Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2003 Saturn Ion 1 AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Sensor/System Checks
Check for an Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor that has shifted in value. See TEMPERATURE VS. RESISTANCE table.
TEMPERATURE VS. RESISTANCE
| °F (°C) | Ohms |
|---|---|
| 302 (150) | 47 |
| 284 (140) | 60 |
| 266 (130) | 77 |
| 248 (120) | 100 |
| 230 (110) | 132 |
| 212 (100) | 177 |
| 194 (90) | 241 |
| 176 (80) | 332 |
| 158 (70) | 467 |
| 140 (60) | 667 |
| 122 (50) | 973 |
| 113 (45) | 1188 |
| 104 (40) | 1459 |
| 95 (35) | 1802 |
| 86 (30) | 2238 |
| 77 (25) | 2796 |
| 68 (20) | 3520 |
| 59 (15) | 4450 |
| 50 (10) | 5670 |
| 41 (5) | 7280 |
| 32 (0) | 9420 |
| 23 (-5) | 12,300 |
| 14 (-10) | 16,180 |
| 5 (-15) | 21,450 |
| -4 (-20) | 28,680 |
| -22 (-30) | 52,700 |
| -40 (-40) | 100,700 |
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.