps low 20's (Macon Ga area). It has started fine this week, jump in turn key and it fires right up. Prob due to the fact that I cut that F'n wire Sun. So what that there is 1 little light that has a symbol of a car with a padlock on it lit up in yellow. And it says service vehicle, but push the trip button and it goes away
wanahoho 1 year ago
My husband and I thank you!!! We cut the wire today as you did in the video and are glad we have our car back. THANKS!!
beccajason1 1 year ago
For anyone interested, there is a tool that keeps posting on here that you can replace the ignition switch for about $40 and that it fixes the original issue that forced me/us to cut the white wire in the first place. Since his posts are not helpful beyond mentioning the price and are fairly insulting to anyone who has chosen this solution, I have been deleting his posts. If anyone other than him posts a proper link to the switch and a tutorial, I would be more than happy to link to it. :)
oblio9 1 year ago
@oblio9 Let me amend that. If the original poster posts a link to the actual switch and a link to a tutorial, and manages not to call people who have followed this video names, then I will let it be.
oblio9 1 year ago
@oblio9
I will post this link to replace the ignition this way. "h t t p:// moontaj. com / passlock". This tutorial not only shows how to replace the switch, it show how to put the correct grease in the original switch if one didn't want to replace it. I just replaced mine with a new one cause I didn't feel like trying to take the original one apart. My Saturn is also a 2004 and this definitely works.
MikeO32989 1 year ago
@MikeO32989 I have added this link to comments associated to this video. That is more helpful than your initial comments. I took this vehicle to a garage who charged me $500 for a new starter. I am not a cheapskate but when it didn't start the very next morning, I was open to alternatives. At the time all Saturn would do was replace the ignition switch and there were MANY reports of this fixing the problem for a few weeks or months then it would come back. At the time this was the only known
oblio9 1 year ago
"fix" this permanently. Is it ideal? No. Does it cost me a thing to try. Nope. And I haven't had the problem since. I am not really worried about someone going to the trouble of stealing my Saturn. They aren't a hot commodity. And if I really cared about cars I probably wouldn't have bought one in the first place. I just need a box with wheels that gets me to work. So I don't particularly care if it is the "proper" way to "fix". It was priced right and had the desired effect. Had your solution
oblio9 1 year ago
existed 2 years ago, it is the one I would have tried. But it didn't. At this point I will gladly take a few lights on my dash and accusations of being a cheapskate over being late for work again or stressing about a future junker that I intend to drive into the ground. When it comes time for an inspection (and that should be several years away as I live in Colorado) I'll reattach the wire before going in. And it's resale value took a bigger hit when Saturn went under. Still, thanks for the link
oblio9 1 year ago
@oblio9
Cool. I was just trying to provide an alternative. Cutting wires, disabling the theft deterent system, having system lights on in the dash is not an acceptable solution for me and something I would never consider but hey that's just me. I'd rather try to find a solution before I just take a butcher knife to it. Oh and hey thanks for calling me a "tool" (I thank you meant Troll) for just trying to help. Might want to check yourself before you go stating I'm calling people names.
MikeO32989 1 year ago
@MikeO32989 No, I meant "tool". You called us all cheapskates. Wasn't very empathetic, sympathetic or helpful. :)
oblio9 1 year ago
@oblio9
OK. More info on this. That tutorial is for fixing the existing switch. If actually replacing the switch with a new one (which is what I did), there is an extra step that's not mentioned in the tutorial. The passlock system will have to "re-learn" the new switch after it's installed. It's a 30 minute procedure. Not hard, just have to be patient. I'll post it in another post.
MikeO32989 1 year ago
@MikeO32989
Here is the procedure (might be in more than one post).
I. Try to start the engine (first time). It may or may not fire the starter. If you have a manual transaxle, be sure to hold the clutch in when you try to start the car. After the start fails, *LEAVE THE KEY IN THE "RUN" POSITION* for 10 minutes. During this 10 minutes, the passkey icon (the lock) in the dash will flash every half second or so. After *EXACTLY* 10 minutes, it will stop flashing.
MikeO32989 1 year ago
@MikeO32989
II. Second time - Once it has stopped flashing, turn the key to the "ACC" position, which is halfway between OFF and RUN. Wait about 10 seconds. Turn the key back to the RUN position (depressing the clutch, if it is a manual) and try to start it again. It will fail to start again. The passcode light will again flash for yet another 10 minutes. When it stops flashing, continue to the next step.
MikeO32989 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@MikeO32989
III. Third time - Once it has stopped flashing, again turn the key to the "ACC" position, (halfway between OFF and RUN). Wait about 10 seconds. Turn the key back to the RUN position (depressing the clutch, if it is a manual) and try to start it. The passcode light will flash again for yet another 10 minutes. When it stops flashing, continue to the next step.
MikeO32989 1 year ago
@MikeO32989
IV. After you have done this 3 times, over a period of exactly thirty minutes, turn the key to the OFF position. Wait for 30 seconds. Do not get impatient, because one wrong move could cause you to have to start this procedure all over again! After 30 seconds, the car will start and this "re-learn procedure" is completed.
MikeO32989 1 year ago
@oblio9
I get so pissed when I read anyone who say's this is not the answer to this problem...trust me it is. I have two 2004 Ions..the first one I bought never had this issue, the second would not start in damp/cold weather. Cut the wire 2 years ago and NEVER had a no start. I can re-set the "check engine" light by pushing the re-set stem after starting the car. Oblio is a hero! Do not listen to the sceptics...this works!
TheCowboysfantastic 1 year ago
Cowboys fantastic
I get so pissed when I read anyone who say's this is not the answer to this problem...trust me it is. I have two 2004 Ions..the first one I bought never had this issue, the second would not start in damp/cold weather. Cut the wire 2 years ago and NEVER had a no start. I can re-set the "check engine" light by pushing the re-set stem after starting the car. Oblio is a hero! Do not listen to the sceptics...this works!
TheCowboysfantastic 1 year ago
@TheCowboysfantastic
I never said cutting the white wire didn't work. I said replacing the ignition switch is the correct way to do it without disabling Passlock, and having service lights always on, The grease in the original ignition switches would freeze in cold temps and cause this problem. In 2009 the switches were replaced with ones with the proper grease and now replacing the ignition switch solves the problem. Replacing the switch isn't much harder than cutting the white wire.
MikeO32989 1 year ago
@TheCowboysfantastic : Thanks for the update. I was very skeptical cause this car is all I got . I live in Southern California and this problem happens in the morning even on hot days. Ive almost had it ! I just need to just do it and get over it . LMAO !
davidjmechanic 1 year ago
@oblio9
Youtube will not accept links in these posts or I would gladly link to a tutorial to replace the ignition switch. I wish I had a way to contact you personally to voice my concern about the information you are giving out which is not the correct way to solve this problem. You are clearly not doing your homework or you would have found rather easily the solution I posted (that you keep deleting). And if calling people cheapskates for not shelling out $40 is offensive, I don't get it.
MikeO32989 1 year ago
Thanks for your video, I just used it to cut my own wire. I've never done much under the hood before, and it feels awesome to get this problem fixed. I'm looking forward to two things:
- colder weather, to rejoice when my car starts without a problem
and...to not have to hear anybody say "it must be your battery" again!!
So thanks, I wouldn't have done it without your video! :)
Cath7Mac 1 year ago
@Cath7Mac That is awesome! I don't know a thing about cars either. Was hoping it would help people like us. Glad it worked for you. :)
oblio9 1 year ago
I own a 2004 Saturn ion I bought it brand new in 2004 I've had start problems for as long as I can remember and I tried this fix today and so far so good
Inovativemind 1 year ago
@Inovativemind this works 100% for 22 years!
TheCowboysfantastic 1 year ago
@Inovativemind this works 100% for 2 years!
TheCowboysfantastic 1 year ago
Cut the white wire 2 weeks ago, cold now here in Fla, has not had any trouble since. Easy to do after whatching your video. I am her Mother and so you see how easy this is. Thanks so much. She was very frustrated before.
lzthomp6650 1 year ago
I have a question, i have read about putting a toggle on to get rid of the check engine status. How does that work if you have to "cut" it while its running. how to you go back and forth with the toggle?
ysuguy02 1 year ago
@ysuguy02 I haven't done it myself yet but I would just make sure it was toggled to "Off" then solder the two wires to the toggle while the car was off. Once that was done I would only switch it to "On" and "Off" while the car was running. That way during the summer months I could have my odometer back. :)
oblio9 1 year ago
I cut my wire last year and the car has started every time since. I am able to reset the service engine light after I start the car by pushing the odometer reset.
TheCowboysfantastic 1 year ago
you don't want to increase voltage make sure its red to red and black to black just like if you wanted to jump another battery, warning if they are hooked with neg term on the battery to positive on the second battery and you hook one of the cars terminals to each battery you will be jumping the car to 24 volts and probably blow ever fuse in the car. Could even burst into flames, don't mess this up, please
DanielleK211987 1 year ago
so you shut the car off it remembers the amount of amps till the next morning, temp drops, resistance increases in the cable and bam, anti theft detects a change in amps, Ok now it will start on the second attempt because it is remembering the the amp value on the failed start. How to fix this, I installed two 12volt Batteries both pulling 750 cold cranking amps for a total of 12 volt with 1500 cold cranking amps, Be sure to put positive to positive and negative to negative between batteries
DanielleK211987 1 year ago
OK Lets talk about the real issue, My Saturn ION 03 Had the same issue here in Wisconsin. I have thought and thought about this and I believe I have solved the problem. The batter as you all know is in the trunk, it is connected by a (long) cable that essentialy goes to the starter, this (long) cable acts as a resistor, when is is cold it changes the resistor value of the cable, the interlock is sensitive to this, Continued::::
DanielleK211987 1 year ago
Oblio9 is this fix still good for you? have there been any issues?
indstrialvampyr 1 year ago
@indstrialvampyr Still good. Not one problem starting since I did this almost 2 years ago now.
oblio9 1 year ago
@oblio9 I heard someone say the passlock light stays on after? true or not?
sk8atimfy 1 year ago
@sk8atimfy Yes, the passlock light stays on.
Cath7Mac 1 year ago
Hmmmmm......... Now I know why the fuck this ion won't start when it's cold, or damp outside.
KllassIIK 1 year ago
Thank you so much for this video. I just did it and it worked.
bertwall 1 year ago
electrical tape is such nasty shit isnt it ahah
xxnissansilviaxx 1 year ago
I too cut the white wire, it works fine. The service lite stays on now but it STARTS. what did you find out about the coolent light? my light sticks on too.
Duluiyah 1 year ago
@Duluiyah
Can't remember if it is a comment here or on the edmunds forums but somebody mentioned it is a known issue on these saturns and you either need to short the sensor or replace a pump or something. I'm not too worried about it since it has been on for well over a year with no issues.
oblio9 1 year ago
wow what problems are you people having.. thats stupid. i've had my 99 saturn sc1 for 5 years without a single problem ever.
Darley01 1 year ago
@Darley01
I had a 97 Saturn that was a fantastic car. It was the reason I bought a second one. Saturn's quality went down the crapper in the early 2000's I believe.
oblio9 1 year ago
@oblio9 kinda true. the s series was the only good model they ever made, really. so yeah, youre right. last s series was made in 02, so thats when their quality went down the drain.
pepene93 1 year ago
My 2004 Ion 2 Quad Coupe wil always start and turn off but sometimes the key gets stuck once you turn the car off. The key will not come out for anywhere from 20 seconds to 40 minutes one time. Is this the same solution or just for your car not starting?
kadie1414 1 year ago
@kadie1414
THis is just for the car not starting. You may want to take yours to a mechanic.
oblio9 1 year ago
@kadie1414 this may sound stupid, but u may as well try it. if it wont come out. push the key in, turn it to acc, then back again, all while keeping it pushed in. it happens on my 99 SW2 sometimes, and if i do that, itll pop right out.
pepene93 1 year ago
We recently bought a 2003 saturn Ion with 59000 miles for my son and his girlfriend. It started having these start issues shortly after we bought it and it matched these symptoms to a tee. I decided to cut the white wire tonight and watched the video here before doing so. All went as planned however we do have service light activated and cannot be cleared and passlock warning on. If it works I will figure out how to deal with these later. Will post update in a few weeks. Thanks
hvydrop1 1 year ago
More info posted, google on Resolution Engineering and follow the link. A relay was also required on my are, complete details posted.
RFEngGuy 1 year ago
@RFEngGuy Above & beyond explanation on resolutioneng . com. Very cool, thanks. Question: After determining the resistance & while waiting for the Digikey parts to arrive, can I cut the white wire then reconnect while engine running after parts arrive and start over again incorporating your fix?
BQStrange 1 year ago
I avoided the dash light problems by installing a resistor. Cut the white wire. Disconnect the battery, measure the resistance from the ignition switch side of the white wire the white/black wire while the key is in the crank position. You have to expose the conductor on the white/black wire. Solder whatever resistance value you mesure from the vehicle side of the white wire you cut to the white/black wire. I will post better description at resolutioneng . com in a few days.
RFEngGuy 1 year ago
OMG!! Thank you for posting this. I'm a (proud..LOL) owner of a 2006 used Saturn ION and I've been having this "passlock" problem for a long time now. Thanks for your suggestion. At my own risk I will try this if it happens again! Great suggestion because I dont feel like giving hundreds of doolars for them to look at it and not fix it...Hope it has worked for you since~!! --Thanks again!! On behalf of all disgruntled Saturn Ion owners------Annette :-)
Koz3495 1 year ago
if you do end up making that video i will definitely check it out, my boyfriend agrees that would probably be a good idea!
MustellaAmor 1 year ago
hey, got my '05 ion last august, been dealing with this not starting being late for work once a week for the last 5 months, just wanted to say thank you soooo much to the man that made this video!! i'm gonna cut my white wire tomorrow and im looking forward to hitting snooze on cold mornings!! seriously though, this video is a really good thing you did, somebody should get you back, take it easy, man, and thanks again!!!
MustellaAmor 1 year ago
@MustellaAmor No problem. Glad it helped. Hoping to add a toggle switch to mine before the summer.Will probably post a video of that too. Good luck!
oblio9 1 year ago
We cut the white wire on our 2005 Saturn Ion, followed the video exactly..the car seemed to be working perfectly for about 3.5 weeks, and now we're seeing the same problems as before. Randomly the car will not start, it seems to happen either when we put the key in the ignition or try to remove it (again not all the time, just randomly)....its so annoying....
shiraandjon 1 year ago
@shiraandjon Sorry to hear that. Sounds like you are having other issues as well. Aren't Saturns great? :(
oblio9 1 year ago
We cut the white wire on our 2005 Saturn Ion, followed the video exactly..the car seemed to be working perfectly for about 3.5 weeks, and now we're seeing the same problems as before. Randomly the car will not start, it seems to happen either when we put the key in the ignition or try to remove it (again not all the time, just randomly)....its so annoying....
shiraandjon 1 year ago