backfire valve????

[BlownL36]

Started my vue with a remote starter and then 20 secs afterwards it died. would crank but not fire. Towed it to chevy and the mechanic said that the intake backfire valve was in the open postion. What the hell is that????? Anyone? cost me 360 bucks for him to reset it and roadtest it. works great now!!

[fdryer]

... would crank but not fire... Towed it to chevy and the mechanic said that the intake backfire valve was in the open postion. What the hell is that????? Anyone? cost me 360 bucks for him to reset it and roadtest it. works great now!!

Just a unscientific wild @$$ guess but did he give you back the crank position sensor (CPS) as its most likely what you described? Rockauto.com has them for $78 and $100...diagnosing the vehicle - 1/2 hr, labor - 1hr...mark-up on parts - $$$$$$$$$!?. Just my 2-cents.

Hmmm, intake backfire valve, open. I don't know of any backfire valve as this suggests a mechanical device but a crank position sensor is electronic and they fail from heat, cold, and vibration. Failure in electrical terms is described as 'open' in this case.

[BlownL36]

he didnt give me anything back. thats what he said. on my invoice their is no charge for a part....just his labor and roadtest. i dunno. maybe the cps was the problem and they had it in stock and changed it.

[chillin05VUE]

I know what is: Pop Off (backfire relief) Valve Prevents engine backfires from damaging your air box.

Now, why would it keep your car from sarting, I don't know.

[BlownL36]

im glad u might know what it is. But where is it? On the intake manifold? Intake tubing? What does it look like?

[far2grumpy]

If this defective valve was between the MAF (mass airflow sensor) and induction input it'd allow unmetered air to bypass MAF and shut things down.

It would have to be spring-loaded closed for the system to operate properly, but if it were in the air-box (before MAF) I can't make a case for it being culprit.

One of the smart guys will bail us out.

[chillin05VUE]

im glad u might know what it is. But where is it? On the intake manifold? Intake tubing? What does it look like?

Ok, you got me on the one. Have you tried to Google it?

[far2grumpy]

Well ... we live and learn ... see partial extract of 2003 bulletin for 2002-2003 3.0 Vue. I can email the entire document if interested in details.

Its hard to place a value on something that gets you running again but I'm thinking if they charged $360 for this they'd have trouble sleeping at night.

Or not.

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Crank No Start After Backfire or Rough Run/High Idle After Engine Start (Inspect Intake Manifold Pressure Relief Valve for Stuck Open Condition) #03-06-01-021 - (Jul 22, 2003)

2002-2003 Saturn VUE Vehicles with 3.0L V6 Engine (VIN R -- RPO L81)
Condition

Some customers may comment on the engine backfiring while starting then having a no start, start stall, or a high idle after starting.

Cause

This condition may be caused by the intake manifold pressure relief valve being stuck open.

Correction

Important

The plastic tabs on the valve may not keep the valve fully assembled when removed from the intake manifold due to the spring pressure.

To correct this condition, remove the intake manifold pressure relief valve and remove any burs or plastic flashing on the retaining legs of the valve plate.

[BlownL36]

wow where did you find that! Now, where do i find the valve? lol

[far2grumpy]

I tracked down in factory service manual.

Send me your email by private message and I'll email the bulletin ... its too large to post.

The bulletin has several illustrations ... including valve location.

Its a bummer they ripped you like that. :dazed: