NHTSA upgrades probe of 382,000 Saturn Ion cars - electronic power steering

U.S. safety regulators have upgraded an investigation more than 382,000 Saturn Ion cars for possible steering problems.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it opened the engineering analysis after it and Saturn, a brand General Motors discontinued in 2009, received more than 4,000 complaints about sudden loss of electronic power steering assist in cars from model years 2004 through 2007.

Sixteen of the complaints said the power steering warning lamp had illuminated before or during the loss of power steering assist and the increased effort required to steer contributed to a crash, according to documents filed by NHTSA. Two of the crash claims indicated the driver was injured.

NHTSA also said GM had received 17,385 warranty claims related to the issue.

A GM spokesman said the automaker was cooperating with NHTSA.

Last year, GM recalled 1.05 million Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles to correct a defect in the electronic power steering assist motor, according to NHTSA. The defect was described as a buildup of brush debris mixed with oily material that caused the motor to stop functioning; "the same problem identified in the current subject vehicles," NHTSA said.

Previously NHTSA investigated the sudden loss of power steering assist in model year 2005 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles.

In May 2011, GM provided safety regulators with complaint, warranty and power-steering system information for the Ion, as well as the Pontiac G6 and Chevy Malibu, according to NHTSA. In that response, GM indicated the power-steering system used in those vehicles was the same as that used in model year 2005 to 2010 Cobalts and Pontiac G5s.

NHTSA said it has duplicated the power-steering system failure in both a Cobalt and an Ion previously tested.

NHTSA upgrades probe of 382,000 Saturn Ion cars

U.S. safety regulators have upgraded an investigation more than 382,000 Saturn Ion cars for possible steering problems.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it opened the engineering analysis after it and Saturn, a brand General Motors discontinued in 2009, received more than 4,000 complaints about sudden loss of electronic power steering assist in cars from model years 2004 through 2007.

Sixteen of the complaints said the power steering warning lamp had illuminated before or during the loss of power steering assist and the increased effort required to steer contributed to a crash, according to documents filed by NHTSA. Two of the crash claims indicated the driver was injured.

NHTSA also said GM had received 17,385 warranty claims related to the issue.

A GM spokesman said the automaker was cooperating with NHTSA.

Last year, GM recalled 1.05 million Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles to correct a defect in the electronic power steering assist motor, according to NHTSA. The defect was described as a buildup of brush debris mixed with oily material that caused the motor to stop functioning; "the same problem identified in the current subject vehicles," NHTSA said.

Previously NHTSA investigated the sudden loss of power steering assist in model year 2005 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles.

In May 2011, GM provided safety regulators with complaint, warranty and power-steering system information for the Ion, as well as the Pontiac G6 and Chevy Malibu, according to NHTSA. In that response, GM indicated the power-steering system used in those vehicles was the same as that used in model year 2005 to 2010 Cobalts and Pontiac G5s.

NHTSA said it has duplicated the power-steering system failure in both a Cobalt and an Ion previously tested.

Noise from front suspension

Vehicle Involved: Saturn SKY 2007

Repair Procedure: Noise from the front suspension system occurs most likely while the vehicle is being driven over small bumps, or on rough road surfaces. The noise is more noticeable in cold weather, and is caused by faulty sway bar bushings rubbing against the bar or clamps.

Replace the sway bar bushings and install new design clamps, to correct the problem. Test drive the vehicle to verify the repair is complete.

TSB No. RCB 11-06

1996 Saturn-Starting Problem

I have a 1996 Saturn SL1 and suddenly it won't start. It is low on gas so, my first thought was that with the severe cold yesterday had caused gasline freeze. The odd thing though, is that it isn't turning over. I put some gas line antifreeze in it and let it sit. It hasn't started yet but, I haven't tried it yet today. It has a new battery etc. Everything works. he radio, the blower, the lights all have plenty of power so, any ideas as to why it isn't attempting to turn over?


Thank you for any suggestions you may have!
 
Response:
http://www.freeautomechanic.com/nostart.html it seems to be an electrical problem. Before you do anything else make sure the blinkers work at normal pace, sometimes lights and all other electrical equipment work with a low battery, not the blinkers. Also, if the battery is not delivering sufficient power to crank the engine you should hear a ‘clicking’ noise, which is a sure sign of insufficient crank power and the battery needs to be charged and the posts cleaned and make sure they are tight.

Often, when the battery is new and fully charged the battery posts are no tight enough, or have enough corrosion –which is not always visible- to prevent from sending sufficient power to the starter. If this is the case, simply cleaning and retightening of the posts is enough to solve the problem.

If you have plenty of power and none of the above symptoms are present, the most likely alternative is a possible loose connection in the starter system.

auto dealer said that they would fix anything wrong with it.

I just bought a 2002 Saturn L300 in July and the auto dealer said that they would fix anything wrong with it. My Problem is that when I am getting onto the highway it don't want to shift into 2nd gear. I cant check the trans fluid so I am not sure if it's low or that it may be in the trans it's self. I am supposed to take my car back Thursday and I would like someone else opinion and not just the repair shops opinion saying I drive my car like a race car. The place I bought it from in Lansing (RPM) said that they would fix what ever is wrong but when I took my car back to them they are giving me the runaround and I took the mechanic for a ride to show him what it was doing I took my car onto the highway when It gets to 2nd gear it just starts winding out till I let off the gas. The Mechanic says I drove it like a race car. I have had a few cars and worked on most of them and I have never had a car do this so I knew it was something wrong. It has a sealed trans and no dipstick and I don't have a hoist to lift it up. You have to lift it up on a hoist to check it.

Response 1) If this is an automatic transmission, it could be as simple as a VSS (vehicle speed sensor) or a failed shift solenoid. Neither are too expensive part wise so I wouldn't think the dealer would give you much guff over it. Besides, a deal is a deal and they said thy would fix it....... no worries.

Response 2) 1. Why can't you check the trans fluid?


2. Perhaps your Prndl is off

I drive an old Dodge Dakota and the prndl is off by one step. Drive is in neutral, 2 is drive etc. The little floss sized string has stretched over the years.

Saturn Vue 2004 with almost 50,000 miles How much should the service be ?

I have a Saturn Vue 2004 with almost 50,000 miles and wondered what the recommended service should be at this mileage. Should I look into a tune-Up, etc. as I have done every 3000-5000 miles oil/lube/filter, and recently put on new tires and brakes. What is the best plan and price range I can exepct?

Answer:

The 50k service is just a transmission service expect to pay in the 150 dollar range.

how do I remove drivers side window on 1999 Saturn SC2?

Question: I have removed both the interior and exterior door panels on the driver's side. I can't seem to figure out how to remove the two clips that hold the bottom of the drivers window in place on the roll-up mechanism. My windows are the manual roll-up type, not powered. Answer: You are almost there. all you have to do now is push the window glass back towards the car( also with the window about half way up so the 2 white tabs that hold the window to regulator is visible) then the tab that is closer to the back of the car push down on the tab. you will see there is a tab with a lock on it just push down on the tab and push the window glass back this will make the front tab butt up against the window glass. do the same thing to the front tab now. push down on the tab and then push the glass back and up now. the glass comes out in between the inner and outer door panels.

Where is the turn signal flasher located on a 2000 Saturn

QUESTION:

Where is the turn signal flasher located on a 2000 Saturn LW2?

ANSWER:

On the dash there should be a button that makes the Hazards turn on and off. This switch has a flasher built into it that is also used for the turn signal flashers.

car sometimes jerks when put into reverse

QUESTION: I have a 1998 Saturn SL2 Sedan with automatic transmission- 48,000 miles. The car sometimes jerks when put into reverse- In the last three weeks or so, it sometimes slips a little going from neutral into first gear, and sometimes when i hit about 50 mph. I've checked the transmission fluid, it's not discolored and the level is fine. What do you suggest I do? Transmission fluid and filter change? Can a transmission be serviced without costing a fortune? I don't know a good mechanic in my area and don't want to get ripped off. could you please advise what steps you think I should take? I already checked transmission fluid level. ANSWER: I'm not sure what you mean by slipping when you go from neutral into first gear. Does it take excessive time to go into gear? If you are telling me that it slips at 50 and the fluid is full and clean then I must tell you that it is probably not going to be fixed by doing a service. I would seek out a good transmission specialist and have him diagnose it. I hate to tell you that even tho the fluid looks full and clean it sounds like an internal transmission problem. Sometimes they can be repaired by just removing the valve body, but prepare for the worst. An overhaul is probably needed.

2007 SATURN OUTLOOK - Air bag Recall

Recall ID # 07V062000 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE - Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE Potential Units Affected: 13032 Recall Date: FEB 21, 2007 Model Affected: 2007 SATURN OUTLOOK Summary: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM), WHICH CONTROLS THE FUNCTION OF FRONT AIR BAGS, MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT AIR BAGS MAY FAIL TO DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL CRASH. ALSO, THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MAY FAIL TO PROVIDE WARNING THAT THE SYSTEM IS INOPERATIVE. Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THIS CONDITION COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO OCCUPANTS IN THE FRONT SEAT. Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE SDM COMPUTER MODULE. THIS RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GMC AT 1-866-966-9463 OR SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876. Notes: GENERAL MOTORS CORP. 07043

How do I install a mass air sensor on a 2003 Saturn Vue? Does the sensor just pull out of the air intake?

Question: How do I install a mass air sensor on a 2003 Saturn Vue? Does the sensor just pull out of the air intake? Answer: MAF Sensor Picture OK, on this one, on one end you remove the hose clan and pull the rubber intake hose away. then remove two bolts mounting it to the throttle-body. The electric plug is on top, unplug it. Or you can just swap out the sensor mounted inside the MAF Sensor Housing by removing the two safety torx head bolts just below the electrical plug. Please follow link and click on picture for reference!!