20 Most Recent 2004 Saturn ION - Page 2 Questions & Answers

What pump are you checking an fluid level ? Your vehicle has electric power steering an has no pump or fluid . Your best bet , take it to a GM dealer , had recall on parts of the EPS , electric power steering (EPS) system . The electric power steering (EPS) system reduces the amount of effort needed to steer the vehicle. The system uses the body control module (BCM), power steering control module (PSCM), torque sensor, discrete battery voltage supply circuit, EPS motor, serial data bus, and the instrument panel cluster (IPC) message center to perform the system functions. The PSCM, torque sensor, not the EPS motor are serviced separately from each other or from the steering column. Any EPS components diagnosed to be malfunctioning requires replacement of the steering column assembly, also known as the EPS assembly.

Try pulling the steering wheel back and forth while trying to take the key out. Or, push forward and back on the shifter while it's in park, while trying to take the key out. This could be the steering wheel lock mechanism. If you think it needs lubrication, try a LITTLE bit of graphite lubricant. Do NOT use WD-40.

Wheel bearing or cv joint.

Very common problem. Usually the sensor in the cooling system surge tank is sticking and/or connector underneath surge tank.

It could be the electronic power steeirng module . With the gauges dropping out like that , the module could be bring down the data bus . Don't know how much you know about automotive electronic's an how the insturment cluster know's what speed to set speedo at an how full fuel gauge is an rpm on the tach . Speedometer The instrument panel cluster (IPC) displays the vehicle speed based on the information from the engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM). The ECM/PCM calculates the vehicle speed based on the class 2 message indicating the wheel reference speed from the electronic brake control module (EBCM) if: • The ECM/PCM detects a malfunction in the vehicle speed sensor circuit. • The IPC detects a loss of class 2 communications with the ECM/PCM. The speedometer defaults to 0 km/h (0 mph) if the IPC detects a loss of class 2 communications with both the ECM/PCM. 012 GM Class II Communications Checking the vehicle modules for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble codes is the first place to start . The Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) receives a class 2 vehicle speed message from the Engine Control Module (ECM) via a class 2 serial data circuit. The PSCM uses this vehicle speed message, and other inputs, to determine the desired amount of steering assist. DTC C0000 DTC C0475 DTC C0476 DTC C0545 DTC C0847 DTC C0848 DTC C0896 DTC C0899 DTC C0900 your best bet ,take it to a qualified GM repair shop .

There are 3 phases to fixing your car's trunk lid release problem.

Phase 1: First check the fuse - once you know that's OK, then proceed to phase 2 (below).
The fuse for the trunk lock is
the bcm (pwr) 15A fuse in the instrument panel fuse box (behind panel at drivers right foot)

Check that fuse, as it is the power supply for the button on the dash that sends power to the actuator in the trunk.

Phase 2: Get the trunk open (without taking it to the dealership).
If you have remote keyless entry to the trunk, you could try that - but with the actuator
dead/dying, it shouldn't work.

Here are a couple of ideas to try to enter trunk while (a) actuator isn't working, and (b) all
valet lockout features (designed to deny valets access to the trunk) are in the "Lock" position:

There is the lock cylinder, which you stated is not functioning - put the key in, and it doesn't
turn. Just to be sure, consider: lubricate key with Graphite lock-type lubricant, and retry.

The trunk has 2 valet safetys...the locking rear seats which require access to the trunk to unlock, and then there is a valet switch in the trunk that locks the button on the dash from working to keep valet parking attendants out of the trunk. That may be in the lock position.

You can try accessing the center area of the fold down rear seat and see if you can unhinge the rear seat from there. Maybe reach in with your hand, or an extension-type tool.

there may be a way to fold the hinge away from the seat back so it can be removed from the hinge and give you access to the safety latch in the trunk and open it that way (white handle in trunk).
The white-handled safety latch release is desiged to prevent accidentally trapping children, and
if you can pull it with your extending-type or grasping-type tool, the trunk will open whether or
not the actuator motor is working.

Phase 3: Replace the Problem part.

Your failed part may be either (1) Trunk Release Relay, or (2) Trunk Lock Release Switch

My Satrun ION manual doesn't cover either of these parts, and the online parts houses, e.g.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1431624,pgname,Electrical-Switch%2B%2526%252338%253B%2BRelay,a,search.yahoo.com%2BSearch%2Bfor%2B2004%2BSATURN
fail to provide instructions. One of those times a mechanic has to t=rely on his/her native
handiness and/or experience.
To identify which of these parts is bad, locae the Trunk Release Relay (call your dealer parts
dept. for helpful tips on finding it), then operate the dashboard trunk release button with your
ear close tothe relay - if it makes a noise, the problem is the Trunk Lock Release Switch in
the trunk lid, otherwise its the relay.

It's called Brake Fluid Level Switch Try a auto salvage yard > Couple of buck's Brake System Indicator The instrument panel cluster (IPC) illuminates the brake indicator when the following occurs: • The body control module (BCM) detects that the park brake is engaged. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the BCM requesting illumination. If the vehicle is shifted out of park with the park brake engaged, the BCM activates an audible warning. • The body control module (BCM) detects a low brake fluid condition (signal circuit is low). The IPC receives a class 2 message from the BCM requesting illumination. • The IPC detects a low brake fluid condition (signal circuit is low). • The IPC performs the displays test at the start of each ignition cycle. The indicator illuminates for approximately 3 seconds.

you should be addressing this to the service agent doing the recall he will know what the symptoms are

the electric steering column is going bad,you need a new steering column,,,typicial ion problem,youre gonna have to go to the dealer,,rather expensive for the parts, over $300

On this website you find fuse box diagram diagram and description for Saturn ION (2004) Saturn ION 2003 2004 fuse box diagram Auto Genius

Try to pull the 2 radio fuses in the inner fuse block for 10 min. If problem persists, it is internal to the radio.

On the left side of the throttle body the butterfly valve in the center connects to the tps

Call for an expert

Lloyd; sounds like vacuum leak, i use starter fluid (CAREFULLY)to locate vacuum leaks. Also on the 2.2 ecotec fuel dirty stuck injectors can do this, while car is running, give a sharp 2 or 3 raps on injectors one at a time, listen for engine noise change, check links below. PRESS THE HELPFUL BUTTON How To Find Vacuum Leak EricTheCarGuy ENGINE VACUUM LEAKS Easy tips on finding them How to find vacuum leaks and easily How to Diagnose Misfire Codes GM 2 2L