I have a 2006 saturn ion manual, haven't had any major issues at all.
Suddenly I was driving last night and I noticed my temperature gauge on the dash wasn't working.
I parked the car, then killed it, tried to start she turned over, but was not firing. Let it sit there for a while, went out and tried it again, she started, she was rough sounding. Killed it a couple times, 3rd time she started and sounded fine - so no temp gauge.
In the morning I tried it, she started sounded fine let it run, still no temp gauge. Killed it, tried to start it, she wanted to go, but it would have been one hell of a rough start.
I'm thinking it might be a sensor, or computer - hoping it's not the computer.
Let me know what you think please.
Any check engine lights? White smoke and/or low on coolant?
(Saturns have been known to blow head gaskets, which would cause the starting and overheating problem)
I took it to a shop that s friend trusts, so I will let you know what they come up with.
Coolant was fine, the mechanic actually suggested to check that before I brought it in, surprised I didn't think of it.
No engine light
You might want to explore the Engine Coolant Temperature [ECT] sensor. It's located on the thermostat housing. If it's defective, it would certainly explain your symptoms. Its signal is used by the PCM to control the air/fuel mixture as well as the ignition timing. The ECT also incorporates the function of the Coolant Temperature Sending Unit that sources the information presented to your dashboard's temperature guage.
Sometimes an electrical connection can develop a high resistance between its contacts. Before choosing to replace your ECT [which may end up proving wise in this situation], you may want to try disconnecting the ECT electrical connector, spraying the sensor's contacts with Electrical Parts/Contact Cleaner, allow it to dry and then reconnect the connector to the sensor. It would likewise be prudent to evaluate the relative condition of the wires themselves while you're under there. This could resolve a bad electrical connection, if that proves to be the problem.
If that doesn't work, you can probably buy a Saturn Ion ECT for between $10 and $25 on Amazon. Given your express issues and the ECT's relatively low cost, its replacement could easily prove to be worthy of your first efforts.
Good luck.
Saturns were notorious for bad Coolant Temp Sensors. If coolant wicks through the CTS it will damage the pig tail connector and you may have to replace that also.
