2003 Saturn Vue Car Won't Start

SOUPERFX

MEMBER
2003 SATURN VUE
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
108,000 MILES

I just bought a used 2003. I come out one day and the car won't start. There is no noise at all, no clicking, etc.

I have this car less than a month. Sometimes the key fob wouldn't work either locking or unlocking.

The first time I looked at the car they had to jump it, I assumed this because it had sat for a while, now I suspect something more sinister.

It shouldn't be out of gas because last time I drove it the light wasn't on. It was probably less than a 1/4 tank of gas though.

I read something on another question that it might be a bad bcm? What exactly is that?

8 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

The bcm is short for body control module that's the computer for ur body controls. It controls ur fuel gauge door locks keyless entry anti theft interior lights etc. It's not real common for vue bcms to cause no starts it's mostly LS model saturns that have happen more often. Let's start with the battery does ur dash lights warning lights an all that come on when u turn the key on?Do u have a voltmeter please tell me u do we could really use that here. Let me know.

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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 8:40 AM

SOUPERFX

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I don't have a voltmeter.

I turned the key today and tried to turn on anything, lights, wipers, radio, and nothing came on.

When I pushed the button for the emergency flashers there was a clicking noise that was continuous while the button was depressed, but when I turned to key to "start" the car, the noise would stop.

No lights come on the dash regularly. If I turned the key on/off enough times for some weird reason I could get some lights to come on. The light that look likes a battery light up (the manual said that was a charging system issue if I remember right) and an yellow arrow (which the manual said was related to manual transmission, and I have an automatic)

I tried to jump it today, and it didn't work. I think that might be that we didn't give the battery long enough to recharge. I tried to tell the guy who was helping me that he was doing it wrong, but he wouldn't listen. We'll try again tomorrow, but I'm worried it's a bigger problem.

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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 8:40 AM

SATURNTECH9

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Sounds like we need to start with looking at the battery and fuses first before we look at bigger problems. Check all the underhood fuses. And inside fuses make sure ur battery cables are clean and tight. How old is ur battery?If ur charging light comes on while the engine is running then u have charging problems. It's normal for it to be on when the engine is not running because the alternator is not charging.U may have to by a meter or borrow one so we can check battery voltage of the battery an other things. If u have a harbor frieght by u there only like 3 with cupon u can a cheap one cheaper then taking it into a shop. Let me know what u find.

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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 8:40 AM

SOUPERFX

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4 POSTS

So I checked all the fuses, everything is good.

I didn't check the battery because they guy at the hardware store by me said he didn't have anything that will test a battery. He said I need to take it to an Autozone, they'll test for free

Problem is, I can't get the damn battery out. I think it's bolted to the tray on the under side. So I can't get it out, I can't jump start it, I can't drive it to an Autozone so they can help. What am I supposed to do?

The battery is ACDelco, which I believe is the original battery. It's probably time for it to be replaced, though I have noticed that a number of people have had battery problems with this model Saturn.

Once I get it to Autozone I will have them check the alternator and starter, and see if they can check the BCM.

Any help on how to remove the battery would be greatly appreciated.

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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 8:40 AM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

At the base of the battery there is a block with a bolt holding ur battery down remove the bolt and block and the battery comes right out. Let me know what comes up with the battery test and all that.