Saturn Aura Electrical / Computer Problems?

kcgates · August 2014

I'm currently having some of the same issues with my 2008 saturn aura xr. I bought the car with 90,000 miles on it in April 2013, the same night I bought the car the door locks didn't work. I called the dealership they said bring it in they will fix it. Made so I could lock unlock the car from inside or with my key but my alarm wouldn't lock the car. Now the alarm unlocks the car and opens trunk but nothing else. 3 weeks after I bought the car my check engine light, service esc & traction control would randomly come on and off. I took it back to dealership they said nothing was wrong with it but at the time the check engine light wasn't always on it would go on and off. A month later it came back on and this time the car turned off and immediately back on causing the entire car to jolt forward like the car was trying to get back into gear while I was driving it onto the freeway. The gas gage went all the way down said I had low fuel, even though I had almost a full tank, my rpm, mph, all my gages started going crazy jumping up and down & every light on the dash flashed at me. It was so scary. I was 6 months pregnant with my 2 year old in the back seat and I had no idea what had just happened to my car or what to do. I wish I would have gotten rid of the car then. This time I didn't trust the dealership I bought the car from so I found a saturn specialist in my area and took the car to him. Only to have him tells me it was cylinder 4 & 6 misfiring. So we paid $2600 to have them fix all kinds of stuff on our car. Replaced all our spark plugs, head gasket, valve covers, lifters, new tires, balanced out tires & just tune up on everything and anything that could possibly be wrong to fix the car. We got our car back and it ran great for a whole month before the same things started happening only this time we also had the great pleasure of dealing with our ignition lock light coming on and it mostly likes to come on while I'm driving making so I can't get out of first gear. When it does that I have to allow the car to cool down, which means I just wait anywhere from 30 minutes to over 6hrs for it to start again. Once even when we could get it started it turn off and on so bad and the ignition lock light would come on right away so we could not get the car out of first gear. We had it towed from my work to a pep boys, they said so many codes were coming up that they couldn't do anything there for my car said I needed to have it towed to a gm dealership. I had it towed to nearest dealership, the dealership reset the computer so they could diagnose the car but when they did that nothing showed up. We paid Hendricks Chevrolet twice to diagnose our car because I knew there was something wrong with it but they had me pick up my car saying check engine light wasn't on and there was nothing they could do unless it came back on. I picked the car up and the next day the check engine light came on along with everything else. So we took it to another Chevrolet dealership. They told me it was cylinder 6 misfiring and I may need a new or rebuilt engine. I said no way I just fixed all that stuff it can't be that and I took it back to the dealership I bought it from. They sent my car to a gm dealership where they said they fixed the issue which was replacing head gasket and basic tune up. They said they fixed my locks but I can't lock my with my alarm only unlock it and my keyless remote start button makes the alarm go on it doesn't start the car and warm it up like it's supposed to. I got my car back almost a month later and I could tell it was not fixed but they said it was and the check engine light was off and It was drivable at that time so there's was nothing any shop could do. That was last week. Now my cars in my drive way and I'm terrified to even drive down the street in it. It has never been this bad. Ignition light came on first then service esc then the car started turning on and immediately back on while I was driving it. But I can't even drive down the street now before the car turns off then back on, the gas tells me it's empty but it's not then the gas needle starts jumping up and down along with all the other stuff on my dash like the car doesn't know what to do. It jolts forward getting back into gear and I lose my power brakes and steering when it turns off then back on it's terrifying. I need to get my car to the dealership I bought it from but I've moved 400 miles away from where I was living when I bought the car and I don't have the money to tow my car 400 miles. The dealership is saying they can't come get the car I have no way to get it to them but to drive it and there's is no way I can drive my car 30 miles safely let alone 400 miles. My issues happen mainly when it's really hot outside, now it's all the time but it's worse when it's over 100 degrees outside so I'm not sure if that has something to do with it but something is wrong with this car and no one can tell me what is wrong. I'm scared I'll die driving that car and I've called the dealership and saturn customer service line. I have a case number or claim number from gm whatever it is but no one is calling me back. I have two kids in rear facing car seats in the back seat and I can't have them in that car because it's unsafe for not only my kids and myself but other drivers that are on the road. It's my only car I have no other way of getting to work and I have two kids. I need a car and I pay my car payment every month on time for a car that I can barely drive and no one can even tell me what the issue is to fix what's going on with my car. If anyone knows what it could possibly be please let me know what you think or what could fix the issue if anyone has had a similar issue. I'm just at a complete loss now on what to do to fix a car that no one can even tell me what's wrong with and when they do "fix" whatever problem they say it is, less than a month later the cars always worse than when I took it in. When the car is running I love it. I wish they could fix it but at this point I don't even trust that car can be fixed. I wish gm would help the people that are having major issues that could possibly cause an accident.

Kirstie_H · August 2014

A reporter would like to speak to an owner of a GM car who has had a recent experience with a dealer service department during recalls. If you own a GM car, even one that was not included in the recent recalls, and you've been able to make a service appoint with no problem, or if the recalls have complicated your ability to make a service appointment, please send your daytime contact info to pr@edmunds.com no later than Wednesday, Aug 6, 2014 at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET.

meh54 · August 2014

I just took my 09 Aura (purchased in 2012) to Haley GMC on Friday Aug. 15th the for a recall fix. I have approx. 80,000 miles on the car and the last 8#'s of the vin are 9F103608. I told them the esc traction control light comes on intermittently and Onstar recommended I have it serviced within 7 days. Also I mentioned that recently my key fob starting behaving badly.(changed the batteries twice) I only ever used one of them but took them both in to the dealership to be checked. $180.00 for both of them. I was also told a diagnostic check was run for the traction control light and he thought he fixed it but then the light came on again and another diagnostic check would have to be run. That's $80.00 per test! I think the second diagnostic should be on the dealership if he thought he fixed it the first time. After reading through these other comments, I don't have a good feeling. I love my car, it drives great, it's comfortable and roomy, has a great audio system. The only thing I ever disliked about this car are the cloth seats. They were clean when I purchased the car and I have had to them cleaned since but old stains keep coming back. Even rain leaves watermarks on the seats.

gmcustsvc · August 2014

We certainly recognize your frustration, meh54, and we're sorry to hear the dealership was unable to correct this issue the first time. If you'd like for us to reach out to them to explore possible options for you, please private message us your VIN, contact information and dealership name. We're also available by email at socialmedia@gm.com.

Amber N.

GM Customer Care

@meh54 said:
I just took my 09 Aura (purchased in 2012) to Haley GMC on Friday Aug. 15th the for a recall fix. I have approx. 80,000 miles on the car and the last 8#'s of the vin are 9F103608. I told them the esc traction control light comes on intermittently and Onstar recommended I have it serviced within 7 days. Also I mentioned that recently my key fob starting behaving badly.(changed the batteries twice) I only ever used one of them but took them both in to the dealership to be checked. $180.00 for both of them. I was also told a diagnostic check was run for the traction control light and he thought he fixed it but then the light came on again and another diagnostic check would have to be run. That's $80.00 per test! I think the second diagnostic should be on the dealership if he thought he fixed it the first time. After reading through these other comments, I don't have a good feeling. I love my car, it drives great, it's comfortable and roomy, has a great audio system. The only thing I ever disliked about this car are the cloth seats. They were clean when I purchased the car and I have had to them cleaned since but old stains keep coming back. Even rain leaves watermarks on the seats.

asam82 · August 2014

Hello I have a saturn aura 09 and I am having a problem with code p1682, the computer was replaced and reprogrammed, the ignition sensor was replaced, the body throttle sensor was also replace, the wires were checked and the relays were changed and still have the same problem.
The car will just lose power, the check engine light will come on, esc, power reduce, low traction will appear.
Please let me know if you have any idea of what can cause the problem and how can I fix it because it is very frustrating, I am dealing with this problem for the past 4 months, thank you.

Mr_Shiftright · August 2014

Sounds like you need a better diagnostician at the wheel here. if this problem is recurring all the time, the mechanic should be able to 'freeze' the data on his scanner and analyze the various inputs he is reading from various sensors and modules.

gmcustsvc · August 2014

Hi asam82,
We recognize you've made a few repairs, however you're still having trouble with your Saturn Aura. We apologize for your frustration and would be happy to look further into this for you on our end. If interested, please private message us your VIN and mileage.

Thank you

Amber N.

GM Customer Care

@asam82 said:
Hello I have a saturn aura 09 and I am having a problem with code p1682, the computer was replaced and reprogrammed, the ignition sensor was replaced, the body throttle sensor was also replace, the wires were checked and the relays were changed and still have the same problem.
The car will just lose power, the check engine light will come on, esc, power reduce, low traction will appear.
Please let me know if you have any idea of what can cause the problem and how can I fix it because it is very frustrating, I am dealing with this problem for the past 4 months, thank you.

MRG_Calsonsin · November 2014

MRG_Calsonsin: Hello I have a saturn aura XR 07 and I am having a problem on daily basis for the last couple of weeks.
Car wont start after 3 attempts finally got started. Checked, battery terminal cable connectors got cleaned, and then the car started without problems. Drove the car to AutoZone in Pico Rivera and Fernando a customer service, tested both my alternator and battery, both tested good. Few hours later received couple messages on the driver cluster on for "Air bags" and the other one was for a "traction is off" On the past already experienced several electrical problems and took my
car to the Cerritos, California GMC-Penske, paid $119.00 to ran diags. The service advisor informed that my radio was coded and that's way the radio does not turn on. Prior to take the car to the dealer replaced the battery and when the dealer ran the diags and declined to replace my radio, the service writer gave me the car keys, but the car wont start it, so they have to jump start my car. I, called the GMC in Chicago, Ill. and talked to a customer service and mentioned of lal the problems that I was experiecing with my 2007 Saturn-Aura, but I was told that there is no "Recalls" for any Electronic-Computer issues.
It's very frustrating, I am dealing with car electronics issues for the last two years! I, can't trust this car for long distance
trips car is unreliable and get nothing but troubles. A mechanich in my neighborhood, advise to follow-up with GMC and check if they have any new software to download to my 2007 Saturn Aura to clear any possible Computer Software Bug on the car. Really appreciate for any advice or help. Thank you.

micheleinez · November 2014

It's the ECM (engine control module). The Brain of the car. I had the same issues and read this entire forum and talked to the Lord Jesus Christ even. Finally ordered the part. Myself. Had the Chevrolet dealership install it ( plugs in under something). One hour to plug in but needs to be programmed to the car with your VIN. Can takes 2 hours to do that needs GM authorized computer sme codes irreparable so you can still expect to see funky engine light speaker glitches occasional drag on power when accelerating general you now have a hoopty but the car will probably go another 80000 miles with just normal maintenance. Got my ECM at Qualityautoparts.com for $120 then repair shop charged $160 diagnostic and 650 labor. Get good gas it helps after that
Michele Kuperus
East Palo Alto CA

09aura · November 2014

I have an 09 Aura with 80K. The check engine light, service esc & traction control message will randomly come on and when it does the car runs different, it is "jerky" like it cant make up its mind what it wants to do. I have taken it to the dealer and they can not duplicate the issue. The light was on when I got to the dealer and they found a code for the fuel injector 1 circuit, but the technician has driven the vehicle for 35 miles with no issues. I am getting very frustrated with this issue, the message and light have came on at least 12 times since Oct 5th. I understand they can not fix what they can not diagnose, but I am close to losing my warranty and I need it fixed!
Any help with this issue is appreciated...Paul

Mr_Shiftright · November 2014

So they didn't nothing about the fuel injector circuit? Certainly a random misfire from a malfunctioning injector or injector circuit would cause your symptoms.

teammom3 · November 2014

I have a 2009 Aura. A few days ago the check engine light came on but went off within a few hours. Tonight, I stopped to get gas and the car wouldn't start again. It made a weird clicking noise and the "service ESC message followed by the Traction message" came up. The radio and interior lights came on brightly so I didn't think it was the battery. Should I take the car directly to the dealership or will a regular mechanic be able to fix it? I also got a notice about a recall and was told I'd be notified when the part comes in but I have not been notified as of yet.

Mr_Shiftright · November 2014

You could still be having battery/alternator issues. It takes very little voltage to light up the dashboard, but many times more to turn the starter motor. So a very weak nearly dead battery can light up a dashboard.

pam428 · November 2014

Wow, I am not the only person that is having electrical problems with their car. My power door locks do not work. The two remotes do not work. If I open any door but the driver's side door, the alarm automatically goes off. When I open the driver's side door, I get a series of beeps telling me I better get the key in the ignition before the alarm goes off.

Plus, I had engine problems over the summer. I spent almost a $1000 because the engine was leaking oil. It came close to over heating, even though the meter never told me so.

GM, if you could contact me, I would appreciate it.

gmcustsvc · November 2014

Pam428, we're sorry to hear you're experiencing this concern with your vehicle. We you’d like to reach out to a dealer in your area to look into this further. All we would need is for you to private message including your VIN, dealership name and contact info. I look forward to working with you.

Marlea W.
GM Customer Care

joeoldendick · March 2015

2007 Saturn Aura XR - when its wet outside RAIN or melting snow I get an array of different errors. 10 months ago I got an error that the traction needed to be serviced. I was told the speed sensor had to be replaced...AAA/Bob Sumerel reset this error (Which I think is illegal)...and I haven't seen the errror again until yesterday (10 months later we have had a lot of snow in Cincinnati...and it started melting yesterday)...

So this looks like some kind of sunroof/water leak

joeoldendick · March 2015

Turned car on this morning...drove it around my apartment complex parking lot....NO MESSAGES, NO ERRRORS.....so I took it out on the main road...drove around about 35mph....NO PROBLEMS.....

So I took it out on the expressway.....started driving with traffic...and BAM!!!!! SERVICE TRACTION - ENGINE POWER LIMITED.....car immediately lost power and slowed down....I was almost rear ended by a truck.

took the car home....parked it....about an hour later...took the dog out....started car... "NO ERRORS...NO WARNINGS"....What the heck is going on?

I bought this car January 2014 and have put on less than 11,000 miles on it...I have just under 68,000 miles on it.

2007 Saturn Aura XR.

Unfortunately I have had a dream the last 3 months that I am on the expressway...this error occurrs and a semi destroys the car...and this initiates a recall that saves hundreds of lives...

saturnal · June 2015

There already is a recall that might apply to you. If you have an ECV/Traction Control light coming on, you might have other odd symptoms including your brake lights staying on, etc caused by a corroded connector.
Recall: https://www.automd.com/recall/campaign_c103677/

Anyone and I mean anyone can fix this themselves in about 45 seconds with their bare hands and a small jar of vaseline.
Watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7RA7Mc_tLo

middles1 · September 2015

meh54 said:

I just took my 09 Aura (purchased in 2012) to Haley GMC on Friday Aug. 15th the for a recall fix. I have approx. 80,000 miles on the car and the last 8#'s of the vin are 9F103608. I told them the esc traction control light comes on intermittently and Onstar recommended I have it serviced within 7 days. Also I mentioned that recently my key fob starting behaving badly.(changed the batteries twice) I only ever used one of them but took them both in to the dealership to be checked. $180.00 for both of them. I was also told a diagnostic check was run for the traction control light and he thought he fixed it but then the light came on again and another diagnostic check would have to be run. That's $80.00 per test! I think the second diagnostic should be on the dealership if he thought he fixed it the first time. After reading through these other comments, I don't have a good feeling. I love my car, it drives great, it's comfortable and roomy, has a great audio system. The only thing I ever disliked about this car are the cloth seats. They were clean when I purchased the car and I have had to them cleaned since but old stains keep coming back. Even rain leaves watermarks on the seats.

middles1 · September 2015

I too, have a 2009 Saturn aura. For the last month and for several months prior to this I have not had my vehicle for more than two days. It's been sitting in the shop for the same problem. The check engine light comes on the ESC control light comes on, And the traction alarm goes off. When it's in this mode the car engine feels like it's going to stall but to date has not.

This has been the most frustrating experience with s vehicle. I loved this car until I took it in for a scheduled recall repair. The day I picked it up I got no farther than 3 miles and it started this chain reaction of codes check engines etc. No one can seem to figure out what the problem is and this is been going on for months but this last month has been the most frustrating. Yes they've given me a loaner to use, but that's not the issue! My car only has 60,000 miles on it and I had hope to have it for many years to come. However, I don't think that's going to happen because after five or six service calls for the same issue and 700+ dollars later no one can give me an answer as to what's wrong with the car. It is extremely frustrating. Help! I need guidance from someone

middles1 · September 2015

asam82 said:

Hello I have a saturn aura 09 and I am having a problem with code p1682, the computer was replaced and reprogrammed, the ignition sensor was replaced, the body throttle sensor was also replace, the wires were checked and the relays were changed and still have the same problem.
The car will just lose power, the check engine light will come on, esc, power reduce, low traction will appear.
Please let me know if you have any idea of what can cause the problem and how can I fix it because it is very frustrating, I am dealing with this problem for the past 4 months, thank you.

middles1 · September 2015

I too have the same issues and have been dealing with them for the last five months for the past month I've had a loaner car and they've been searching and searching and searching trying to figure out what is causing this problem and still have not figured it out. This is by far the most frustrating experience I have ever had with a car and I would think long and hard before buying another GM product for which I have had all my life. If anyone has an answer to this problem please respond. I've already spent 700+ dollars trying to figure out this issue and I only have 60,000 miles on my car!

autophile75 · March 2016

@ericbrown I have an '07 Aura XR that experienced the problem you describe. In addition to the timing belt replacement, I ended up having the transmission rebuilt subject to a recall. The recall work will be done for free by a GM dealer up to 150K miles. I hope that helps.

2009batdrain · November 2017

Oh boy where to begin?
Well first the battery was draining as the power locks were going up and down like machine guns, i took the fuse out no more power locks but the battery wad still dieing so i bought a new battery all wad good for a week , mind you i have a 1000 watt amp on my 4 subs yes that iw whay most would blame the battery drain on . this had been going on for 4 months now btw, after rewireing the amp only to come oncwith the key in the in position i still have the dame problem i haf to get a jump the ladt e mornings so after work today icput q DMM meter oncthecbattery to check current draw the 1000 watt amp was not an issue took all the fuses out still had a 2.1 amp draw after moving the fuae box around it went down to .16 amps normal but after a while it would come back to 2.1 amp draw . i am at the point of tearing out the fusebox next this is the one next to the battery bth i have a 2009 aura xe and it wad great till now i1 k miles on it only other problem ia a bad right rear tire sensor .
Ill post back when i dig deeper into the fuse box.

Mr_Shiftright · November 2017

Why don't you pull fuses one by one when you're registering the 2 amp draw?

08auraesc · January 2018

Ok.. Im having the same issues as a lot of you here. Service esc message rendering my vehicle useless. Has anyone figured out whats going on? My issue was caused by a battery being put in backwards and a puff of smoke came out. Changed battery and alternator with no luck. Please help walking in michigan winters to get to work is no fun... Message me on FB if you have any info....FB: sergio betancourt holland michigan

transman1956 · May 2018

I have been reading all the post about 09 Saturn aura service esc and gauges' quit working. has anyone ever figured out what is the cause of this problem Thanks

Mr_Shiftright · May 2018

There is generally no one cause for this type of problem, since ESC is a system, not one thing.

If you can't find anyone competent enough to diagnose and repair your problem, take a look at the following website, which lists the 'best of the best" technicians who are well-trained to deal with this.

Use the tab "repair shops" and, hopefully, there will be someone listed within driving distance to help you.

Good luck with this!

http://www.iatn.net/

Amcfac · October 2018

I can’t believe after all this time no one has found a fix for these recurring problems. After every complaint, the same post is made about contacting them about your visit to the dealership but never once have I seen a post that says...sure, we have a fix for that problem. Just sad. I guess I can say I’m a little luckier than some because the Service Traction light/Engine light didn’t start coming on until later with around 115,000 miles on it.

When I first purchased the car, shortly after I had to replace the transmission that left me sitting in traffic but at least I got that repaired under warranty. Then I started noticing minor repairs were kind of ridiculous. It started to make sense as why they would make a car that would normally seem to have a simple fix, to you might need to take that to the dealership now to take care off...$$$ to stop from going belly up. Here’s one example. Headlight goes out...replace the bulb right, simple. Oh nooo, $13 fix is now going to cost you $200 because we need to remove the entire bumper to install the bulb...so you better replace both while you have it off! I started to have problems with the door locking. You would lock and set the alarm with the fob but it wouldn’t lock the back door so when someone would open the door to get back in thinking you’ve unlocked it with the fob but only you hadn’t because the key fob isn’t working now, the door would open and the alarm would be triggered. So after no fix to that problem I just started to lock the back door manually and then the rest with the fob to set the alarm which became a hassle because when you tried to use the fob to unlock the doors than that wouldn’t work for the back door and it’s too far from the front to reach in to unlock to put groceries in so you would have to crawl in from the other side to unlock the door. I just gave up on it just like the fob has 99% of the time. After reading all these post and money spent it’s not the fobs fault, it’s an electrical problem. Now I just do it old school with locking the doors and using a key to unlock drivers side door.

Back to the jerky pain of the Service Traction...code reads 1st fuel injector replacement. So let’s get this problem fixed so I don’t have to keep coming back right so I think let’s just replace the fuel filter at the same time but only there isn’t one. So now I’m like let’s just replace all 4 injectors because with nothing to filter it they are probably all dirty. Car runs good for 2 months with no warning lights and then it’s back to regular scheduled program...cars jerking and Service Traction & Engine light is back on. Code reads same...1st fuel injector. Who can afford to replace them every 2 months. So did a fuel injection system cleaning and replace injectors...guess what, same day after repairs back at it again. I give up! No one knows how to fix the Traction or the injectors! It has 123,000 miles on so I’m not dumping anymore money into it if they don’t know how to fix it. I’m not interested in playing the guessing game with parts at my expense. So i’ll just keep driving it as is until it doesn’t go anymore. Purchasing another car soon and it won’t be a GM that’s for sure!

KellieRas · January 2019

Last December I purchased a used 2007 Saturn Aura for my 17 year old daughter. Since then we have had several issues with the car not starting. It has been through a couple of batteries and seems to run alright for awhile then gets sjighish when starting again. Mechanics can’t seem to find anything wrong with the alternator or starter. Now her key fobs will intermittently work. We replace the batteries and doesn’t help. I’ve been reading in here for over an hour through 6 pages of people with similar and worse issues. I’ve got to be honest and say that I’m terribly concerned with allowing my daughter to continue to drive this car. We will likely trade it in soon, however until that time, can anyone offer any new information or ideas as to what can be causing these issues? Thank you in advance.

Mr_Shiftright · January 2019

So your primary complaint is that the battery wears down over time?

SilvrEagle · January 2019

I just bought an 07 Aura from an auction. Battery looked new but was dead (7 volts-no date). Purchased a new $160 battery. Started up car and alternator is working - 14 volts when engine is running. Few days later my wife takes to work and calls me at end of her shift. Battery is dead and no power at all to car... I jump it and drive it home. This morning, starts up fine although battery is at 11.8 volts, assuming I need to charge it back to full capacity. I am assuming this is the problem why the car got abandoned, lol. So I don't know if the headlights never shut off when she went to work (relay or switch problem with auto sensing), or some other problem, she never looked to see if they went off... Releay box? (saw some mention that...)

Mr_Shiftright · January 2019

Sounds like some sort of parasitic drain going on.

Here's a GOOD TUTORIAL on parasitic drain that might help you track this down.

jason123_iphixauto · June 2019

I want to help fix all of your Saturn Aura Problems. These cars are a pain in the butt and let me explain why. The BCM is placed under the radio just above where the exhaust runs under the car. This causes excessive heat while driving. In places where there is hot climate like in the South, when left parked in the sun with the windows up the temp inside the cab reaches scorching heat. This causes the BCM to go bad and start having problems. The first thing to show up is the dreaded Paracytic drain, This is when you wake up and the battery is dead. What happens is the circuits in the BCM that allows it to go into sleep mode does not activate, therefore leaving a 1.6+ amp draw on the battery. GM should be ashamed of themselves because I as an Independent mechanic\tech have figured this out within 2 days and alot of reading these threads. It is an expensive fix but, the BCM needs to be replaced. There is another computer to look at as well, depending on the symptoms and that is the PCM. Always when you see this issue the first test should be a Drain Test of the electrical system. You need to locate the correct module causing the problem but It is 99% gonna be the BCM, Pcm, or the fuse box in the trunk. Hope I helped and like I say GM should be ashamed. By the way I am a high school drop out and self taught Tech that owns my own shop and buys SNAP-ON tools no schooling.

jason123_iphixauto · June 2019

These cars have put souls in dangerous driving conditions and have even caught fire. If the circuit in the bcm shorts out and causes the battery to overheat, well you guessed it, POOF! GM you should be ashamed and hire better Techs that have the understanding that when you start seeing multiple electrical issues to start scoping the wiring and Computers. RECALL RECALL #GM will be liable for death if occurs

imidazol97 · June 2019

The Aura hasn't been built since 2009. Long time ago.

Fatmaxx · August 2019

I am looking for help.... I have a 2008 Saturn Aura, and it has all the electrical issues.... I have the "service traction" issue, but I also have a different issue. I'll be driving along, and go up a hill, or pass a car, just some thing that puts a load on the engine. When the load is off.... suddenly the battery light will come on. If I slow down under 30 mph, about half the time the light goes off and I'm good. If I wait too long to do it, then it stays on no matter what, and suddenly every dummy light on the dash comes on, the radio dies. The ac/ heat ceases to function...and eventually the car will run rough and die. When I stop, if I try to restart it acts like I have a dead battery. I use a jump pack, and 85% of the time it starts just fine, and I finish my trip with no issues. The other 15% of the time, it wont turn over even when its jumped. I've had it towed to the shop, they jump start it.... put it on the computer, and it shows nothing has happened... no codes, no nothing. It might go several days with no issues, and other times act up 4 or 5 times in one trip. I have seen a multitude of individuals with the same problem I was just hoping over the last 8 years some one has a solution for this problem!!!

imidazol97 · August 2019

Those would be signs of a battery acting up with shorted cell or something. Computers on the car start losing control when the voltage drops below certain limits, so all kinds of bells and whistles start happening.

Then start with all the connections from the battery to the engine for both the ground and the positive cables. Remember to leave the ground disconnected at the battery to avoid shorting something.

Is your battery in the trunk? My 08 Cobalt has the battery in the trunk and has a long cable on the positive to the engine compartment. There's connection for the positive at the fuse/relay box on the side of the engine compartment. There's a red cap over the post that's a place to jump the car under the hood. That post and the connections under it seem to form an aluminum oxide film on the connectors. After the car wouldn't start one very cold morning, I took that off and lightly sanded the ends on the cable from the battery in the trunk and the cable that went on to the starter. The post itself screws onto those and the connector that goes to the various fuses in the box and the relays. My car was completely dead with a good battery. I couldn't jump it by connecting to that post and a ground on the body. I suspected the power wasn't going to the fuses because of the corrosion and the severe cold.

I loosened that and retightened it and tightened the positive cable at the battery. The car then started. It had even kept the key in the ignition lock after it was put in just like a dead battery will do. No power. (There's a hole under the cylindred to open and push a button to remove the key when that happens.)

That's my two cents worth. I hope it leads you to fix your problem. Good luck.

Saturn2007 · July 2021

bigrin said:
I had same problems as described on this forum. 2009 Saturn Aura XR. Removed the passenger side kick plate (Saturn hides your electronics here) If you are sitting in the passenger front seat, just to the Left of your Left leg is a " side panel " just below height of your ash tray. Pull gently from the front of this panel ,you'll see a small hole to grab,(velcro there) and gently unsnap a little at a time. Panel will come off.
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.

Saturn2007 · July 2021

I did this action and the rough idle stopped but the traction and engine lights are on.
It is not mis-firing !!!!

Will now take for a test drive

Saturn Aura Electrical / Computer Problems?

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