Car won't start

**DJ Ms. White** · 06-07-11, 07:24 PM

So, new battery, only 44k miles on the car, fresh oil change...and the car won't start. This time, the engine started to turn over, but then everything died. Well, the clock still works. The lights for it work. I also can't get the keys out. Nothing was plugged in or turned on when I left the car last night.

It's a 2005 Saturn Ion. I also had the car completely shut off on me when I was going home over break while I was on the highway, which was...interesting. A few days later, my mother was driving it, and the same thing happened to her. We took it into the dealership, and they couldn't find anything wrong with it.

What should I do?

**rock_lobster** · 06-07-11, 07:30 PM

Did you check the car's computer?

**BigHub** · 06-07-11, 07:33 PM

ya i was about to say, the dealership should be able to find out whats up by hooking it up to the computer. Just need to let them know the day and time that your shit shutdown going down the highway and they *should* be able to pinpoint the problem. That sucks White.

**rock_lobster** · 06-07-11, 07:35 PM

I know on my 2002 grand am that I had back in college, somehow my computer got water leaked onto it, and it fried, causing the car to never start.

**DJ Ms. White** · 06-07-11, 07:37 PM

I don't know if they checked it.

**DOMINATOR** · 06-07-11, 07:43 PM

cant get the key out? usually means it's not in park/neutral. my car has some weird thing if the wheel is turned too much or something the key wont come out. try turning the wheel one way or the other. (i forget why, hasnt happened in a couple years)

**rock_lobster** · 06-07-11, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by DOMINATOR

cant get the key out? usually means it's not in park/neutral. my car has some weird thing if the wheel is turned too much or something the key wont come out. try turning the wheel one way or the other. (i forget why, hasnt happened in a couple years)

This, most cars won't let you take the key out if it's not in park. I've also had issues where if you have to turn the wheel to get your keys out.

You can check the computer yourself, to see if there is any short or what not in/on it. Generally it's somewhere underneath glove compartment/console on the passenger side front seat.

**deathgodusmc** · 06-07-11, 08:13 PM

You culd have of a couple things going on. If its one of a few sensors gone bad, which is the only thing your computer is going to tell you, it will keep the vehicle from starting but it will have no effect on it cranking.

Your car has a resisted ignition system. If your car is in park and you cant get the keys out odds are the ignition is broken in one way or another. It could be the tumblers fell out or the ignition is not registering the vehicle is in park. When you put that vehicle in part a cable moves a tab at the ignition. What you need to do is verify it that is the problem or if the ignition itself went bad. If its bad turning your key will do nothing because it wont register that the right key is in the ignition.

Around the steering column is just plastic held in place with 3 to 4 screws underneath. Remove thos screws and plastic. You will see a cable going to the underside of the steering column all the way to the ignition. See if it is lose in anyway. Most cases the mount for it is just pot aluminium and they eventually break. Usually a cheap item to purchase but labor can be costly because most of the time it requires removing the steering wheel.

Before jumping to these conclusions always check the easy shit first. Just because the battery is new does not mean its good. Check for a blown fuse. If it was cranking and now isn't it could have just blown the fuse or relay to the starter. Verify the starter is good. You can jumper the solinoid with a screw driver or piece of wire from the two cable hook ups being used. Remember your just verifing that its functional. If it bumps with 12 volts to it and nothing when you turn the key then it isnt the problem.

If its a stick shift the nuetral safety switch could have gone bad. You can check this by looking at the top of the clutch pedal arm. You will see a plastic sensor attached to it. Disconnect the harness and put a piece of wire from one hole to the other. That will bypass the switch.

Most automotive parts stores rent tools. You can check your own computer for codes if one near you rents out an obd2 scanner.

If you need any help send me a pm and ill walk you thru it.

**DJ Ms. White** · 06-08-11, 05:41 PM

I honestly don't feel comfortable doing it myself so I had it towed to the dealership. I told them what you said and what I found on a Google search. This is apparently a VERY common problem for Saturn Ions. :/ Looks like I'm going to be walking to my appointment on Friday while they try and figure things out.

**Trinity** · 06-08-11, 10:52 PM

I'm with Deathgod on a possible ignition problem. Sounds like the switch might be faulty. I don't think that would make your car kill though while driving.

I went to Tech school for autos and work on my own vehicles when I can. Make sure they check for vacuum leaks. I've had that kill my car while driving, mostly idling though. Easy fix if you can find it.