What would be cause of my Saturn not starting?
Asked by Brenda Jul 16, 2020 at 01:52 AM about the 2003 Saturn ION
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I have a 2003 Saturn Ion and when I turn key over it
just clicks, but here's the problem, it will start when
it's jumped. I was told it was starter and I had it
replaced, it wasn't solved. My son in law said he
thinks it's the nuetral sensor switch but how can
that be if I gotta push clutch in to start. He checked
battery and alternator and said both are good.
What else could it be? It's my only transportation
and I need it fixed and can't afford a mechanic
10 Answers
Have u replaced the battery?
No because when I turn key over all my dash lights s come on and door still dings so I got power, but I have thought of that
of course it starts when you jump the battery because you are getting a higher CCA ( crank amp) into the system that allows it to start. It wouldn't hurt to get the alternator checked out while it's running ( it makes little sense to test it when it's not running). if it's a bad battery, it will have rapid clicking, not just one click like bad starters do. If those components are fine AND it still give you attitude, I would definitely look at the ignition relay ( little black box you can google it). good luck
When it is running is the battery light on? If it is then that alternator is not charging.
No it isn't. It runs just fine when it runs. It clicks when I turn the key over and don't start so I replaced starter but it still does it, but it will start right up and run good when it's jump started
Ok, I'd say u need a battery. Walmart has Value batteries for around $60. They have a 1yr warranty.
My son in law tested my battery and said it's good as well as alternator he said so I don't know. I know it starts right up and runs good when it's jump started but when I shut it off it won't start it will just be a click
Did he check the wires to the starter and especially the ground wire to the body as well as the engine? Also did he do a load test on the battery or just a voltage reading? A battery can read good voltage (12v - 13v) but fail the load test. I think the battery is in the trunk and is a side post. Those are prone to hard loose battery terminal connections even though they seem tight.
This is actually a common problem with Saturns (at least the Ion and S-Series), it's something with the ignition switch or the ignition relay. I've had 2 different Saturns myself that have had the issue. If you hear rapid clicking when you turn the key, lights still come on, it doesn't do it every time you start the car, although it happens more often when it's cold out, I'm pretty sure that's your issue. I figured out, finally, that if I turned the key and it didn't start, I could go back inside (as I said, cold mornings) wait about 10 or 15 minutes, try again and it would start up no problem...not a fix, obviously, but at 25 years old, that's what I had the time and money to do. I know it's an odd answer, but hope it helps!
