- #837 of 860
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Re: 2003 Saturn Vue [Mr_Shiftright]
by user777
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Jun 26, 2007 (8:55 am)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jun 26, 2007 6:24 am)
right. unless you can clearly see where perhaps some portion of the air-bag assembly sitting on top of the steering column has been jamed underneath the other portion. but because of accidental air-bag deployment potential if you aren't careful, it's best if someone else does the work. 
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- #838 of 860
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Re: 2000 SL2 Key Won't Turn [ryanfiala81]
by cjgruhl
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Jun 27, 2007 (5:45 am)
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Replying to: ryanfiala81 (Jun 22, 2007 9:44 am)
I had this very same issue on the same model and year. Have the dealership cut you a new key from their database. Mine got the the point where I could not turn it at all and ended up getting it towed in. Someone at work mentioned excessive key wear so I had them cut a new key (at under 10$ I figured it was worth a shot before they took apart the ignition system). That was it and after seeing what the new key looks like it's amazing that the old one worked at all! They said I was lucky I did not damage the tumblers with such a bad key.
Anyway it's an easy thing to try cheaply you just need to take the time to bring the car to a saturn dealership.
Good luck!
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- #839 of 860
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Re: 2000 SL2 Key Won't Turn [cjgruhl]
by ryanfiala81
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Jun 27, 2007 (8:13 am)
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Replying to: cjgruhl (Jun 27, 2007 5:45 am)
It seems to be working again - a combo of WD40 and lock-ease appears to have done the trick...at least for now. Most importantly, I always now park with the wheels straight and don't touch the steering wheel until I've started the car again (once the wheel locks, it's much more difficult to get the key to turn). I had a new key made, but there appeared to be nothing wrong with the old ones. Thanks for the suggestion; I'm just glad I don't have to spring for a new $300-$500 ignition module yet.
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- #840 of 860
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Re: 2000 SL2 Key Won't Turn [ryanfiala81]
by Mr_Shiftright HOST
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Jun 27, 2007 (8:22 am)
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Replying to: ryanfiala81 (Jun 27, 2007 8:13 am)
Try not to use WD-40 in locks. Not a good idea as a rule. Graphite is good.
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- #841 of 860
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Re: 2003 Saturn Vue [tarmns]
by flyingdragon
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Jun 27, 2007 (4:20 pm)
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Replying to: tarmns (Jun 25, 2007 3:07 pm)
I had the same problem on my 2002 Vue. The bad news is that the horn switch is integrated into the air bag assembly, so replacing the horn switch requires replacing the entire assembly (I was past warranty). It's a poor design for sure. The good news is that my dealer agreed and supported my assertion that I shouldn't have to pay for the consequences of a poor design. I contacted Saturn Customer Support via their toll free number and described the situation, they verified with the dealer, and in two weeks I had a new ($600 approx.) air bag assembly installed. No problems after that - I traded for a new '07 Vue last fall. My '02 had 160,000 miles and the vehicle was trouble-free otherwise.
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- #842 of 860
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Saturn Sky Feedback
by flyingdragon
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Jun 27, 2007 (4:24 pm)
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I'm looking at purchasing a Saturn Sky (not a red line), just for fair weather/weekend driving. I'd appreciate having the benefit of other owners experience with this vehicle - good and bad. Have heard some complaints about soft top leaks, unverified. Thanks in advance!
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- #843 of 860
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Re: 2003 Saturn Vue [flyingdragon]
by tarmns
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Jun 27, 2007 (6:13 pm)
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Replying to: flyingdragon (Jun 27, 2007 4:20 pm)
Maybe I'll try that since it worked out so well for you. The bid I rec'd from our local Saturn dealership was approximately $1,000.00 to repair, which is outrageous. Thanks for the input.
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- #844 of 860
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1998 SL-1
by saturnvet
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Jun 30, 2007 (4:02 pm)
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I own a 1998 Saturn SL-1 4-cyl automatic with 173,000-PLUS miles. I have been quite happy with my vehicle for the 9 and a half years I've owned it. Been to 13 states, two oceans, and from Death Valley to the Rocky Mountains.
But the problems are beginning to take their toll. And while I am probably going to get a new vehicle soon (considering either an 07 or 08 VUE to accommodate growing family, but skeptical of the Hybrid), I would still like to get as much out of my current Saturn as possible.
Problem: Several times over the last three years I have taken the car to the dearlership because the engine will begin racing for no particular reason. I can be idling and the tachometer will suddenly soar to over 2,000 rpm.
When I'm decelerating, the rpm will jump when I'm at about 35 mph.
Every time, I am told there is a faulty sensor or some other minor thing. The repair bills are relatively low, which isn't the problem. I'm just getting tired of having to take the vehicle in for this.
Any idea what is going on?
This particular problem is annoying, but not as bad as the $762 repair bill I just endured ... 
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- #845 of 860
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Re: 1998 SL-1 [saturnvet]
by ryanfiala81
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Jun 30, 2007 (6:40 pm)
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Replying to: saturnvet (Jun 30, 2007 4:02 pm)
I have a 2000 SL2, so the motor's slightly different from an SL1, but I'd assume the same transmission. My car has only 43,000 miles, but does the same slight RPM surge at around 35 MPH on deceleration. I assume it's just a Saturn quirk from the transmission upshifting as you slow down. It's annoying at times, but I hope I never viewed it as a critical problem (although I've never owned another car that has done this). If anyone knows anything about this quirk, I'd love to hear it, too.
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- #846 of 860
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Re: 1998 SL-1 [saturnvet]
by flyingdragon
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Jun 30, 2007 (6:56 pm)
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Replying to: saturnvet (Jun 30, 2007 4:02 pm)
Sorry I can't offer any advice re the SL-2 issue, but I'm a big fan of the Vue. I put 160,000 miles on my '02 with a 4 cylinder EcoTec, 5 speed manual and front wheel drive. I had to have the driver's airbag replaced because of a horn switch failure (warranty) and a Body Control Module (BCM), non-warranty. Both rear wheel bearings/carrier assemblies were also replaced, non-warranty. The engine and transmission were flawless, requiring only routine lube services and the 100,000 mile service (grit your teeth for that one!). Overall I was very pleased with the reliability, utility and net cost of ownership (I averaged 32 mpg highway) - enough so that I bought an '07 last fall.
I have 24,000 miles on the '07, also a 4-cylinder, 5-speed, front wheel drive model. This week the clutch was replaced due to a factory parts mismatch problem identified by the dealer via a factory service bulletin. It was accomplished in under 24 hours and I was given a free rental car while repairs were made.
The '07 is a more refined vehicle in every way. It's the same dimensions, same basic utility and features. But the drive train, suspension, sound control, brakes - all are somewhat improved vs. the '02. For the price, I think the Vue is a great value. I currently average 28 mpg highway.
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