03 Ion, having issues with key maybe?

NYSpeed Automotive
1

Hey Guys.

I have a weird one for ya.

Hopefully someone can offer me some advice.

I have an 03 ion, with about 30k miles. Thing is like brand new, dealer maintained.

Its a five speed.

A couple times at total random times it won’t start at all, and the icon will flash on the dash, its a broken lock icon.

Then if I try it again, it will crank the starter for half a second, then stop cranking and go to the lock icon again.

The battery is absolutely fine, its not a charging issue, nor is it the starter.

Its like something in the security of the car isn’t letting it start.

When I first bought the car it was fine, except one time at a walmart parking lot it did it, I just tried again, and it started right up.

So fast forward to this morning, I’m running late for work. Damn car will not start at all, it will just crank for half a second then go to the lock icon.

I thought maybe the clutch button that allows the car to start wasn’t being depressed when i hit the pedal, but nope thats not it.

So I sit and dick with it for like 10 minutes, and it won’t start at all. Won’t do nothing.

I got my gf to give me a lift to work.

So then I’m thinking about this problem all day at work.

I come home, and jump in the car. Thing starts right up, no problem.

Anybody know what I should buy so that I don’t get this thing stranded somewhere?

I was reading that it could just be the key, as it has a microchip in it.

Or it might be the ignition cylinder, as that has a computer in it that authorizes the key to start the car.

Or at worse, it could be the computer (they call it a BCM).

Thanks,
Justin

2

[quote=“JustinH”"]

I was reading that it could just be the key, as it has a microchip in it.

Justin

[/quote]

Start here.

3

I had this issue when I had a 03 ion for like 6 months…I ended up getting a new key and ignition switch under warranty

4

start w/ the key, then ignition switch, then bcm. if u have the knowledge and capability, check ur wires for power when u turn the key. and make sure ur security fuse is good(passkey3 mayb?)

5

one time i dried off an Ion at delta sonic… and the “I” fell off

6

^^^ bwahahhaha all my letters came off, also the key cylinder fell in the door and my hood latch cable snapped.

7

word thanks, i’m going to pickup an ignition switch and a new key, and relearn it in my driveway.

Stupid pos security system, my buddy put it so well “who the fuck would want to steal a saturn”