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SUVs Saturn VUE Saturn VUE Won't Start
56 messages, Last post on Aug 11, 2009 at 3:27 PM
You are in the Saturn VUE Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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Hi I am having problems with my 2003 saturn vue...its got 160,000 miles and its a 5 speed..no power door locks or windows if that matters...it started like a month ago while I was driving it my dash lights started blinking on and off then the dash lights went compleatly out and my service engine light and security light was on...I got it home and shut it down tried to start it and it would start for like a second and the shut off....my husband disconected the battery over night and the next day it was fine....a few weeks later it did the same thing again only this time the dash lights and no power steering but it still ran...so again he disconected the battery and it was fine ...just went out to run to the store and nothing wont start no power at all except the service engine soon light flickers a little...is it dead for good now? 
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Replying to: kathyw1970 (Dec 30, 2008 1:43 pm) I assure you it is a BCM problem. Should cost you between $400-500 for parts and labor to install at dealer. I had similar problems, procrastinated checked all sorts of things, at end of day it was BCM. For now or to get car to dealer, disconnect battery for 5 minutes and then reconnected. Everything should return to normal temporarily so no need for towing. If it does not work first time the battery disconnection repaet it would eventually start. Go stright to dealer. Change the BCM and the car will run like new. Common problem dont waste time searching anymore for solution. |
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I have a 2003 vue the service light went on and it was the oxgen sensors. It was replaced and lights cleared. lights came back on in 30 mins had cleared again. Car has been running good no hesitation but now when car is hot and you shut it down for 10 mins the car will turn over but not start. this has happened 3 days straight. If you wait to let it cool it will start fine. Can this be the computer EMC? any ideas the garage is not sure and I didn't want them to hit and miss. thanks
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Replying to: rem (Jan 07, 2009 9:19 pm)
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Replying to: chuck83 (Feb 10, 2009 9:26 am)
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Replying to: rem (Feb 11, 2009 3:18 pm) The same thing has happen at least seven time I lost track. The symptoms are when I return to my car I inserted the key as usual. Ordinarily the dash instrument gages would activate. The security door locks are inoperative, the engine starts but will not stay running. I have taken it to the dealer and each time they could not find an problem. They even kept it for a week. This failure happens randomly and I can never predict when the car might not start. I understand that it is the cars computer network. The fix is simple but who wants to put the hood up and remove the ground cable on the battery? I keep the tools I need in my car if and when the car will not start. It takes less the five minutes to re-boot the computer. It functions fine for weeks until I try to start it. My car problem is a glitch in the ECM. Had Saturn engineer a remote re-set button I would not have to remove the ground strap on the battery for two minutes. I do want to caution anyone who has a vehicle that has the same symptoms. My cars problem could be different then yours. When you remove the battery cover stay clear of the positive post. If you drop a wrench between the positive terminal and ground you could get seriously injured. This is best left to a qualified mechanic. I am thinking of installing a relay and a switch to remotely re-set the computer. from all the feedback that has been sent to me I can conclude Saturn needs to come up with a software patch. With the economy as bad as it is it is doubtful they will recall Vue's  and come up with better software. I guess I am eligible to have the car deemed a lemon? Since I can resolve the problem and the fact I other wise like the Vue I'll have to live with the problem. Happy motoring Vue owners
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Replying to: jarheadwarren (Aug 01, 2007 6:17 pm)
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Replying to: nozz44 (Aug 10, 2009 9:56 am) I found by experimenting that removing the cars battery ground cable e.g. bolt and waiting a minute the computer system resets. Keeping my fingers crossed that it does not happen again. I caution anyone to avoid removing the ground cable from the cars battery. You have to reset your cars radio time and favorite stations. I only recommend this ECM reset in a emergency. Since no one has up dated the cars firmware it might be done with the On Star link. I can only suspect my ECM has been upgraded without going to a Saturn service center. It has been almost a year since the car refused to start. I can suggest keeping the tools required to take the battery cover off and a wrench to back off the ground bolt at the battery in your cars tool box. Warning if any metal like a wrench or watch band comes in contact with the plus terminal of the battery major injury can occur. If your not a electrical type then find someone who can safely remove the ground cable from the battery. The whole process should only take 45 second or less. Be careful  and double check the batteries polarity...
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Replying to: shygirl1219 (Apr 03, 2008 6:08 am) They replace the electronic control module (ECM). The car had to be driven back the following day because a warning light (seat belt) was on. The tech forgot to re-program the computer network. There are three modules that need to be in sync. That lasted for a month and the car was hauled back to the dealer. NO problem was discovered. A few weeks later the car refused to start so it was returned to the dealer. They kept it for a week as I suggested. The service manager could not find any reason why the computer system failed. I suspect they upgraded the firmware to correct the problem. It has not happened again for over a year. I believe the problem is a software glitch that happens randomly. The last two times it refused to keep running I simply removed the battery ground cable. That resets the ECM computer. When I reset the computer I also removed the error code stored in the module. I carry the tools needed to remove the battery cover and the bolt on the battery ground terminal. My honest opinion is the service techs do not want to troubleshoot a complex system as in the Vue. I found by resetting the computer (reboot) that should solve the problem. I must warn anyone that has not worked with a car battery to find someone who is skilled. If your wrench or metal watch band comes in contact with the positive terminal serious injury can occur. The ground cable need only be removed for one minute to clear all data out of the CPU memory. I'm not sure if the upgrade of the Vue firmware resolved the problem or my re-boot procedure resolved the problem. We live 60 miles from Death Valley so in an emergency it is necessary to remove the battery cover and it's negative cable connection. Other then that annoying problem our car with 26,000 miles has given excellent service. If you have the same problem and need to get off a freeway or go for help then remember this. Attempt to start the car a dozen times. It will not start or run for more then a milli second. After 12 attempts the computer will change modes and allow the engine to start. That enables you in a emergency to drive a few miles. Note the power steering will not work nor the power breaks. The car is extremely difficult to drive but allows the driver to seek help. So please be extra careful if you ever hav e to drive the vehicle in this way.
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I have an oil change scheduled at a local garage tomorrow, I still have security issues with the Vue  If I open the tailgate or side doors then shut them and I enter my side and start the car it will not start and the security light is blinking. I have learned that when this happens, dont curse Saturn , but turn the key off and turn to 1st setting and let the light blink and the stop. turn back off and the car starts fine.  Any way I never use my emergency signals and a few moths ago when I did need them the button was stuck 1/2 way in, It must have been caused when they fixed the security thing and screwed up my mileage and now the button for the emergency signals.  So for 5 years it was a great Vue after the warranty expires it starts to fall apart.
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