I have the same issue, and have read that this is a very common problem with Saturn Ions. Unfortunately, there is no warranty, and GM, who acquired Saturn, has not put out a recall due to this issue. This is basically a design fault. I'm in the process of researching further, and will report back if I find anything of relevance.
Rich Valentine
rich.valent@Yahoo.com <--just in case GM finds this post and wants to "be nice"
Could be a worn belt, failing power steering pump or low power steering fluid.
There is no power steering in a Mercury Villager at start up in cold weather due to a failing pump or low fluid. Fluid becomes much thicker in cold weather and is much harder to pump.
Power steering pump failing.
there is no fluid, they have electric power steering.
no. mine does not have power steering and it's a 1999 sl1
There probably is no power steering fluid in the 05 Saturn. Saturn employs an electric assisted power steering system that still has a rack and pinion, but is electrically operated. A much easier, more bulletproof design in my opinion.
To replace the power steering rack on a Saturn Ion, You must first dissmantle the current steering rack by accessing the main hood, and from there you can screw the new steering rack into place
The power strg unit is in the column yes....It is electric power strg. The steering rack remains the same
the most likely cause of that would be the power steering pump failing.
This is your power steering pump failing, I would suggest replacing it sooner rather than later.
I have a 2006 Ion - the power steering went out. My dealer said that this was a common problem - Saturn was working on a recall. They took care of replacing the steering column - no charge.
Yes, most of all modles of any car comes with power steering.