Problems after changing spark plugs.

Tiny
ER86
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 SATURN VUE
  • 125,000 MILES
My Vue is a 4cylinder 5 speed. It has always run great except for the past week it started shuddering a little when at a stop. I replaced the spark plugs last night. The plugs that came out of the car were original delco and appeared to be double platinum. I put autolite iridium plugs in the car. After putting everything back together I drove it a few miles and it seemed to be running great. This morning my wife drove it about 10 miles to work and called me saying that the service engine soon light had come on and that the radiator fan was running very fast and noisily. Looking around online people are saying anything from thermostat to ignition control module. Any ideas?
Monday, April 23rd, 2012 AT 3:45 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Have the computer scanned for code/s -there's a problem in the engine management system-start here
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Monday, April 23rd, 2012 AT 4:01 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
First thing is have codes read before you start replacing parts. Post code will advise
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Monday, April 23rd, 2012 AT 4:07 PM
Tiny
ER86
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
There were no codes initially when I changed the plugs. Did so in an effort to fix the shuddering at a stop not to mention there was presumably over 100k miles on the plugs. Will run codes when she can get to the parts store in a couple hours. Thanks
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Monday, April 23rd, 2012 AT 4:11 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Just to add to this one the computer will turn the radiator fan on the highest setting when you get a bad engine missfire. So sounds like you have a bad engine missfire.I have always put the stock platnuim plugs in those engine when servicing them. Find out what code numbers you have and post them like the other moderators have suggested.I suspect a bad ignition coil in the coil cassette.I would check and make sure you have a nice blue spark on all four cylinders not yellow or orange or none at all.
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Monday, April 23rd, 2012 AT 5:39 PM
Tiny
ER86
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
She just took it to autozone and hey ran the obd on it and nothing came back. No codes at all. The Vue has two different engine lights. The one that is on right now is the one that deals with emissions. It has come on before when the gas cap was loose. But his time she hasn't recently gotten gas, the cap is tight, and it happened the next morning after a tune up. New oil and filter, air filter, and new plugs. Service engine soon light is on and radiator fan running full blast all he time.
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Monday, April 23rd, 2012 AT 7:42 PM
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Have to agree with "SaturnTech" He knows his Saturns and what he's saying is very logical. A missfire would raise emissions so could be plugs
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Monday, April 23rd, 2012 AT 8:56 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
If the check engine light is on and the radiator fan is running blast there has to be codes somewhere atleast a random missfire code. Have you checked the plugs and spark yet?If not I would check it and see what you find.
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Monday, April 23rd, 2012 AT 9:50 PM
Tiny
ER86
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Waiting on her to get home so I can check it with my obd tester. I've honestly never dealt with over plug coils like this. Do I just pull the cassette and put the plugs in the boots while someone turns the key and see how the spark looks?
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+1
Monday, April 23rd, 2012 AT 10:15 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Yes you can do it that way I have more coils fail in those then the modules though. Thats why I say check the spark and the plugs. Let me know what you find.
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Monday, April 23rd, 2012 AT 11:23 PM
Tiny
ER86
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I'm utterly embarrassed to tell you what I found. First thing I saw when she got home and I popped the hood was a loose hose to the air intake. Put it back on, cleared the light and that was that. Runs perfect now. I feel like an idiot but thanks to everyone for your time and advice. I'll make sure I have a legitimate problem next time before I post. Thanks again.
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Tuesday, April 24th, 2012 AT 12:36 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Dont feel bad it happens to the best of us we get in a hurry distracted etc. Thats what were here for let us know if you have any further questions. Glad to hear it was something simple.
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Tuesday, April 24th, 2012 AT 1:04 AM

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