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Looking forward to an update,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
Good Luck
Sarah
GM Customer Service
Best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
Even with the padlock lit the car should crank if the battery is ok, it just won't keep running. Post back - I'll check in.
Good Luck
Please send us an email (located in my Edmunds profile if you were to click on my username) with your name and Edmunds username, contact information (phone and address, please), the last 8 digits of your VIN and current mileage, and the name of your preferred dealership.
Regards,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
I have a doa 2006 Vue 4 cyl. Initially had zero compression from jumped timing chain. Replaced timing chain and lower sprocket. Has good compression now in all 4 luckily and does well on individual cyl. leakdown test. Cranks over good, tries to start like it is hitting on 1 or 2 but won't start. Holds over 60 psi fuel pressure during cranking. Pulled injector rail and verified pulsed fuel spray out of all 4 injectors while cranking. All 4 injectors have identical internal resistance and open and close good under fuel pressure during manual test with jumper wires. Have checked all spark plugs and verified good spark out of all 4 coils with an auxillary wire and spark tester. Replaced crankshaft pos sensor. Strong gas smell after cranking. Did the 30 min. 3 step passlock reset procedure. No "padlock on car" light on dash, just wrench light. Have disconnected battery repeatedly. Pulled, checked, replaced fuses for the computer modules, fuel, ign, etc.
I have ordered an Autech AL-510 scanner but have not yet done anything to diagnose the computer system.
I have read in here where this symptom of just "trying to start" is common so I'm thinking the computer is keeping it from starting somehow.
Can the code scanner help with a dead car where the codes are wiped out?
Does disconnecting the battery actually wipe out ALL codes?
Does trying different things to start it set erroneous codes?
Can I use a timing light hooked up to #1 coil to check if the spark is occuring where it should be? I know I would have to find TDC #1 firing stroke and make a mark on crank pully to do this.
Does the computer alter the timing to keep it from starting somehow?
I am using a Haynes manual for this car and comprehensive mechanics tools.
Thanks in advance for your "expert" input but please don't ask questions that I have already answered in my lenghty description of the situation.
AAA saved me towing and a hefty dealer repair price AND Salvo provided great customer service and a $14.70 part price. Great start to a New Year!
I'm new to Edmunds and also new to Saturn product line. My son recently totaled my car so I 'm in search of a replacement and saw a 2007 Vue Hybrid for sale. I was not able to find out more about how this particular implementation of hybrid is being done and/or what are the most likely parts it will need to be replace as the car get older (it's 6 yrs old already). Most importantly the cost to fix as I read some of the comments/reviews in Edmunds, seems to be expensive items. Like stuts, steering, ignition etc ... I also saw there's actually a GM rep monitor this forum ... which I think it's great that they can have first hand knowledge of what users are experiencing and consider important.
I would like to get an opinion from someone give me some pointers ... a private seller asking for $12,500 with 42K miles on 2007. What should I be prepare to pay for maintanence? I'm expecting to take it to at least 120K (if possible that is).
Thanks in advance.
Here's my opinion: Try to find a 2006-2007 2007 NON Hybrid with the 4cylinder and automatic trans (AVOID 2002-2004 4cylinder automatics - its a long story, just trust me)
The hybrid system has been quirky and due to its design doesn't achieve the lofty MPGs that you would hope for anyway. The 4 cylinder without the hybrid system will give MPGs in the mid 20s and is a solid if simple drivetrain.
The front suspension is typically where you will spend your repair $...the factory OEM struts aren't very good, nor are the strut bearings or swaybar links...some have replaced wheel bearings as well but this seems more prevalent in the rust belt states so depending on where you live you may or may not have a problem...The OEM brake rotors are known to be prone to warping...the permanent fix is to replace them with a name brand that is not AC Delco and you solve the problem. That's how I fixed it on both of my GM cars.
The 2006-2007 has a nicer interior than the earlier models and is also quieter in the cabin...
IMHO $12,500 for a 2007 Vue is kind of high, even with 42K miles...I bet you could do better with some more looking around and by not buying the hybrid version. Saturn resale values are the pits since they're not around anymore...you may not care since you're looking to hold on to it anyway, but that should allow you to get a better deal up front.
BTW - the Vue has a BAS hybrid system...Here's a link to learn more about how it works: link title
Best of luck - feel free to post back with any other questions...I hope I've helped...BTW - I've owned my 2004 Vue (4cylinder/5 speed manual trans) for the past 5 years so I can give you more insight if you need.
Best of luck with your shopping...keep looking, you'll find a 2006-2007 that works for you - they built and sold a lot of them....
:shades:
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO READ EVEN IF YOU SKIP THE REST:
Do not under any circumstances purchase a 2002-2005 4 cylinder Vue with an automatic transmission. This transmission has been VERY prone to failure and you'll be lucky to get 6 months out it. Google "saturn VTI transmission" if you don't believe me and read the horror stories. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT...most used car dealers know this and will do almost anything to get you to buy one of these...Don't fall for it!
That being said: the 4 cylinder automatics in the 2006-2007 model year were much better units and are as reliable as anything on the road. They are a little more expensive b/c they are newer but well worth it.
OK, we got that out of the way - Here's everything else you need to know:
The 04 Vue was offered with a 4 cylinder and a manual transmission, this has been a very reliable combination. The shifter isn't the best so if you've never driven one before its a tough one to learn on. If you like manual transmissions, you'll enjoy this one though. You'll get MPGs in the mid 20s and although its not the fastest ride on the street, you won't have any trouble keeping up with traffic. And the 4cylinder will give you all it has right up to the redline! There are plenty of these that went over 200,000 miles with few repairs. One weak spot has been the clutch slave cylinder which is an expensive part to replace...but this is much more common on pre-2004 manual transmission models.
There was also a 6 cylinder/automatic transmission offered. It is a Honda engine and transmission. Same as they used in the Odyssey. Very reliable and some report it gets better MPGs than the 4 cylinder, especially on the highway. You will have to change the timing belt and water pump every 90,000 miles - about an $800.00 job, but otherwise, very few issues with this combo. If you're looking at one with more than 90,000 miles, ask to see the service receipt that shows the timing belt being changed. Expect to pay a little more for the 6 cylinder as the word is out that GM bought it from Honda and that its a good unit. One caveat though: the transmission is really picky about clean fluid. Expect to change it every 25,000 miles for best performance. There have also been some torque converter issues with these but all in all its been a good unit.
4 and 6 cylinder models were also offered with All Wheel Drive. The unit that they used in the Vue is a very lightweight unit and is known to need repairs from time to time, especially with the driveshaft and driveshaft bushing. If you don't REALLY need AWD...don't get it as its just one more system to break. I don't have it on mine but they say it doesn't work too well anyway...
The weak points in the 04 Vue are certainly the front brakes and front suspension system, regardless of which model. The front brake rotors tend to warp rather quickly...this is easily remedied by NOT using the AC Delco parts but instead by replacing them with quality aftermarket parts.
The front suspension also has some issues: The front OEM struts are not good units and will be shot by 70,000 miles if not sooner. And they're noisy too. There are also reported issues with the front swaybar links being noisy - fortunately they are inexpensive to replace.
I won't mention styling as that's really subjective but is should be said that the 2004+ Vues are a lot quieter in the cabin than the earlier ones. There was also an appearance and interior upgrade on the 2006-2007 models.
Since you like the Vue...also consider looking at the Chevrolet Equinox and the Pontiac Torrent. They are built on the same platform and are similar in size and have much nicer interiors than the Vue.
I hope this helped - please feel free to post back with any questions.
All the Best!!! :shades:
I hope is not expensive since I am in my last semester of student teaching and have not had a job this whole year!
What happened to your Vue is a very unusual event. The fuse box caught fire because something shorted to ground.
Most electrical circuits are well designed and will trip a breaker or blow a fuse if shorted.
Saturn vehicles do not simply explode or do what you experienced.
How could this happen? My first guess would be the car would probably be
classified as a total for insurance purposes.
Fuse boxes do not simply over heat without some one changing the fuse values or adding a un fused cable.
My suggestion is write that vehicle off and find a safer SUV. We owned Saturn's for 12 years and they do not have any electrical or mechanical problems. They are serviced as per the manufactures manual.
That car is ten years old. Saturn cars have a better reputation then a fuse box melting. Be careful who you have selected to repair that Vue. :sick:
Suggestions? Others with same issue? Hadn't had any real issues with car until this all started......
Thanks!
I apologize for your frustrations and inconvenience. Please keep me updated on what happens at the dealer. Please feel free to email me directly at SocialMedia@GM.com. Please include your VIN, current mileage, and Edmunds username. I look forward to hearing from you.
Christina
GM Customer Service
I have one of those V6s and it's refusing to start when hot, after say a 13 mile drive here in the deep South. Mine is a 2003 Vue, automatic. It has an aftermarket catalytic converter, but my trusted mechanic says there is nothing wrong with those.
Had this about 3.5 year, 150,000 miles. After cooling down maybe 20+ minutes it starts right back up. No obvious electrical problems: all interior and dashboard functions are normal. Firestone mechanic found a loose battery cable after the first time and did a corrosion control service on it, and checked out the charging system etc. All checks OK.
It did it again yesterday evening: 3rd time. Am i probably looking at a module?
I am the owner of a saturn vue. Got it at a car auction so right off the bat I knew I was taking a risk. I bought the car in Febraury. Ran fine did awesome then about 3months ago the gas gauge just stopped workin. I figured I just bought some bad gas somewhere. After about 2 weeks it started working again. In the meantime it started to die on me at stop lights no often maybe once a week. Well it has gotten worse now. Dying everyday on me everyday now, when I am at red lights or when it is in reverse. My father had thought it was vapor locking but we dont think so now. We are thinking it is the crankshaft position censor. Fuel pump is good, spark plugs are good so im just asking for any help thanks!!
Now the car won't even start!! I despise this car and I despise GM even more for ripping people off, this car obviously has problems, so why sell it?????
We're sorry that your new Vue has been problematic (although our congratulations on your first child!). Are you working with your GM dealership on getting this addressed? If so, we're happy to follow up on this with you! We can be contacted at socialmedia@gm.com (include your name and Edmunds username, phone and address, the last 8 of your VIN and current mileage, and the name of your involved dealership).
Sarah, GM Customer Service
any ideas what to do ? besides junk the car and take the 5,000 loss .....
2002 saturn vue 2.2 automatic
Before you throw parts at it you should get the codes read to find out whats causing the service engine light...if you post the error codes it makes it easier to help you too. Will keep an eye out...
I have a 2003 Saturn Vue 3L automatic, and I have owned this Saturn for 10 years - it has 185K miles on it and has had little problems until now (although last year the ignition lock cylinder had to be replaced). I can get the engine to crank, but not turn over. It has been in two different shops, one being a GM dealership that is the only place that services Saturns anymore, and no one has been able to diagnose the problem. They performed a loaded battery test, a voltage drop load test - no problem found with the battery (only 1year old) and started every time at the dealer. We bring it home, it ran for two days, and this morning the same thing happened! As an owner of two Saturns (the first was an SL1) I have constantly heard complaints about the electrical and computer systems in these vehicles, and I think I've finally had it. Why can't they recall ALL these cars???
Amber N.
GM Customer Care
I HAVE A 2004 SATURN VUE 2.2L.First issue was BUT TEANSMISSION GAVE OUT THANKS TO GOD A HAD WARRANTY AND STILL I PAID $1500 out of pocket.Then the 2 issue was ignition key that had a RECALL AND WAS TAKING CARE OF.THEN A PROBLEM WITH IGNITION COIL MODULE,HAD IT REPLACED.THEN CENTER LIGHT WON'T TURN OFF,Couldn't find PROBLEM so I took off bulb.Now my car starting backfiring,so I changed sparks plugs and ignition control module.NOW THE CAR DOESN'T START AFTER LEAVING KEY ON POSITION.CHANGED BATTERY NOTHING,CHANGED STARTER NOTHING.DID THE TEST,NOTHING.
ANY SUGGESTION.?