Ion-Centric repair list?

[cfg83]

Hello -

I know my S-Series, but I don't know Ions. I am watching the classifieds for Ions and doing research on repairs that are Ion-specific (all cars have something you have to watch out for). I did some searching and found these :

- Ignition switch
- Control Arm Bushing

Is there a list of other stuff I should watch out for?

Thank You,

CarloSW2

[SaturnIONSLVUE]

Ignition switch problem is for pre-2007 models.
The 2007 ones have the fat key which does not have the probelm.

Also the door/window weather strips, need to be lubed, with dielectric grease.

[plato]

trunk lid scratching the top of the bumper

[cfg83]

Hello -

Thank you! I am cross-referencing with other threads I find in order to make this thread useful to others :

Considering used Ion - things to watch for?
http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=128131

Maintenance questions
http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=135504


CarloSW2

[Citation84]

Early run 2.2s had an timing chain oiling problem. Affected the L Series more than the ION, I think. Someone can elaborate, but it causes the engine to seize up when it causes the chain to fail.

05s still have the ignition and bushing problems, but shared over 800 03-04 improvements over the 03-04 with the then new 05 Cobalt.

[cfg83]

Hello -

The one I am interested in is a 2007, so many of the big problems look like they have been solved. Thanks to you guys, I know to look at the control arm bushing to see if it's "squished". The only big $ repair seems to be the steering column (electric motor overheat), but there are ways around that also.

CarloSW2

[Citation84]

Hope you get it. Be sure to post pictures.

[cfg83]

Hello -

This is just an update to the list :

- Ignition switch : Repairable or bypassable. You don't need to stay OEM. Should be non-issue for "fat key" 2007 model.

- Control Arm Bushing : Every 20+K miles. There may be an aftermarket option. However, it is hard to know if this would last any longer than the OEM, and it costs bucko bucks ($121 for ONE bushing ) :

http://www.jbodyperformance.com/new/...catName=JP0925


- Power Steering Electric Motor : Maybe maintainable with motor swapping and/or cleaning.

- Door/Window weather strip Maintenance : Cleaning with dialectric grease.

- Trunk lid scratching the top of the bumper : Fixable with smartly placed moulding and/or rubber grommets.

- Intermediate Steering Shaft : This one's a bear (to me). It seems to be happening in *lots* of GM drivetrains, not just Delta platforms. Haven't found anyone who has solved it for the long term.


CarloSW2

[SaturnIONSLVUE]

steering electric motor overheat becase of low Tire PSI. make sure your tire PSI is never low or your steering motor will overheat since it is doing more work.

[Ltech20]

Ions are pretty fail safe. Don't expect much to go wrong other than control arm bushings/ stabalizer links/ sway bar bushings.

[Citation84]

Is the problem with the bushings just that they make noise? Do they affect safety, alignment, etc

If it's just that they're noisy with no affect on anything else, the next time they go, I will just let em be noisy.