Rough Idle, Blinking Engine Light

[RySci]

Here is the run down.

04 Saturn Ion Series 1. 109K miles.

I tried to start up my Ion this afternoon, only to realize it hesitated, and finally turned over, only then to idle roughly with the engine light blinking. I promptly turned off the car, and popped the hood. I noticed my coolant level was low, and added some coolant, and checked the oil and noticed that low (I've been a bit neglectful, I've been driving 1K a wee for work).

Started up easier, but still idling rough. Thinking it may need more oil, I need to check that again since I've added some.

Any recommendations, as I do not want to further damage my vehicle as to what to investigate.

Thank you for any responses, I will update.

[onefunkar]

blinking check engine light means dont drive it

[RySci]

Originally Posted by onefunkar

blinking check engine light means dont drive it

I think it may be the ICM, as further investigation is that it is only firing on some cylinders. I'm going to pick up one, as well as some new sparks.

I will update, any other suggestions would be great!

Thanks

[2006 ion2]

definitely the coils, but they can take out the ICM and the plugs.

[elizann773]

I just had that same problem, changed the coil and ICM, running wonderful now. I dont know which it was but I would say that sounds like your problem. You're lucky, I only got 59k outta mine.

Best of luck!

[RySci]

Went to Murrays, but they did not have the part, so for a Sunday, no dice. But I will try again tomorrow to pick up the icm. Question is, do I need to get coils as well, and what exactly are these coils?

Any help would be appreciated.

[ssicarman]

Replace the control module and the plugs.

[2006 ion2]

one usually seems to take down the other, the coils are what's in the black plastic piece, they convert the voltage to the level needed for the plugs.

[elizann773]

Go to this thread http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=131652 and scroll down to post#4, there is another link there also but the picture is showing the underside of the coil, provided the 04 is the same(?). Very easy to do, I only had 4 bolts holding my coil on and I think there is 3 for the ICM, just watch for the clip where the wiring harness is plugged in, there was an extra little grey clip that I had to completely remove before unplugging the ICM.

[RySci]

@ 2006 ion2: So I should pick up the coil as well?

@ elizann773: Thank you. I had seen your post and kept diving for more info. I'm hoping this takes care of the problem. I really don't want to miss a whole day of work!

By the way, not that it changes any thing, but what I'm I looking to spend?

TY!

[elizann773]

In my area(center of no-where NH lol) the coil was $120-130 and the ICM was $80, but I also found nobody stocked the ICM....except maybe a dealer, but I didnt even bother with them since my nearest is over an hour away.

To change the unit, it took probably half an hour, not long at all.

I have a general question for anyone tho...when I had the code reset it was also reading a code for my coolant being below temp. I just had to change the coolant tank/resevoir(it was leaking at the joining seam), could that have led to the latest problem or is it most likely just coincidence? Just a thought, didnt know if it might trigger anyone elses memory of a coolant issue prior...?

[2006 ion2]

yes, one usually seems to take out the other, the bad ICM would be sending the wrong/no voltage to the coil(s), frying it/them, then fouling the plug(s) there are two coils.

the coolant being below temp would point to the temp sensor being bad or a stuck open thermostat I would think

[elizann773]

I noticed when I had the other problem the car was taking forever to warm up when I did drive it, but its been fine since the fix. I havent had another code since so Im crossing my fingers...

Thanks

[2006 ion2]

yeah, these engines run so cool without missing cylinders, and in a NH winter, that could have caused it, just keep an eye on it, if it recurs, suspect the thermostat.

[RySci]

Thanks for everyones help. I replaced both the coil, icm, and spark plugs to a tune of $240. Now I'm back in business, car is running great!!!

[elizann773]

WOO HOO!! Congrats!!

Now my engine light is back on again, grrrrrrr.....gonna get that checked after work tomorrow, not flashing, staying lit, probably the coolant temp thing....