Hi, I have a 1993 Saturn SL2. When the key is

sounds like the timing chain has gone bad stop running it until you fix it they will bend valves if it jumps

remove steering wheel and when you get to the ignition switch there is a small pin slide out and pull ignition switch that's how I did it in my Chevy
the auto parts store have a special wrench you need to remove the clip in the column find a store with loaners so you don't have to buy one

no it should not run in accessory position and the reason i suspect is a contact breakage inside the ignition switch which is on the end of then steering lock .so long as it stops when you take the key out leave well alone to the switch packs up completely as it could last for years and you might have bought a newer car before it goes completely

search on youtube for "saturn lock cylinder replacement". if you think you can do it, buy a generic lock cylinder at advance or autozone and give it a shot. if it works your ignition keys will not match your door and trunk keys but a dealer will charge you more than the value of the car to put in a new saturn lock cylinder.

Unfortunately this model of saturn is known for this problem. Try tapping the head of the key lightly with a small hammer and then while shaking the wheel back and forth try to turn the key. The only known permanent fix is key cylinder repalacement.

Your ignition key may be excessively worn. The tumblers in the ignition lock cylinder read a worn key as someone trying to steal the vehicle. Have a new key made.

your tumbles are going bad so you are going to have to change the ignition switch
Thank you

shouldnt be to hard just use in line fuses when connecting wires case you make a mistake

the brushes and magnets in the ingnition cyl. are worn and have to replace entire switch.

I had a similar problem on my 94 SL2. Turn the key…..Nothing.
Even worse, it was intermittent, the worst type to troubleshoot.

At first it was rare. Pulling out the key , putting it back in and turning usually worked.
Over time it got progressively worse and stubborn.

Then one day it wouldn’t start for anything.

My car has an alarm with a ‘starter kill’. My first thought, alarm malfunction. So I located the two wires (they can be any color) going from the alarm module to the steering column. They are usually labeled appropriately on the module. I used a small jumper wire (alligator clips) to short them at the alarm. If the alarm was the problem, this would fix it. It didn’t.

Time to take apart the steering column.

The key tool will be a 7 or 8mm socket. Take off the two piece steering column shroud to expose the wiring.

On the left side, directly opposite the ignition, you’ll see a piece of round plastic held on with two bolts. This is really the ignition switch.
Take out the bolts (again 7 or 8mm).
Take out the two plugs (blue and white) from behind it.
Take off the switch.

Plan A: (For most people)
Replace this. Bring it with you to the parts store to compare it.
Bring it home. Bolt it on. Plug it in. Turn the key.

I can’t tell you how much it was , since I used …

Plan B: (For the deservedly cocky)
I took the switch apart and cleaned the contacts.
They were burnt. I scraped them clean, re-assembled the switch and tested it.
Vroom..

If you need me to explain Plan B, use Plan A.

Hope this helps, let me know how it goes. Any other problems, click the ASK button.

Remember: Good things come to those who Rate.
Mike