Visual/Physical Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Saturn Ion Red Line, 2004 Saturn Ion 3, 2004 Saturn Ion 2, and 2004 Saturn Ion 1. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Several of the symptom procedures ask for a careful visual/physical check. This step is extremely important-it could lead to correcting a problem without further checks and can save valuable time. These checks include the following:

Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of the Lighting System. Refer to Checking Aftermarket Accessories in Wiring Systems.
Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components and harness connectors for obvious damage or conditions which could cause the symptom.
If only one lamp is inoperative, inspect and repair a poor connection or an open in the power feed or ground circuit before replacing the light bulb. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.