2002 Saturn Vue, 85000 miles, V6, AWD

TPVIOX

MEMBER
2002 SATURN

At the end of February, I had to replace the tensioner pulley, serpentine belt and idler. The car started making noise, acceleration seemed hindered. The mechanic said it sounds like a diesel, even though it is not. Now it is in the shop and the mechanic is stating that it is the lifters, unsure which one(s), suggests all be replaced. Has anyone heard of this kind of problem with a Saturn or specifically a Vue? Any recalls for this problem? Any help would be appreciated.

1 Reply

PEPPERMRJ

MECHANIC
1,158 POSTS

No recalls orTSBs on the Vue but I did find a TSB on the L series with the same engine.

Tick Noise From Engine
2001-2005 Saturn L-Series

with 3.0 Engine (RPO L81)

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s).

"Condition/Concern:
Technicians may find a noise from the lifter area that may be intermittent. Lifter noise may be caused by one of two areas. Air may become trapped in the lifter which can be purged during engine operation. Operating the engine at higher engine RPM for roughly 10 minutes may help remove the air from the lifter. The second area may be debris inside the lifter which can become stuck in the ball seats within the lifter or between the piston and outer sleeve within the lifter resulting in the lifter being noisy from excess lash in the valve train. "

Might try an oil change or 2 using synthetic oil. Mobil 1 or such. They do have superior cleaning properties. Marvel Mystery Oil is also an excelent detergent oil that can be added to your oil ( follow instruction on bottle) prior to your next oil change. Neither is a cure all but can bring a tired gunked up lifter back from the brink.

A lot of Vues also have a loud ticking noise that comes from fuel injectors/intake manifold. Also a bad air pump can make quite a racket.+

Good luck and let us know. :)