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2007 Vue Hybrid Ignition Problems

15 messages,  Last post on Nov 24, 2009 at 11:38 AM

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What is this discussion about? Saturn VUE, Hybrid Cars, SUV

Messages Page 2 of 2

#6 of 15 Re: 2007 Vue Hybrid Ignition Problems [city_living] by wgrayson

Nov 03, 2007 (5:28 pm)

Replying to: city_living (Nov 02, 2007 6:30 am)
Hello there. I guess this ignition problem is starting to flare up everywhere. Our 07 Vue hybrid experienced the same problem just starting last week (we purchased 5/31/07). I thought it was my key, until my wife took 10 minutes to get HER key to work.
 
I did an internet search last night, only to find lots of RECENT posts about the same issue. FYI: We just got the car in for Saturday service and got the obligatory "lube" job. We'll see how it works.
 
You've probably found out you are not alone with this ignition issue, and I would suggest a lawyer if it continues if you are truthful about having the problem occur this much.
 
By the way, can anyone get access to Bulletin # 06-02-35-016C? That's the specific Bulletin regarding Vue ignition problems.
 
We really like the car. I would hate to have sue or get ugly over something as simple as an ignition.
 
W!

#7 of 15 Re: 2007 Vue Hybrid Ignition Problems [wgrayson] by city_living

Nov 05, 2007 (6:34 am)

Replying to: wgrayson (Nov 03, 2007 5:28 pm)
wgrayson,
 
I was told that Saturn put in a new ignition switch, housing, and key. I will be p/u today after work. If this fixes the issue, I will be very happy!! That is my goal at this point in time. If this does not fix the problem, then I'll be figuring out what my next step will be.
 
If many, if not all, of the Vue's ignition switches do prove to be defective, then I'll probably go with the Lemon Law, and push to get a refund, less the usage of the five months I've owned it. I hope that this will not go that far.
 
As far as the Bulletin, I believe Saturn has issued more than one Bulletin regarding the ignition problem. I would love to see all of them!!

#8 of 15 Re: 2007 Vue Hybrid Ignition Problems [city_living] by wgrayson

Nov 05, 2007 (8:40 am)

Replying to: city_living (Nov 05, 2007 6:34 am)
Hey, City-Living:
 
If you google "Saturn Vue bulletin 06-02-35-016C" you will get a lot of hits. The highest ranking hit leads to a fee-based service that provides auto bulletins. HOWEVER, you are correct about the number of bulletins. There are bulletins for 2006 Vues, Ions, etc., available on this site but NOT for the 07 Saturn Vue Hybrid.
 
Good luck with the new ignition installation. Let us know how it works out for you.
 
Final note: we purchased the additional bumper to bumper warranty for 5 years/60K miles which includes free oil changes. When we took the car in for its first routine oil change they changed the battery harnness. I will probably have them do an ignition lube on my next service visit as part of the regular maintenance.
 
I know Saturn has a dedicated staffer reviewing these posts. I'm wondering if he can check about getting Saturn to include ignition lubing -- it IS a preventive step!

#9 of 15 Re: 2007 Vue Hybrid Ignition Problems [wgrayson] by city_living

Nov 06, 2007 (11:47 am)

Replying to: wgrayson (Nov 05, 2007 8:40 am)
Got my Vue GL back last evening, and the 'newly installed' ig. switch and housing are still giving me problems! The key still won't turn all the time, and when I take the key out of the ignition after it was turned at least to the ACC position, there's a loud 'pling' sound, and you can FEEL something springing back!! It's going BACK into service tonight for the fourth time (their count, but I say this is the fifth time they've seen my car for this issue.).
 
And, to top off this problem, this new ignition doesn't "LOCK" the steering wheel when the key is out of the ignition. The service manager Brook tells me this is the part Saturn sent for them to install!!! This isn't correct, either, as the column should lock for safety/theft prevention.
 
All this with a new car, only 5 months old.

#10 of 15 You've got a real issue here by wgrayson

Nov 06, 2007 (3:41 pm)

Either the universe simply doesn't want you to drive this car, or there is really a major issue with the ignition system either in the parts or Saturn's maintenance. I kinda think the universe has bigger fish to fry, so Saturn must be the problem.
 
At this point I would consider reading up on your rights under the lemon law, or at the very least threatening to post a web page somewhere entitled "Saturn Vue ignition problems - why don't they recall!".

#11 of 15 Re: 2007 Vue Hybrid Ignition Problems [city_living] by tackepj

Nov 07, 2007 (8:38 am)

Replying to: city_living (Nov 06, 2007 11:47 am)
city,
 
Believe it or not, your ignition cylinder actually does not contain a lock. If you browse the TSBs, you will notice that they changed to a non-locking ignition cylinder, so yours is working as designed and the service manager is correct. Yes, it certainly is unusual (and less safe) to not have a locking cylinder, but it is correct.
 
As for the "pling" sound--this is the sound of the lock plunger returning once you've removed the key (yes, I know there isn't actually a lock, but the mechanism still exists). This sound is normal. My Toyota makes the same sound.
 
If the key is still binding, then it's still not right. I hope they fix it properly--you deserve it after all the hassle--but be aware that the sound and the lack of a steering lock is by design.

#12 of 15 Re: 2007 Vue Hybrid Ignition Problems [tackepj] by city_living

Nov 07, 2007 (9:06 am)

Replying to: tackepj (Nov 07, 2007 8:38 am)
If this non-locking is the way it's 'supposed' to be, then why does it state in the booklet that it is suppose to lock? And, it locked before the change. Hmmmm....also, this 'pling' sound wasn't there before, ever.
 
Maybe this is 'fixed,' although it's still catching, and not turning as it should. Or maybe this is the way it's supposed to be, too.
 
This is not what I expected with purchasing a NEW CAR!

#13 of 15 Re: 2007 Vue Hybrid Ignition Problems [city_living] by tackepj

Nov 07, 2007 (10:25 am)

Replying to: city_living (Nov 07, 2007 9:06 am)
According to my dealer, they changed to a different ignition lock during production (i.e. after the manuals were printed). As for the noise, ours always did it when it worked properly. Before ours jammed, it would occassionally not make the noise, and I think that was part of the problem. We noticed a few times (when it didn't make the noise) that the door would ding when we opened it, as if we had left the key in the ignition. Since the repair, it has worked fine and always "plinged". (that's a good word to describe the noise )

#14 of 15 Wow by tdustinj

Jun 03, 2009 (8:18 am)

I can't believe this. I bought a 2007 Saturn Vue 2 years ago last month and now I have to pay over 500 dollars to get the entire ignition replaced. Same problem, key would not turn the ignition. What a rip-off. No wonder GM is filing for bankruptcy. I know I'll never buy another GM car!

#15 of 15 Re: Wow [tdustinj] by city_living

Nov 24, 2009 (11:38 am)

Replying to: tdustinj (Jun 03, 2009 8:18 am)
After two years of low to high problems, ign. sticking to engine shutting off/restarting while driving, GM 'bought back' the Lemon Vue Hybrid. I didn't receive 100% of the monies paid, maybe around 85%, but so glad to get rid of this piece of &%#&^!
 
Good luck to all who have this problem vehicle. Be Safe!!

Messages Page 2 of 2

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