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This 'service manager' then proceeded to say that he thought the module that controls the transmission was bad. He said that it was located internally, and was very expensive (actually the MOST expensive) to replace since it would require dismantling the trans.. He further stated that this was a problem, since dismantling the trans would necessitate refilling the trans with new fluid, and that would 'damage' the trans since it was not a good idea to put fresh fluid in a trans with this high mileage...I could not respond initially, since i could not believe that was his 'solution'. I told him that the carfax records showed that the previous owner had done all the necessary mileage checkups and recommended services at the dealer in Doylestown since new including tranny services. He stated that the trans 'didn't shift well' now, and that was what he felt was the root problem.
This trans shifts almost seamlessly, it barely can be felt going from gear to gear. The time from shift to shift is smooth and very quick, with no jolts or noises...i can't imagine a better shifting trans, EXCEPT when the ELECTRICAL ISSUES become apparent.
I will contact customer service tomorrow and refer them to this essay. I personally think that a dealer that charges for what they have NOT done is a joke, and think the best course should be for them to ADMIT they have no idea what the issue is-and refund what my friend spent to find out they have no clue. I will take it from there. I have been working on vehicles for over 40 years, and I don't care what the problem is, for this person to first blame a scanner, then say they did not know, THEN say that they'd replace the most expensive module and postulate that it would fail anyway...this person should NOT be advising anyone on vehicle repair.
still going through this, dealer has no clue and has done nothing to even attempt a solution.
I have determined that the u2100 code is always first to set, and it then sets ABS codes before any other. Anyone have any idea where the ABS module is located on this thing???
Find the small black square box (BCM) unplug it, and snap it back in several times. Cured my problems. You can put dielectric grease on the prongs of the BCM box if you wish, but I didn't and it works fine. Anyway, snap it in and out numerous times. Then snap the side panel back in and you are good to go. I understand the Malibu has the same configurations. So should work for both.
Find the BCM module (you will see several fuses and connectors attached to it. Look for the two that appear to be housed by a small plastic harness. Fit a flat head screw driver into the latch, and unlock the plastic harness (it will slide upward over the module). You can then uplug the modules and you'll see numerous tiny thin metal prongs that it snaps onto. Snap it out and then back in several times. Then get some DiElectric grease from you local parts store and take a small paint brush (1/4" type) and swab the grease onto each of the metal prongs. Snap the module in and out several more times, and then snap it in and lock it down. Do the same for the other module. Then put the panel back on and drive it. My problems were cured,hope same for you.
We're sorry to hear that you traded your Saturn, but we understand your decision. If there is anything we can assist you with in the future please let us know.
Amber N.
GM Customer Care
Thanks-- I am happy that the agent you spoke with over the phone was willing to help with your case. Were you by chance given a case number to reference? If so, can you please send me your case number so that I can notify your agent? If you are unsure of your case number feel free to email your full name and VIN to socialmedia@gm.com.
Thanks
Amber N.
GM Customer Care
I can understand your frustration, and apologize that you're having this issue with your Saturn. I can definitely look more into this to see what we can do to help resolve your concerns in a timely matter. Please email me your VIN, exact mileage, contact info and dealership. I look forward to working with you.
Amber N.
GM Customer Care
Where do I find your email to send you that info you requested?
Thank you,
Amber N.
GM Customer Care
I'd be more than happy to look into any recalls for you. Please send me your VIN and current mileage, and I will review any recall information for you prior to your dealership visit. You can reach us by email at socialmedia@gm.com [attn Amber].
Thanks
Amber N.
GM Customer Care
Your help would be much appreciated. I have a 2008 saturn aura and I was recently driving down the rd when all my lights and door locks started going crazy. The car stalled out on me and I had to get a jump and keep the rpm's high to get it home. My mechanic has changed the alternator and says that my computer also has to be replaced. He is insisting that someone had to have touched the computer with the jumper cables at some point to cause this problem. Does this sound like the problem you were having and do you think the dielectric grease will help this?
I put a new battery into a 2008 Saturn Aura today. I didn't pay attention to the fact that the polarity of the posts on the new battery was opposite the polarity on the old battery. So I connected it backwards. Very bad. I apologize to the Saturn gods.
I got visible electrical smoke from beneath the air intake when this happened. Once I had the battery installed correctly, the car runs and all major functions (speedometer, headlights, cruise control, locks and windows) work. Not working: radio, turn signals, charger (nee cig lighter).
Any idea what I fried and how hard it is to replace?
Many thanks.
I purchased my 2008 Saturn Aura XE in June of 2011. Everything was fine for the first 30 days, on day 32 (after the 30 days to return to dealership expired!) the automatic door lock system would no longer lock / unlock the drivers door. Then last summer (2012) occasionally the "check air bag" light would come on. It'd go of after driving a few miles. I had my inspection done (required here in Texas) in April, funny there wasn't any codes that came up about the "check air bag" and then in May my radio started to flash on and off randomly then stop and not do it again for a few weeks, then it happened again about 4 times now and again this summer on really hot days (over 103 degrees) the "check air bag" light came on again and would go off after a few miles. It doesn't always come on, about once or twice a week and once it went off before I even started to drive. Well yesterday my car wouldn't start. I ran 3 errands, every time it started ... no issues, then on the 4th errand, it wouldn't start. Bought a new battery this morning, installed it and it still won't start! The lights come on, the radio, it's getting power, but it won't turn over, don't even hear it trying to start. Nothing, just a click noise when you turn the key. Even tried putting it in neutral and still it won't start. Which is why I ended up here. My car has less than 48,000 miles on it!
Like I said, after reading all these posts, this seems to be a computer issue with Saturn cars. I have downloaded all these post as evidence that this is not just a problem with my car and submitted a complaint to the Texas AGO.
I don't think I or anyone else should have to pay to fix an issue that GM / Saturn is well aware of considering the volume of post on here! I plan on also contacting an attorney to see about starting a class action lawsuit against GM / Saturn.
Sorry to the GM Customer Care people replying here. I am not going to wait for you to tell me I have to pay for a diagnosis at a GM dealership when you are very much aware that there is an issue as it has well been stated here on and a few other websites I found, you've known about it for the past 4 years!!! Why hasn't GM done anything to correct this computer / electronic issue?
Once my car is running again I will be trading it in and I will NEVER EVER buy a Saturn or GM vehicle again. To know something is wrong and not do anything pro-active it not acceptable customer service, nor does it give the impression that GM / Saturn stands behind their products! And don't say well Saturn went out of business and isn't our product. The Malibu is a twin to the Aura!
I am very sorry to hear of your disappointment with your Saturn vehicle, and apologize that your experience has led you to feel this way. If there is anything we can do to help with this situation or if you'd like to start a case with us please feel free to send an email to socialmedia@gm.com.
Regards
Amber N.
GM Customer Care
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I ended up having my car towed to a dealership yesterday. They told the warranty company that there was battery acid on the fuse box which caused the problems. IDIOTS! Battery acid is a liquid. The fuse box sits 1.5" ABOVE the battery and there is a space / gap about 1" between to battery and fuse box. Both the battery and fuse box have covers. So how does a liquid flow up 1.5", across a gap and through two covers? It doesn't! And the old battery had no leaks (easy to get a sworn statement from the store where the new battery was purchased at since I gave them the old battery to dispose of, plus the store has video. Easy to see if there is a leak or any liquids on the battery!) If there was liquid / battery acid, I certainly wouldn't have touched that battery! It can burn your skin!
I am just glad I took detailed pictures of the engine and battery area before my car was towed. I also have pictures of the engine from 2011. And I had my car inspected (Texas law) in late April and NO where did the mechanic note any battery acid or any issue! And I just had 4 new tires put on my car about 6 weeks ago and an oil change. And again NO mention of any battery acid leaking.
I did contacted GM Customer Care. No big surprise they tell me there is no current recall for any technical issues for my car. Total and complete denial that there is an obvious issue with the fuse box center. So many post on here from people who had the SAME issues I experienced. The fuse box is defective! And maybe not all Saturns experience this issue, it could be the plant just got a bad batch of fuse boxes.
Perhaps someone should do some research on all the cars reporting this issue, see which plant the cars were manufactured at and see if they all have the same lot or batch of fuse boxes installed?
I am beyond furious that GM so easily dismisses the fact the fuse box is defective and they refuse to take responsibility for it and be pro-active! That they blame the issue on something else. The only satisfaction is that they were stupid enough to blame it on battery acid! Very easy to prove this is false thanks to pictures and eye witness accounts.
I am a stay at home mom. I got nothing but time on my hand to pursue this. I can be the squeaky wheel that gets the oil!
I will start with creating a new email account so I can email each individual on here and a few other websites posting of this issue to advise them to please report to their state attorney generals office and to NHTSA and I will be contacting an attorney to see about starting a class action law suit. And contacting the media. And creating a FB page where people can post their experience and get updates.
Like a dog with a bone!
For today, I just wait for the car to be repaired. Lets see if the issue is fixed or will it continue? Will post updates.
I am a single mom with no job because I have MS and epilepsy... but I am not stupid, I am sure my car isn't the first that would not crank. How are other cars diagnosed without going into the motor?
Is it all electrical as everyone else, or is it in the motor (skipped timing) or just the computer? Please help! I am willing to join forces with anything needed to get my car fixed, I can not buy a new car, love my car for the most part, but as everyone else need a dependable ride with my kids.
Since then I have had so many issues I don't even know where to begin. From "check engine" light remaining on after several visits to mechanics to pay their fee to do a diagnostic only to have the same issue 2 days later. So, now I don't go anymore for that. The next issue was Power Steering. This happens whenever it feels like it and no one can seem to diagnose that either. I can be driving 5 or 45 miles and all of a sudden the "Power Steering" will flash across the dash and that's it- no more power steering. I've almost been in a couple of accidents with this issue.
Another on-going issue, my "service tire" is always on along with it's blinking "!" in the bottom right that never seems to go away. The newest issue are my brakes! Every year I've had the car I've had to replace the rotors and brake pads. I've changed mechanics, took it to the dealership and now Pep Boys and it doesn't matter, I will need them placed again I'm sure before next year. This March, I bought new brake pads, rotors for the front. Last week, my car began to grind to a stop. What happened to the squeal when the brake pads get low?! Never had that......went straight from stopping to grinding. Thank God Pep Boys honored their warranty and replaced everything again for free just last week. But I'm so tired. Is there anything I can do about this?
If you're interested in having your Saturn repaired at the dealership for any electrical issues we'd be happy to assist. We understand that this problem may frustrating for you and want to help in any way possible. If this interests you, please email me at socialmedia@gm.com [attn Amber]. Please include your name, VIN, current mileage, contact information, and dealership. Please also reference your screen name. Thank you.
Amber N.
GM Customer Care
I need some help. I purchased a Saturn 2008 Aura last year and all I had was problems and recalls. My door locks would go up and down while driving every other day. When it rain it was worst. But when I take it to the shop, then it would stop. They couldn't fix it because they couldn't see the problem. Then my check tire pressure light would come on and off. I took it to the shop, the tire pressure was fine. Then the auto-theft light would come on and off. Traction light would come on and off. Basically the car had a mind of its own. I drove the car about 10 miles October 31, 2013 parked, walked across the street my car became a blaze of fire. The fire department said it started from the engine. This car was a problem from day one. GM said they wouldn't help because in my state the Breach of Warranty Statue of limits ended August 2013 6 years from the time the original owner purchased the Vehicle. I am still paying for this car. GM are so wrong for not protecting our safety. I could have died and that is what it is going to have to take before any action to be brought forth for these unsafe Saturn's Aura. What do you suggest?
Sure, having to replace the battery a couple times was a pain. The key fobs barely working were inconvenient. The brakes got a little scary when driving down a big hill. And the terrible road noise down the highway, and bumpy ride didn't make for a comfortable ride. BUT, when my power steering went out in middle of me turning a corner... well, that was just dangerous! To top it off, my husband inspects the car and can't find anything wrong with it, even though I told him a "ESC power steering" light came on when it happened.
So, with much fear, I drove the car again and it was fine... until today. I was taking my son to school (in the ice and snow), when all of a sudden I didn't have power steering in middle of a turn! I am afraid to drive the car again at this point. When the steering goes out, it is almost impossible to not hit someone. I wish I hadn't traded in my Tahoe for this piece of crap!
I need some help. I purchased a Saturn 2008 Aura last year and my door locks would go up and down while driving every other day then became soo often it would do it every 2 seconds even with the car off.. But when I take it to the shop Traction light would come on and off. Now its been about 4 months that I can start my car up first thing and drive around but when i shut it off i takes 2 hours to 3 hours before i start it again, It has brand new starter i replaced it 4 times thinking it was always bad bought 3 batteries and new O2 sensors all 4 of them and spark plugs. nothing seems to help when i go to mechanic it always works fine. talked to GM and been there 3 times and they act like i am crazy. Even shot a video on my cell phone showing them the problem and they have no clue. I am not the onlyu one who is having this issue and can afford any more money for a mechanic. Any one have any help i am a 29 yr old single dad who need car help.
I had the door lock problem. If you replace the power lock switches the problem is solved. In addition, I had the the original problem in this thread of the rough running and the traction control light coming on. It is a bad fuel injector. Replaced the fuel injectors and the car is now purring like a kitten.
All these post I have read have me so scared. I bought my Saturn Aura in 08 brand new off the lot. Within 2 weeks I had the brakes replaced. Not to mention tons of tires. Also my electrical system started having problems with the radio and so on. Then next came my transmission just gave out and left me and my 3 kids stranded so I had that replaced. Then My breaks went out again!!! WTH.. Here I am still trying to pay it off, and I have sunk over 4000 into it in the last 3 months to different vast variety of things. Now I just bought 2 more new tires and had them put on at GMC and now I seen a new problem. I had the low traction and then the traction service esc light come on and it felt like it was dragging almost and losing power but then stopped. Also I had a brand new battery put in a few months back...cables and connection are fine according to GMC but yet sometimes my car just won't start. I have been disappointed from the beginning. Here I am about to make an hour trip with the family and I am terrified to drive it. The worst car I have ever bought. Also only place to service it is GMC but it seems like everytime they fix something within a week I am back in there. Stressed
I currently own a 2007 Saturn Aura XE, I bought it brand new off the lot. I have had very few problems, just normal maintenance of brakes, tires and two new batteries since the purchase, until recently. In November I took the car to the dealership, with 85,000 miles, because there was a strange noise from the front wheel wells'. I was told that the tie-rod was nearly broken in half and needed to be replaced. That was all fine, had the tie-rod replaced and it ran great. The next time I had my oil changed the dealership told me I should have my fuel system flushed and that it would give me better performance and better gas mileage. I agreed to have the system flushed and one week letter the check engine light came on. I took the car back to the dealership and they told me that one of the two catalytic converters needed to be replaced. My car never lost power, never died, did not even sound different. I took the car to an independent mechanic and was told the same thing, that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. I had the catalytic converter replaced and 3 days later the check engine light came back on. Took the car to a different dealership and it has now been there for nearly 5 weeks. They keep trying different things and nothing seems to work. They have had the manifold off, all 6 fuel injectors have now been replaced, and now they are trying other things. Anyone know what the issue might be? Data from the car's computer was even sent to GM headquarters in Detroit and they are the one's who recommended the fuel injectors be replaced.
My husband's2008 Aura is having most of the same issues listed here. Has anyone solved the electrical issues that are definitely not caused by he battery or alternator? Did anyone ever have this resolved with GM? Did anyone try the recommendation from "bigrin" from dec. 2013 and have it work for them?