No crank, no start, intermittent gauges and dash lights not working and does not communicate with code reader?

Tiny
CHRISVH
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 SATURN VUE
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 300,000 MILES
No crank, no start, intermediate dash lights/gauges working, computer will not communicate with a code reader. Engine does crank by either jumping the solenoid on the starter or running a wire from the starter relay to the battery. Replaced the cylinder lock, ignition switch, ECM and crank sensor. Fuses and relays are good. I came across a YouTube video of a vehicle with the same issues and it was the fusible link. I haven't tested it yet. Could it be that or something else? Rheumatoid arthritis has made working on my car difficult and I physically can't work on it too long before I start hurting. Besides what I replaced on it; I've spent an extra $5k+ from my slicing my finger open while figuring out what's wrong. I know it's high mileage, but it's been a great vehicle.
Any information that could help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Monday, February 24th, 2025 AT 2:36 PM

17 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,192 POSTS
I would check the ignition fuse for power while the key is on, and then check the ORG wire for power at the ignition switch. This guide will help.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Here are the fusible links. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Tuesday, February 25th, 2025 AT 10:01 AM
Tiny
CHRISVH
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No luck. Still doing the same thing.
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Wednesday, February 26th, 2025 AT 11:37 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Did you get a chance to look at the fusible links in the main fuse panel which I included above? Sorry I forgot to mention the image was there. Here is a guide to help you test them while using the image above, with the system on please go down all of them and check the fuses as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Have the system on while testing.
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Thursday, February 27th, 2025 AT 10:17 AM
Tiny
CHRISVH
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The 40A battery feed fuse is good. I saw the image and checked. There's also an 80A bolt down style fuse outside the distribution fuse box that I checked as well. I have a Chilton repair manual that I've been looking through as well to try and figure it out, but no luck. Got a brother who's a Honda mechanic and he can't figure it out either.
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Thursday, February 27th, 2025 AT 3:27 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I updated my first post, and I need to know if the ignition fuse has power, and if so, check for power at the orange wires going to the ignition switch. Let me know please.
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Friday, February 28th, 2025 AT 5:33 PM
Tiny
CHRISVH
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Ignition fuse has power going in and out to the Ignition switch. Checked by turning on the ignition and unplugging the ignition fuse. Wasn't able to check from the switch itself. Hands are not working too well today.
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Saturday, March 1st, 2025 AT 12:12 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I am sorry to hear about your hands, but we will need to check for power through the switch which is the next test. Let me know what you find when you can.
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Sunday, March 2nd, 2025 AT 11:37 AM
Tiny
CHRISVH
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I'll get on checking it when this rheumatoid flare goes down. It may take another day or two. Currently I just have use of 2 fingers on my right hand and 3 on the left hand. I'll reply back as soon as I'm able to.
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Sunday, March 2nd, 2025 AT 4:06 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Sounds good, I hope you feel better soon.
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Monday, March 3rd, 2025 AT 10:30 AM
Tiny
CHRISVH
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Sorry about the wait, my hands started getting better yesterday and I was able to check today. There is power.
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Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 AT 12:49 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Good work, can you confirm power at the BCM and HVAC fuses in the fuse panel under the dash? Key on.
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Thursday, March 6th, 2025 AT 8:42 AM
Tiny
CHRISVH
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BCM and HVAC fuses have power.
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Thursday, March 6th, 2025 AT 2:19 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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This means the ignition switch is working. So, to confirm no dash light come on at all when the key is turned on? Can you upload a short video of what is happening?
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Friday, March 7th, 2025 AT 9:04 AM
Tiny
CHRISVH
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  • 9 POSTS
It's intermittent on the lights/gauges. Fuel gauge doesn't work most of the time since the no crank/no start problem started, speedo/tach moves a little bit while cranking.
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Saturday, March 8th, 2025 AT 11:27 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Have you cleaned the battery cables, also do the headlights work?
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Monday, March 10th, 2025 AT 8:40 AM
Tiny
CHRISVH
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Yes to both.
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Monday, March 10th, 2025 AT 3:45 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Okay, let's work on the non-cranking issue. Here is a video that can help, and I have included the starter wiring diagrams so you can see how it works and to use a test light to see where you are losing power.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YRW8fyNudY&t

And this guide can help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Use this guide to check for power:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 AT 12:10 PM

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