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Add an air conditioner?

Tiny
SPHYNX39
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 SATURN ION
  • 85,000 MILES
I bought the base Saturn Ion I new in 2004, I would like to add an air conditioner to the car now. Is that wise? I've had no real problems with the car except for the difficulty starting it when it is cold.
Monday, February 27th, 2012 AT 5:10 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
You wouldn't be adding a factory original system at this point. It would be an aftermarket "add-on" system and not cheap either. You would probably be better off trading for what you want.
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Monday, February 27th, 2012 AT 5:19 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
Just to add to this one when you are having trouble starting it when its cold does it crank and not start?Also is the security light on solid ir flashing?Those cars are known for bad ignition switches causing intermintant no starts especaily when outside temp is bellow 40 degrees. Also I agree with wrenchtech with the ac add on. The S model saturns that didnt come with ac was a easy kit you could just add on later.I have never even seen a ion without ac. Of course I have only worked on them while living in california.
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Monday, February 27th, 2012 AT 6:11 PM
Tiny
SPHYNX39
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I bought the car brand new in 2004, little did I know that it was the base model taht has no power windows, locks or airconditioning. The car worls well except when it is cold, at first it won't turn over, then it will but won't maintain. It's like I have to let the battery warm a little or something. I bought the car in Chicago, I never had any difficulty starting it from 2004-2008. Soon as I move to Philadelphia, when it's cold I have to coax it before it starts. I have a feeling that because we have had sucha mild winter it will be very hot this summer, can I just buy a kit and have it put into my car w/o it stressing the rest of the car. It does have over 85, 00-88,000 miles?
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Monday, February 27th, 2012 AT 6:17 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
Those cars have a known problem of not starting when the temp outside is cold due to the grease in the ignition switch hardening and causing the wrong passlock reading to the body control module.I have replaced a ton of those switches for that issue. Sounds like you might have to replace the ignition switch. Its real easy to do you just have to relearn the passlock sensor when your done. Next time it wont start see if the security light is on solid or flashing. As far as installing the ac I really havent heard of any install kits for that car.
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Monday, February 27th, 2012 AT 6:26 PM
Tiny
SPHYNX39
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  • 5 POSTS
Thanks
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Monday, February 27th, 2012 AT 6:33 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
Your welcome if it was my car and I wanted to add ac I would just get all the parts at pick a part thats how I would do it. But like I said I have never even seen a ion without ac so I dont know if they just cap off on the firewall where the expasion vlave comes off etc. My guess is they probably do.
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Monday, February 27th, 2012 AT 6:39 PM
Tiny
SPHYNX39
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  • 5 POSTS
Okay, Pick A Part.
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Monday, February 27th, 2012 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Look under the hood where the ac compressor would be see if there is a connector taped to the loom that would plug into the ac compressor. That will give you a idea if its wired for ac if it isnt then you will have replace the wire loom and see if the underhood fuse box is set up for ac which it probably is.
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Monday, February 27th, 2012 AT 7:26 PM
Tiny
SPHYNX39
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Okay
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Monday, February 27th, 2012 AT 7:28 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
You will also have to have the computer reprogramed for the ac so the engine rpms will go up when you turn the ac on.
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Monday, February 27th, 2012 AT 7:43 PM

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