Saturn Vue Maintenance and Repair

shukhman · September 2010

i had the same problem.
after careful inspection of my sunroof i found out the solution.
if you look from the top with the sunroof open you'll see 2 holes on left and right close to the windshield.
these holes connects to tubes and runs all way down.
they are clogged!
i suggest you take a powerful vacuum and suck all dust out,then push air in,then you can try to clean with a metal wire.
check if the water going through by pouring water in the hole from a bottle

shukhman · September 2010

i had the same problem.
after careful inspection of my sunroof i found out the solution.
if you look from the top with the sunroof open you'll see 2 holes on left and right close to the windshield.
these holes connects to tubes and runs all way down.
they are clogged!
i suggest you take a powerful vacuum and suck all dust out,then push air in,then you can try to clean with a metal wire.
check if the water going through by pouring water in the hole from a bottle

tidester · September 2010

Please avoid posting duplicate messages. Thanks!

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

WasHappy03Vue · September 2010

Thank you! I will check that! Just in time too, we are about to get into the rainy season!

snuffdog · October 2010

Have a 02 Vue; 4 cylinder AWD with 110,000 miles. Purchased used at 65,000. Everything has been very operational until this mystery problem. It is making a knocking noise that sounds like an older vehicle that has a lifter needing adjustment. The kicker is, it only does it in P or N. Once in gear it disappears and drives fine. Any ideas?

gwolford · October 2010

my 2003 vue doesn't want to start right away in cool weather-mainly mornings. any ideas? dealer checked battery, starter, alternator,etc.-no luck. also did fuel pressure test, still nothing. told me to bring it back if still won't start-did it the next morning. help!

ljsch · October 2010

My 03 Vue (126,000m) manual transmission, 4 cyl. was the perfect vehicle and I was getting 25-26mpg. Two weeks ago, the Cruise control quit (light on button on steering wheel comes on) and the gas millage instantly dropped to 18mpg.

The "service engine soon" light comes on and will blink about when the car reaches 1500rpm in 5th gear but sometimes will quit blinking when I decelerate to 2000rpm (this is about 35 mph and 40 mph.

I don't know if the loss of power and gas millage and cruise control is related (I am told that the cruise control if dependent on engine vacuum and I know that this can affect performance) but it sure seemed to be related as they happened at exactly the same time.

Any suggestions?

LJSch

442dude · October 2010

A blinking SES light is a misfire fault often from a bad injector dumping gasoline into a cylinder. Get it checked out soon before you destroy your cat converter.

BTW - the cruise isn't necessarily dependent on engine vacuum - its all electric

ljsch · October 2010

That is good to know. I have been using some TCP injector cleaning to the tank and my mileage is up to 22mpg as of yesterday's fill up.

Would the misfire also be caused by old plugs and wires? I have suspected this as well. Quite frankly, I am from the old school of mechanics with points and rotors etc and I can not say for certain even where the spark plugs are located. I suspect directly on top of the engine, but I can not find any diagrams or evidence that they are there. lol In order to get to where I think they are, I have to take off the air ducts and then there are several bolts holding in a plate that "seals" the middle of the top of the engine block. The is an electric unit on the driver side of this plate (built into this plate,or maybe better described as a cover) I have not tried to get into this as yet, I would like to know what it under it before I do all of that just to see. I don't want to open it up and see valve lifters or the inside of the engine if they are located some place else.

BTW, just because of the cause and effect coincendence of the cruise control and the loss of power is so strong and you choice of the phrase "necessarily dependent" on engine vacuum: IS there a possible connection to this unit and if you know where the cruise control unit is located, I would like to at least look at it and see if there is anything obvious that might cause it to stop working. (our roads here in the city are extremely bumpy. I saw better roads in Kathmandu and I would not be surprised if something had been shaken loose.

Thanks for the reply and I do know a mechanic that I sort of trust with the Vue (he did an excellent job on my AC unit and at 1/3 to 1/2 of the estimates I got from the dealearships. I will try to get him to look this weekend.

LJSch

442dude · November 2010

Unlike the days of "plug, points and resistors", on the Vue there is no "cruise control unit" There is also no direct link between your gas pedal and your throttle - its all electric.

When your speedometer says one speed and your cruise control setting is a different speed, the computer figures out whether to increase or decrease the throttle. Since its all electric, your gas pedal doesn't move like in the days gone by and no engine vacuum is required to move the plunger that used to pull on the throttle cable.

I say "not necessarily" because if you have a vacuum issue, your cruise control could have trouble keeping your speed constant. But to be clear, the operation of having the computer adjust the throttle to maintain a certain speed is not at all controlled by or limited by engine vacuum.

The spark plugs are under the black cover in the middle of the top of the valve covers. There are no wires. On the top to the right is the ignition control module, it could also be a source of a misfire and its more likely than the plugs IMO.

I hope I explained it well - good luck...I'll check back if you have any other questions. :shades:

jwef · February 2011

I have a 2003 Vue. It starts but won't stay running. on the dash it says Reduced Power and the check engine light is on. What could be the problem?

WasHappy03Vue · February 2011

I don't know for sure if all of that would happen, however I know that if i lock my car with my Fob, and then unlock it with the key, the fuel does not get to the engine. (I am not at all technical) from what I understand it is a security feature... if you have a fob, check to make sure that all is in place and your engine is getting fuel. Like I said though, it is just a guess on my end. I had to replace the body control module on mine, and after that I have not had any problems with my Vue. Love it now!

442dude · February 2011

Likely one of 3 problems

1 - gas pedal position sensor

2 - electrically controlled throttle actuator

3 - wiring in between

girlygirl2 · February 2011

My problem is not being able to find a certified Saturn Vue Mechanic, since Saturn has closed it's doors. I live in a small town, and I would travel 240 round trip just to get the work on my car done wright. A simple Chevy mechanic are not trained to work on these vehicles. They do not have chevy motors in them. O6's has a honda engine, I put my car in the shop on Feb. 14 cause it idled a little ruff, simple diagnostic test, which they did not do before taking the cover of the rear of the engine it has gone from idling a little ruff, now the whole engine is running ruff, and they are just baffeled. I have had a saturn since 1992, and always please. The best Saturn Mechanic From the Catheral City in Ca. Saturn store was Shawn Berdine, god I wished I could find that guy. :sick:

shopdog97 · March 2011

We just bought a 2005 Vue AWD yesterday. It is in beautiful shape and only had 48K on it. The leather seats are hardly worn and the body in in great shape. I think it's a good vehicle for it's size and hope to at least get 20 MPG with it's 3.5 V6 engine which to me has great power and acceleration. I've been coming into these forums and appreciate the info we all share to help one another out. I feel dumb in bringing this small issue up, but the Vue only came with one key fob, the dealership said that the previous owner(it was a 1 owner vehicle) turned in both KEYS but only one fob to remotely open the locks. This thing has an alarm system that when activated by using the keyfob, flashes a security light. Imagine my surprise when I tried to open the driver's door(the only door with a keyhole)and set off the alarm. I had to run in the house and grab the key fob from my wife's purse and use it to stop the alarm! Am I to understand that you cannot use the key to enter the car with this alarm activated? It happened this morning as well, but this time I put my key in the ignition and turned it and the alarm stopped. But I leave for work very early in the morning, and I sure do NOT want this alarm going off and waking up my neighbors. Now I won't be using the Vue all the time since it is primarily for my wife, but what do I have to know about entering the thing with the key so as NOT to set off the alarm?? I am searching for a matching key fob for myself, but until I do, anything you can tell me about this will be greatly appreciated. Let me ask this as well. When is is suggested to change the timing belt on this motor? I've heard that newer vehicles can go to 100k before needing this done. Is this true with this 3.5 motor, which I'm told is a Honda motor(or an Acura MDX which is still a Honda) What say you, folks?

kevbarrow · March 2011

I have the same code on my Saturn Vue 2006, could you please tell me what you found out and what you did for them.

P0378-Timing reference high resolution Signal B intermitent erratic pulse
P0778-Pressure control solenoid B electrical
B0387-Crankshaft position sensor B circuit low
Also there are so other codes which the computer sais-undefined.

gmcustsvc · March 2011

girlygirl2,
Can you email me directly? I would like to work with you to find someone who can assist you in repairs on your vehicle.
Christina
GM Customer Service

gmcustsvc · March 2011

kevbarrow,
Have you taken your vehicle into a dealer to have this addressed? If not, I would recommend doing so. Please feel free to email me with any questions comments or concerns.
Christina
GM Customer Service

kevbarrow · March 2011

What do the codes mean, No one really knows!!!!!!!!!
Do you

shopdog97 · March 2011

Just a follow up to my March 5th post about trying to use my key to get into our Saturn Vue. We did purchase another keyfob and had a local dealer who took over servicing Saturns program it and all is well now. I was told that if I ever use the key to unlock the door, just get it in the ignition and turn it quickly to avoid the alarm from sounding. Tried it and yes, it worked. We are pleased so far with this 05' Vue AWD, and it's 3.5 Honda V-6 has plenty of power. But I'm wondering if any of you have experienced a noise coming from underneath that sounds like something is rubbing on something and sounds like a high pitched noise of some sort. It does NOT do it on acceleration, it's most notable when we let off the gas and come to a stop. I'm all but positive it's not a wheel or CV joint bearing, and the brakes don't squeal and I just passed Pa. inspection. I pulled the wheels off myself before inspection and both the front and rear have a lot of life in the pads and shoes. I checked underneath the Vue and shook all exhaust pipes to see if something is loose or rubbing, but found nothing. The other day I even shifted to Neutral while coming down a slight grade and heard nothing at all. And the noise is NOT constant, but it is definitely something! There is less than 49K on this Vue and it was obviously well maintained. Could this noise we're hearing be coming from the Drive Shaft or rear differential? I know this AWD system doesn't kick in until it's needed and the Vue is primarily a FWD car. And this noise does NOT seem to be coming from the front of the vehicle. If any of you can give me a heads-up about this before I go to the dealer or another shop, I'd certainly appreciate it. I'm thinking it's NOT a serious issue, but I really don't like noises so I'd like to get it taken care of ASAP. Many thanks, and have a Blessed day.

bser015 · April 2011

i have a 2006 saturn vue and the air conditioning stopped working a few months ago. I took it into the mechanic to get it looked at, and he said that the compressor was leaking. I was also told that in order to get it fixed it would cost 400-750 dollars after installation costs. I am looking into doing it myself, but have never changed one on an inverted motor before. does anyone have any guidance for doing so? I plan on getting the part from a local place, but just need ideas as to change it. any/all info will be appreciated!

2low4u76 · May 2011

I changed the oil in late February. Last night as I was driving home from work, the engine started to knock. I pulled over to check the oil level. All was good but added one quart for good measure. I proceeded down the freeway again, and again the knocking started. It got louder and harder. Next thing, there was a loud boom and then smoke came from the engine. I barely pulled off the freeway before the car died. Had to get a tow home needless to say. Checked the engine the next day only to find that almost a foot long section fell off the engine block. Which explains the smoke after throwing all the oil out. My question is, what can I do about this as I still have 2 years left on making payments and have no ride. Is it normal to have it break apart like that? Can anyone help with situation

bajjan · June 2011

Did you ever find out what the issue was??? I am now having the same problem with my Saturn Vue.

2low4u76 · July 2011

Just that it threw a rod, and it punched a hole about the size of a shoe in my block wall. Been searching for another engine. I've been told that there are 4 different versions of my engine, but when I call dealer they say just one

442dude · July 2011

Only 1 version of your engine either way, V6 or 4 cyl:

The 4 cyl is better known as the L61

The V6 is known by Honda as the J35

nikkivue · July 2011

congrats if your wife likes to dsrive she will enjoy this suv this baby can move especially if you have j35 motor honda awd is going to be even better the car can handle snow aslo not to much but at least 5inches with no problems put the key in engition right away alarm will stop dearlers can scan new remote or a locksmith but they are costly

desertvue · July 2011

Interior lights go on and off by themselves while I'm driving. Power door locks, lock and unlock by themselves. Thought maybe key fob was acting weird, so I removed the battery and stopped using it. Also, prior to not using the key fob, sometimes when I set the alarm, it would go off shortly after setting. Any thoughts?

442dude · July 2011

2 thoughts:

1 - Body control module is failing
2- Body control Module grounds are corroded causing it to act funny.

Most likely the 1st. Its not an uncommon failure in the Vue - Dealer only repair, about $ 700.00

desertvue · July 2011

I think I like the second thought more...
Thanks!

scubyvu · August 2011

I purchased this car new and it has 64,000 miles on it. It is making noise in passenger side front when slowly accelerating before the auto transmission shifts. At speeds above 45 you can't hear a thing, but when idling at a stop light, the car kind of chugs or stumbles. So we checked to see if maybe the idle pully bearing was bad, or if the new A/C unit we installed this 2 months ago was the problem. An independent dealership said that it was likely the transmission and not wanting to drop it, they suggested that we 1 trade it in or atleast drive it until it was worse. I'm disappointed I like my Vue and have treated it gently over the years thinking I'd get to 100K before ditching it. Let's see new A/C and new tires this year - I really hate to think I'll need a new transmission too.

Does anyone have any inspiration or thoughts? Of course I have a 2.4K business road trip coming up in Oct. and this was to be the designated hauler. So I'm nervous and I'd like to know if it's worth it or if going new is really the best answer.

442dude · August 2011

Here's my .02....

The engine and trans in your Vue were built by Honda and are the same that were used in the Honda Odyssey. Bring your Vue to a Honda dealer and get their opinion. They work on them all the time and have a bunch of experience with them. Its likely something that many of them do and they have likely seen the issue many times before. It may be something very minor.

While there are plenty of "Saturn authorized service centers" at GM dealers that do a reputable job repairing Saturns, I think a Honda dealer will have much more experience with your drivetrain.

Good Luck.....

elderrita · August 2011

I have a 2003 VUE with an automatic transmission. I have had numerous problems; the car has 125,000 miles. When I am driving, usually it happens if I've turned a lot of corners or have to turn the steering wheel multiple times to get out of a tight parking spot, the steering becomes extremely difficult--you can almost not turn the steering wheel. As soon as it happens the "service soon" light comes on.

If I pull over, turn the car off, and wait a while, I can start the car up and it will allow me to drive. Sometimes I can get to my destination, sometimes, it happens again before I get there. I've noticed that that the problem is more pronounced on very warm days or if the car has been in operation for longer than 30 minutes. Also, when I put on the turn signal, the high beams come on for a couple of seconds..not sure if the issue is related. Yesterday, it looks like there was a little smoke coming out of the steering column. I've seen others post similar comments; I would appreciate any guidance you can provide.

bajjan · August 2011

Hi there,

I had the exact problem. :-(

The steering column is bad. You have to take the car to a Saturn dealer and have it replaced as it is dangerous to keep driving the car with this problem.

Not the cheapest fix as it will run close to or just over 2gees. However worth it if you plan to keep driving the car.

elderrita · August 2011

Thanks,

You were right on target. The Saturn dealer said it was the automatic steering motor or something to that affect. I asked if it could be individually replaced, he said in the 2003 model, it came in one piece so you have to replace the entire steering column.

You are right on target.

lovemyvue · September 2011

I have a 2008 Saturn Vue Redline with 50k miles, yesterday I left work and entering the on ramp of the freeway, with the turning of the wheel it felt like the steering column broke free from the connection to the axles to continue to turn the car. The steering became really loose and I ended up pulling over. Once the car was towed, the service shop informed me that the battery was completely dead! I didn't have any warning lights or anything come on in the car informing me of a dead battery. So my question is, because the ENTIRE car is electric under the hood, would the dead battery issue, have caused the power steering to become non responsive while driving? Needless to say...I replaced the battery and it seems to drive good but I was wondering if I should take it to the dealer to run a diagnostic just to be on the safe side? And if thats the case, what do I have them check?

kyfdx · September 2011

When the engine dies, you no longer have power steering.... It's pretty disconcerting.. You can still steer, but the effort goes way, way up.. many people have never driven a car without power steering and mistake the lack of power assist for having no steering at all...

Sound like what might have happened to you..

regards,
kyfdx
(old enough to have owned cars without power steering.. )

gmcustsvc · September 2011

lovemyvue,

I apologize for the issues you are experiencing with your vehicle. If you would like to visit the dealership, I would be happy to locate the nearest dealership for you if you would like.

Thank you,
Caron, GM Customer Service

dirtbikedad · September 2011

My son has 2010 Saturn Vue with the 2.4 4cyl and wants to change his own oil. Where is the filter located? Does he need a special filter wrench to get it off? He bought the new one and it is cartridge instead of the old style can.

442dude · September 2011

The oil filter is on top underneath a black plastic cover. Use a 32mm or 1-1/4" socket to get it open. Make sure that the cartridge "clicks" when he puts it in the cap before putting it back on.

desertvue · September 2011

In the last 2 months or so, my 2004 vue 3.5 V6's idle drops down to 200-300 when the engine is cold when shifted into rev or drive, almost to the point of stalling. After the engine warms, it's not as bad.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks

442dude · September 2011

I would suggest that you 1st try cleaning the throttle body. They tend to collect a bunch of carbon over time. Post back if you need more info.

desertvue · September 2011

I know it's been a couple of years since you posted the problem with your redline transmission... I have an 04 with the v6. I am having the same issue with my transmission that you did. Did you ever get an answer to the problem?

desertvue · September 2011

FANTASTIC!!! I just happened to have a can of throttle body cleaner...
That worked!!

Thanks!

desertvue · September 2011

My 2004 v6 has been shifting into overdrive prematurely. At speeds as low as 35-40 mph it will go into overdrive and the engine sounds like it's lugging. I can step on the throttle and it will downshift but, then goes right back into overdrive. Really damn annoying. I have 140,000 miles and have kept up on all of the maintenance.

442dude · September 2011

Two thoughts:

1 - You mention that you have kept up on all of the maintenance and that is good...when was the last time you changed the trans fluid? Many Honda powered Vue owners change the trans fluid every 25-30000 miles as its really sensitive to having clean fluid.

2 - Mine is a 4 cyl but there was a recall recently for the Vue torque converter, I believe that they reprogrammed the trans to shift at different points and in some cases they replaced the torque converter. I wish I had more info about it but do a little searching and I'm sure you will find information.

desertvue · September 2011

I can't remember the last time I changed the fluid. I had the 100,000 mile service done at the dealer.... maybe the trans fluid was done then? Even so, that would've been over 40,000 miles ago. Jiffy Lube?

442dude · September 2011

Change the fluid 1st - make sure you use Honda Z1 fluid.

Here's a little info: link title

Some will change the fluid 3x over the course of a month as you never really drain out all of it. So by changing 3x over a short period of time you get a lot of new fluid in there. Apparently the Honda trans is sensitive to clean fluid. Also, you can't change the filter unless you open up the trans so just change the fluid. And DON'T get it flushed - the fluid they flush it with will not be Honda Z1 and will likely cause more harm than good.

desertvue · September 2011

Something I can do myself? And where do I get it from?

442dude · September 2011

you can definitely do it yourself...its no more difficult than an oil change...actually easier since all you do is drain it out and refill it with the same amount of new fluid that you drained out of old fluid. You can get the Z1 fluid at any Honda dealer...You may also be able to find it online. Its not inexpensive (~$9 a qt as I understand) but its the fluid that your trans was designed to use.

I don't own one so I can't give too many tips but I bet a quick internet search or 2 will give you all the info that you need.

renee24 · November 2011

I am having some real issues with my 2004 4 cy saturn vue. I bought this car in November 2003 and only have 116K miles on the car. I took the car in for regular service at Saturn until they closed the dealership here. I have been taking it to another GM dealership since then. My issues are as follows. First, there is a deep whirling sound the car makes as soon as I step on the gas and when the car slows down. The sound is still there when I am driving, but not as loud. Then, the car makes this annoying sound when it is in park and in neutral. Also, the car has a knocking sound for about five mins. after the car is cut off. And to top it all off, the rpms jump up now and then when I am driving at a steady speed. Oh, and at about 68 mph, the car starts to shake. I have been looking online about recalls for various parts on my car, but I can't find any. And since saturn no longer exists, the only dealership that looks at my car says that there is only one thing wrong...I need a transmission (which is going to cost me like 6K. I'm tripping cause my car never gave me any problems until the month after they closed the saturn here.

Saturn Vue Maintenance and Repair

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