2003 Vue stalling/erratic tach

[Scubadude]

Help!!! With 118,000 miles my '03 started (tach never left the peg) and it stalled. First "no-start" since I bought it. On second try, started and ran fine but the tachometer is erratic. I have been fighting this one for 2000 miles and it's driving me nuts. Ran it 300 miles (and 7 starts) yesterday and it never failed to start (however tach is erratic). Went to start it this morning and it started/died/started on second try again. I replaced the crank position sensor first...no change. Changed throttle body next (because I thought revving on start was working and suspected TPS)...no change. Changed ignition control module tonight...no change. Cleaned and applied di-electric grease to all ground connections I could find. Pulled the instrument cluster and reseated. No change. It never registers any computer codes so my local dealer can't fix it. Anyone have any ideas?:dizzy:

[fdryer]

You haven't mentioned plugs. Have you replaced the spark plugs? It was time to do this 18,000 miles ago.

[BobbyP]

Is this the 3.0L V6? The MAS goes bad on the 3.0L's at times... Do a search and fine some past posts about MAS failures.

[CrewCab]

4 cyl or V6? Where/How are you checking for codes? Check for body codes (in the BCM) if you can.

[Scubadude]

Sorry for the lack of detail. 2.2L. Plugs were changed at 100,000 by the book. Local Saturn dealer checked codes as he tried to fix it (I also had them put a fuel filter on but they forgot to put a clip on one end...gas all over northern NY and a tow job back to the shop). The best they could come up with is that they wanted to sell me a $419 Instrument Panel Cluster. I hate to give up on this as it really runs good and owes me nothing but I'm running out of ideas and starting to get into expensive part swaps that may not fix the problems. Any advice would be appreciated.

[IMkenNY]

Sounds like it could be a bad BCM (body control module).

The BCM plays a major part in the running of the instrument cluster as well as passlock security.

Are you seeing the security light flashing when you get the "no start"?

[Scubadude]

Just tried it 3 times. No start/start/no start. On the 2 "no starts", the security light flashed 3 times and then stayed off. I know the BCM is behind the radio....how tough a job is it to replace (procedure)?

[Scubadude]

Also forgot to mention...I can start the car and remove the key (worn tumblers more than likely). Just got off the line with Saturn and he mentioned "fingers" on the ignition switch that may go bad and not pass signal to the BCM. He found no BCM codes when he read for codes. He claims a BCM failure would have left something for codes.

[1saxman]

A wild shot here: How about a bad (internally corroded) positive battery cable. Read the thread about that. I'd replace that and see what happens, since it's cheap.

[Scubadude]

Been through all the cables. Cleaned/di electrick greased every ground terminal under the hood. Have a new lock cylinder and housing on the way...should be here tomorrow. I'm thinking it has to do with the passlock security system as the "security" light blinks 3 times after a "stall after start". I'll post the results on the ignition component replacement.

[Bigdaddy94sc2]

Failing BCMs often dont pop codes. It is when they are almost dead that they start doing that....

I am with IM, I would almost bet that your BCM is about to take the browns to the superbowl....

You can install it yourself in less than an hour, but it has to be programmed with your vehicles options with a tech2 and GM software..... usually the dealer. So unless you do it in their parking lot, it isnt cost effective to install yourself.... But to be honest with ya, it is easy enough to do that you could do it in the parking lot. Just make sure to write your miles down....

[Scubadude]

3:00PM appointment tomorrow to have the lock cylinder and housing replaced. If that doesn't solve it, I'm having them replace the BCM. If that doesn't solve it, I'm through and it's down the road, with the Browns, to the the big Superbowl! I'll post the results Thursday.

[Scubadude]

3 1/2 hours later...the Vue lives! I'll sum it all up for future reference:

Dealer replaced the ignition lock and housing. When the key was turned, the "security" light blinked 3 times and went out (should have stayed on as the BCM shouldn't have known the new key codes). They were unable to program the BCM. They replaced the BCM (kudos to BigDaddy) and tried to program the BCM..no luck. Reprogrammed the ECM, then the BCM and ....tada...starts every time and the tachometer is working correctly! Dealer claims they consulted "Big Saturn" and they've never heard of such a thing. Live is good again after 3000 painfull miles and a $1000! Thanks to all who offered advice and inspired me to not give up on "Red".