Knocking nosie from left side of 06 saturn ion? hear it all the time but mainly after 2nd gear when it shifts is the worst part?

SOURCE: 1997 sL1 Saturn manual transmission hard to change gears

The dipstick is behind the battery, below the master brake cylinder and is not the clutch reservoir. It has a red flip top handle instead of a ring like most dipsticks. It was hard for me to find due to engine grease. I had the same problem and was able to see that I was low on fluid (only a little) and adding fluid helped the problem. Questions? kurt1431 at comcast dot net.

SOURCE: 06 SATURN ION

not necessary

SOURCE: Are my struts out on my 04 Saturn ION?

I agree. I see sway bar links go bad and make nosie much more often than struts on Ion's. Take it to a service center you trust.

SOURCE: 06 saturn ion has key

Make sure it's in Park (if automatic). If so, or if it is a manual, turn the steering wheel (even if it's locked in) and the key will release.

SOURCE: 2001 Saturn SL Manual Transmission stuck in 2nd Gear

I had this same problem with my 1998 SL2 after about 170,000 miles. There is a plastic bushing at the end of the shifter cable that holds the cable to the shifter - it probably broke. Remove the center console inside the car to access the bottom of the shifter. I checked my local Saturn dealer to find the replacement cables (come as a set) are more than $200. So I went to Lowes and bought a beam clamp and a large washer to hold the cable to the shifter. It has been working fine for more than 28,000 miles and cost less than $3