Workshop Manuals Factory service & repair Saturn

Saturn common faults and how to fix them

Faults that are well known on Saturn models we hold manuals for: what the owner notices, what causes it, and the pages in our manuals that cover the repair.

Saturn ION power steering: sudden loss of assist and "PWR STR" message (2004–2007)

Symptoms

The power steering assist suddenly cuts out while driving, a chime sounds and the message centre shows "PWR STR". The car can still be steered but needs much more effort at low speed or when parking. Usually the assist returns the next time the car is started.

Cause

The 2004–2007 Saturn ION has electric power steering, with an electric motor on the steering column. GM special coverage 10187 covers this sudden loss of assist on IONs with electric power steering, and replaces the power steering motor. The coverage ran for 10 years or 100,000 miles from first registration, so it has now expired on most cars.

Fix

Read the power steering fault codes and check the battery and charging system, as low voltage also affects electric steering. If the fault matches the bulletin, the Saturn ION power steering repair replaces the power steering motor. Clear the codes and road test afterwards.

Repair instructions on this site

Sources: GM special coverage adjustment 10187 (July 2010).

Saturn ION ignition: key sticks, binds or won't turn (2003–2005)

Symptoms

The key is hard to insert, sticks or binds in the ignition, or won't rotate to start the car. The bulletin covers all three complaints, whether the key sticks going in, binds or refuses to turn.

Cause

GM bulletin 05-08-49-006 covers 2003–2005 Saturn ION saloons and coupes. It gives the cause as a lack of material to restake the tumbler retainer plate in the ignition lock cylinder, so the tumblers don't stay correctly in place.

Fix

Try the spare key first, to rule out a worn key. If the cylinder is at fault, the Saturn ION ignition bulletin replaces the ignition lock cylinder, with new tumblers and retainer plate, and warns against reusing any of the original parts. Follow the manual's procedure for removing and fitting the lock cylinder.

Repair instructions on this site

Sources: GM service bulletin 05-08-49-006.

Saturn P0171: lean code and misfire on the ION 2.4 (2006–2007)

Symptoms

The check engine light comes on with P0171 (system too lean), P0300 (random misfire) or P1174. The car usually drives normally, though some idle roughly.

Cause

GM bulletin 08-06-04-001B covers the 2006–2007 Saturn ION, Chevrolet Cobalt and HHR, and Pontiac G5 and G6 with the 2.4 engine (LE5). The small director plate orifices on one or more fuel injectors clog up, so the engine runs lean on that cylinder.

Fix

Smoke-test for vacuum leaks and check the mass airflow sensor first. Then run an injector balance test, as the Saturn P0171 bulletin describes. The bulletin warns that cleaning will not clear the director plates, so any injector that fails the test is replaced. Clear the codes and recheck the fuel trims afterwards.

Repair instructions on this site

Sources: GM service bulletin 08-06-04-001B.

Saturn Aura recall: gear lever may not match the gear selected (2009)

Symptoms

The gear indicator or lever position doesn't match the gear the automatic gearbox is actually in. The car might not be in Park when the lever shows Park, so it could roll away.

Cause

NHTSA recall 09V073000 covers 276,729 2009 model year GM cars, including the Saturn Aura and Outlook, Chevrolet Malibu, Cobalt, HHR and Traverse, Pontiac G5 and G6, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia. The transmission shift cable adjustment clip may not be fully engaged, so the lever and the gearbox can get out of step.

Fix

Check with a GM dealer that the recall has been done; the remedy inspects the shift cable adjustment clip and corrects it. Until then, always use the parking brake when parked. The Saturn Aura recall notice gives the details.

Repair instructions on this site

Sources: NHTSA recall 09V073000.