Flashing Service Engine Light - 2002 Vue

[gajames33]

I tried to start my 02 VUE this morning and at first it didn't start. After waiting a few minutes, I tried again and it turned over. Unfortunately there was a clicking sort of sound coming from the engine and the Service Engine Soon light began flashing. I checked under the hood and the whole engine was shaking (not the normal vibrating). I tried to drive it to the end of my driveway and it nearly died. This past summer I had the ICM (ignition control module) replaced, so it shouldn't be that. I did fill up at a different gas station two days ago ... I usually always fill up at the same place, but the lower price was tempting at a local Speedway station. Any suggestions? I really want to avoid towing it into the dealer and running an expensive check on it if at all possible.
;)

[ssicarman]

Don't drive the car if the SES light is flashing. That means that a cat converter damaging event is happening. Basicly you are murdering your converter.


Chances are that the ignition module has crapped out on you again. This time change the plugs with the ignition module.




Subject: SES Light and Severe Engine Misfire on Cylinder 1 and 4 or Cylinders 2 and 3 Due to a Repeat Ignition Module Concern - keywords ICM miss no P0300 P0301 P0302 P0303 P0304 plug spark #PIP3433B - (10/20/2005)



Models:
2003-2006 Saturn Ion

2004-2005 Saturn L Series

2002-2006 Saturn Vue

with 2.2L Engine (VIN D or F - RPO L61)

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The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:
Some customers may comment on a severe engine misfire and a SES Light. Upon inspection, DTCs P0300 - P0304 may be found due to misfires on cylinders 1 and 4 or cylinders 2 and 3.

Recommendation/Instructions:
If ICM (ignition control module) replacement temporarily corrected the above issue only to have the same concern return again, perform the SI diagnostics. If the SI diagnostics lead to ICM replacement again, something may have damaged the ICM causing the vehicle to return with the same concern again. If it appears that something has damaged the ICM, replace the ICM as directed by SI, ensure that the ICM ground is clean and tight, and replace all of the spark plugs to possibly prevent ICM damage again.

If the SI diagnostics do not isolate a cause for the above concern due to the intermittent nature, inspect circuits 406 (IC Control for 2/3 Coil) and 423 (IC Control for 1/4 Coil) for an intermittent short to ground. Depending on the model, this may occur on the AC lines near the AC compressor, on the transmission mount, or on the transmission lines where they enter the transmission. If no shorts are found, inspect the ignition control module ground to ensure that it is clean and tight.

[enginebrake]

If possible, connect a scan tool to the ODBII scanner port and see what code comes into play. I performed a full tuneup, wires and plugs on my father's LaSabre for a code P0306 with a flashing SES light over the weekend. Turned out the #6 spark plug had severe corrosion on the boot tip with the wire burned through upon hard acceleration. I didn't look at my VUE to see if it has interchangable modules like the packs on the GM V6 but if doing so moves the ODB code from the 1 and 4 cylinders to the 2 and 3, (ex. P0301 to P0302) then you have a good idea where to look. It was just easier for me to swap the modules, reset and trip the lamps than to pull the rear plugs first.
:us:

[Bigdaddy94sc2]

If possible, connect a scan tool to the ODBII scanner port and see what code comes into play. I performed a full tuneup, wires and plugs on my father's LaSabre for a code P0306 with a flashing SES light over the weekend. Turned out the #6 spark plug had severe corrosion on the boot tip with the wire burned through upon hard acceleration. I didn't look at my VUE to see if it has interchangable modules like the packs on the GM V6 but if doing so moves the ODB code from the 1 and 4 cylinders to the 2 and 3, (ex. P0301 to P0302) then you have a good idea where to look. It was just easier for me to swap the modules, reset and trip the lamps than to pull the rear plugs first.
:us:


This isnt possible with a vue, since the igntion coil is an assembly with both in one unit. If you have a nown good one, you can swap it out and test it. But it sounds like it took a dump, or you have a clogged cat from a bad ICM the first time around. I would honestly get the code read and probably take it to the dealer, especially if you are under 80k miles. Your cat and PCM are covered until 80k. Dealer will replace it for free.

[gajames33]

You guys know what you're doing, great suggestions! I took it to the dealer (although, I have over 80,000 miles, no warranty). Looks like cylinders 2 and 3 were severely misfiring ... bad ICM! I guess putting in cheaper plugs back in July didn't help me, it burned out the new ICM I also put in at that time. I changed the plugs (AC/Delco plugs) and put in a new ICM. It is running great now with the exception of one thing ... the fan seems to run continually. Any suggestions as to why this is happening? The car is not getting hot. As soon as I turn on the engine, the fan comes on with it ... stays on until I turn it off.
Thanks for the great advice!

[Bigdaddy94sc2]

If this is the case, and the car was driven for a decent amount of time, dont be shocked if it pops a cat effieciency code (p0420) and it needs replacing... Not a cheap fix.

[fdryer]

You guys know what you're doing, great suggestions! I took it to the dealer (although, I have over 80,000 miles, no warranty). Looks like cylinders 2 and 3 were severely misfiring ... bad ICM! I guess putting in cheaper plugs back in July didn't help me, it burned out the new ICM I also put in at that time. I changed the plugs (AC/Delco plugs) and put in a new ICM. It is running great now with the exception of one thing ... the fan seems to run continually. Any suggestions as to why this is happening? The car is not getting hot. As soon as I turn on the engine, the fan comes on with it ... stays on until I turn it off.
Thanks for the great advice!

I don't think the plugs are the cause of the ICM blowing as much as there may be loose grounds not allowing positive electrical connections. You might want to visually inspect where the harness connects to the ICM, corrosion of any connection, any and all ground wire connections, and the battery cable ground. Losing two ICM's should raise a flag about the electrical connections, not the plugs as they don't impede the function of the ICM.

The radiator fan staying on may not have anything in common with the misfiring problem. If the fan turns on immediately when the key is in the ON/RUN position try removing the fan relay before starting the engine to observe if its just a stuck relay contact. Replace it if it is sticky temporarily with a similar relay until you buy one. Rapping the relay moderately against something hard may break the stuck contact for now also.
Then there's the possibility of the relay being energized (incorrectly), feel for this by leaving the key in the ON/RUN position and remove the relay. Then put it back and feel for the relay to click. If it does, there's something else wrong.

[flappytango]

My SES light just came on tonight on the way home from work. It is not flasihing but solid. I kind of noticed it started different the last few days. tonight it seemed as if it was mifiinrg when it started but got better fast. after 5 miles engine SES light cam on and stayed. can it be the icm if not flashing? i want to get it checked asap but will need to drive to work.