04 Saturn Ion Astrostart problem

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Security and Convenience
Forum Discription: Car Alarms, Keyless Entries, Remote Starters, Immobilizer Bypasses, Sensors, Door Locks, Window Modules, Heated Mirrors, Heated Seats, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=41010
Printed Date: September 06, 2025 at 4:34 AM

Topic: 04 Saturn Ion Astrostart problem

Posted By: techaddict1
Subject: 04 Saturn Ion Astrostart problem
Date Posted: October 16, 2004 at 4:19 PM

I had a remote start installed at a local stero shop in my girlfriend's 2004 Saturn Ion 2 with factory keyless entry.

The starter is an Astrostart with a 5 button remote (sorry, don't know the model number).

The remote start works fine, no issues. The problem is when the vehicle is off, using keyless entry (starter remote) to unlock the doors, the accessories (heater, radio, etc.) power up for a brief second, doors unlock, then accessories shut back off. When locking the doors, no accessories power up. When using the starter remote to pop the trunk, accessories power up for a second, trunk pops, most acccessories shut off, except that in this case the GM Retained Accessory Power feature kicks in and the radio remains on.

When using the factory remote to unlock the doors and pop the trunk, nothing else ever turns on. Is this normal behavior for this application? I'm planning on calling the dealer on Monday, I just wanted to get some other informed opinions. Thanks in advance.

Replies:

Posted By: mo12v
Date Posted: October 16, 2004 at 4:38 PM

Sounds like they have a trigger wire crossed
Definitly have the shop fix it......Don't try it yourself

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MO

Don't Learn from Others Mistakes
You Might Be the One That Knows.

Posted By: JWorm
Date Posted: October 16, 2004 at 6:12 PM

The only way to disarm the factory alarm is to use the factory remote or power up the ignition/passlock system. I believe it also only arms with the factory remote, but it may be programmable to arm on its own after the ignition is off for a certain amount of time. Check the owner's manual that came with the car. The shop set it up the way they did so the factory alarm would disarm if you used the aftermarket remote to unlock the doors.

Because of this stupid design by Saturn I tell customers they will need to carry their Saturn remote to lock/unlock if they still want the alarm to work. I won't even bother hooking up the lock wires, since they will usually end up locking/unlocking from the Saturn remote all the time.

Posted By: techaddict1
Date Posted: October 18, 2004 at 7:38 AM

Thanks for the information. I had suspected that it might have something to do with the factory alarm, but wasn't sure. The only time it really causes a problem is when the trunk is popped, because in that situation retained accessory power kicks in and the radio stays on for a while (this doesn't happen when unlocking the doors). Should the shop be able to correct this behavior?