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Saturn VUE No Start

142 messages,  Last post on Mar 03, 2013 at 1:22 PM

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What is this discussion about? Saturn VUE, SUV

    

Messages Page 14 of 15

#123 of 142 Re: 2007 Vue Hybrid [drayarenay] by 442dude

Jan 23, 2012 (4:47 pm)

Replying to: drayarenay (Jan 23, 2012 4:06 pm)
Hi - I'm glad to help. Here's what you need to know about the 2004 Vue.
 
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!!!

#124 of 142 my kids and I were almost burned inside my 2002 saturn vue by saturngirl02

Apr 05, 2012 (6:11 pm)

I was driving in a rainstorm and all of the sudden my car started smoking from under the hood. I pulled over and some people assisted me and opened the hood and the fuse block was melting (smoking) a gentleman actually risked his life and disconnected the battery cables to stop the melting of the fuse box in the middle of the rain! does anyone know how much the fuse block would be to replace and the procedure after replacing it also has this happened to anyone else?
I hope is not expensive since I am in my last semester of student teaching and have not had a job this whole year!

#125 of 142 Re: my kids and I were almost burned inside my 2002 saturn vue [saturngirl02] by kingcat

Apr 05, 2012 (7:35 pm)

Replying to: saturngirl02 (Apr 05, 2012 6:11 pm)
Please catch your breath after that nasty incident.
 
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.

#126 of 142 Vue not starting/gas gauge at 'E' when full of gas by bmioskie

May 23, 2012 (1:59 pm)

Been dealing with issues with my 2003 Saturn Vue for 3 months now. First time, car would start and stay on for a second, then immediately shut off. Mechanic found nothing wrong...... They got it running and it worked for a week. Then, same issue, only this time noticed that the gas gauge would not budge from 'E' and I knew I just filled the tank the day before. Dealer thought it was a fuse - they replaced that for a whopping $202. Thought issue was fixed. Same issue about a week and a half later.......... took it to a local mechanic that I swear by -- they thought it might the computer system, but they weren't 100% sure..... Car sat for 2 weeks until they finally recommended a dealer that deals with Saturns (only one in my area that I know of -- Central Jersey btw!), so I had it towed there for $100...... just got car back on Saturday and it was running wonderfully until last night Same freaking issue. They had replaced 2 fuel pumps and the battery for $925 only to have the same issue creep up 4 days later!! Informed the dealer this am that THEY were getting the car towed back to them (and they did!) and just waiting now to hear what they plan on doing. Totally frustrating!!
 
Suggestions? Others with same issue? Hadn't had any real issues with car until this all started......
Thanks!

#127 of 142 Re: Vue not starting/gas gauge at 'E' when full of gas [bmioskie] by gmcustsvc

May 23, 2012 (6:14 pm)

Replying to: bmioskie (May 23, 2012 1:59 pm)
bmioskie,
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 SocialMediaGM.com. Please include your VIN, current mileage, and Edmunds username. I look forward to hearing from you.
Christina
GM Customer Service

#128 of 142 Re: 03 saturn vue intermittent starting problems [442dude] by tomwinmobile

Jul 08, 2012 (6:31 am)

Replying to: 442dude (Sep 04, 2010 7:38 am)
Hey, Leonardh!
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?

#129 of 142 2003 Saturn Vue by lilah27

Jul 10, 2012 (6:05 am)

Hi,
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!!

#130 of 142 08 Saturn Vue is the worst car I ever bought!!! by gregoryj13

Sep 12, 2012 (10:35 am)

I bought this 08 Saturn Vue because my wife and I were expecting our first child and I wanted them to be able to travel in a safe and reliable car. I bought an 08 with 30,000 miles on it and I figured with the low miles and the warranty my pregnant wife would be safe. So far I've had: to replace the stabilizer links, replace the tires, the hood doesn't stay latched, the seat heater doesn't work, airbag light stays on for a while then shuts off.
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?????

#131 of 142 Re: 08 Saturn Vue is the worst car I ever bought!!! [gregoryj13] by gmcustsvcsarah

Sep 12, 2012 (12:14 pm)

Replying to: gregoryj13 (Sep 12, 2012 10:35 am)
Hello gregoryj13,
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 socialmediagm.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

#132 of 142 stuck key by pat12405

Dec 12, 2012 (11:53 am)

I have 08 Saturn vue I love the car have had no major problems till now. The key is stuck in the ignition, the steering wheel is not locked, it is stuck in park the key will turn to start but makes no noise at all. No lights or dinging noise, nothing. Key will not turn back to acc to remove it. What do I do?

Messages Page 14 of 15

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