2004 Saturn Ion Engine cooling Problems

“I tried to start my 2004 Saturn ION at about 11 pm last night and it took fifteen minutes for it to turn over. The temperature was about 28 degrees (f). This has happened several dozen times over the past few years, always when the temperature is below freezing. I know that Saturn is aware of this problem and that it is acknowledged to be a problem with the ignition. I have found reports of hundreds of other ION owners who have experienced this problem. …”

“My 2004 Saturn ION will not start on cold days. I live in vermont so there are plenty of cold days. It usually takes me about 10 minutes to1/2 hour to get it started, if it starts. When it finally starts I have to leave it running so the engine will warm up because if I don't I have to start the process over again. This is a huge inconvenience! Everyone I've brought it to doesn't seem to know what the problem is. I love my car but could definitely do without this problem!”

“Since nov. 2,2005 my Saturn ION of 20,000 mi. Has been taken to the shop 5 times,towed twice. I've had the same problem of no acceleration or drop of speed from 60 MPH to 10 or 30 MPH while on the freeway. This last visit to the shop they found powder in my fuel tank and claims it to be talcum powder. Could this be such a thing or has my car been tampered with? Overall I am not satisfied with the customer service and have lost faith in Saturn cars.”

“Our 4 cylinder 2004 Saturn ION has had unintended sudden acceleration problems for several years. I am a patent holding software and hardware engineer and I can state absolutely after observing the behavior over at least 4 years that this is a software issue and/or a sensor issue and not a sticking mechanical control. It is not necessary to even touch or move the accelerator pedal in order for this to occur. Under certain conditions of temperature and humidity, either some sensor malfunctions or some connector becomes intermittent or the software misreads something. …”

“Driving down the road car shuts off, I was going 20mhp the road was straight came to a right hand bend in the road and car was off no ABS, no pwr ster, there were cars sitting at the stop sign. Luckily I was able to get the car stopped. To get the car started I had to put in park turn key off then turn key over and it starts right up. This is now the 2nd time this has happened. First time sitting at a red light car was running light turned green gave it the gas mid way through intersection car shut off again and drifted to side of the road with a bunch of cars honking. …”