03 VUE Dash lights won't light

[Wingmn]

I've been having this problem for about 2 weeks now. I have to cycle the key a few times from off to ACC to get the Dash lights (aka self test) to come on.

Recently the Security light and the Service light have remained on while driving as well.

It's not a constant problem, but it is getting worse.

I did search the forum and the only suggestion I found was reset the Bypass Module - by disconnecting the neg terminal on the battery, but that didn't change anything. I also replaced the batteries on the remote key locks.

I'm wondering if anyone has had this problem before - and what was the fix - I hoping this won't involve an expensive trip to the dealership.

(I have an 03 AWD V6 Vue with 59k miles)

[BobbyP]

Sounds like a bad ignition switch. I'd get it replaced asap.

[Wingmn]

I went ahead and tried a few things, disconnected the battery - took apart the stearing column, cleaned the contacts on the ignition switch, put it all back together and things seemed to work ok for half a day, but the same problem came back. My wife had to make a 200 mile trip today and it worked well for her, but this evening after we went to get dinner the dash lights wouldn't light for me - no power except radio and windows.. Couldn't crank the engine... We left it in the ACC position for about 30 seconds and thankfully power came on and we were able to start it up - Service light and security light lit... So - I will be taking it in to the dealer pretty soon. This weekend or Monday - I'll post results afterward. I did learn though that removing the ignition switch is really easy. So - more to come in a few days.

[Wingmn]

New update - I took the VUE to advanced auto parts and had them load test the battery (the original battery) and the alternator was doing well 14v. But with the car off and no load on the battery it was at 10v. So, I was hoping a new battery was going to fix it, but it didn't.

I did get the VUE to start as instructed in the users manual - turning the key all the way to START without stopping. 3 times - but the service light stayed on each time. I let the VUE sit for about 5 mins then tried again and the original problem came back... So, I will be going to the dealer to have them diagnose the problem. It does sound more like the ignition switch isn't working right... But if ANYONE has had ANY problem like this please feel free to share. Thanks

[Wingmn]

Well - here's the verdict: Took it to the dealership today - luckily I got the service light to come on for the service rep. He told me not to turn the vehicle off so they could read the codes. So, they took it back and not 3 mins after they got it back the service rep came out and told me the BCM was bad. He quoted me 400 for the part and 100 for labor...

So - they got it changed out - I was at the dealership a total of an hour and a half. I bought 2 oil filters and my total ticket price was 508. So - we shall see how long this fix is good for :)

[mellissam]

..... I was at the dealership a total of an hour and a half....

Is it that quick to change out a BCM? Getting to it takes just a few minutes, and pulling it a few more, but I thought it took some time (several hours) to program it......Hmmm. Maybe one of the Mechs will chime in.
Hope it works out well for you. The price you got your BCM for sounds much better than what several folks on this board were quoted. :)

[aquatechie]

Is it that quick to change out a BCM? Getting to it takes just a few minutes, and pulling it a few more, but I thought it took some time (several hours) to program it......Hmmm. Maybe one of the Mechs will chime in.
Hope it works out well for you. The price you got your BCM for sounds much better than what several folks on this board were quoted. :)

That's roughly what I paid for mine, give or take a few dollars. However, It took my local dealer at least 4 hours to do the job for the 2 BCMs I had installed.

@Wingmn
Did your new BCM mysteriously pickup any extra miles after replacement?

[CrewCab]

Is it that quick to change out a BCM? Getting to it takes just a few minutes, and pulling it a few more, but I thought it took some time (several hours) to program it......Hmmm. Maybe one of the Mechs will chime in.

The BCM is located in the dash, just below the radio. It isn't all that difficult to replace. Programming is easy, it only takes a few minutes. We just have to enter in the odometer data, a few options (fog lamps, traction/abs etc.), and reprogram the security and key fobs.

[Wingmn]

That's roughly what I paid for mine, give or take a few dollars. However, It took my local dealer at least 4 hours to do the job for the 2 BCMs I had installed.

@Wingmn
Did your new BCM mysteriously pickup any extra miles after replacement?


My BCM did pick up a few miles... I don't know exactly how many roughly 20 or so, but I keep a log of my fill ups online - and I filled up the tank right after I got the new BCM and my log told me I got 27 MPG for the last tank.. I knew that wasn't right :)
As far as how long it took, I was the first one to the dealership that morning, so my VUE was the first vehicle in the garage. They told me the most time consuming part was programming it, the removal and replacement was pretty easy. ( They did tell me it was behind the radio )