New to us 2006 Saturn Vue AWD

[SuperDad]

Just saying hey. We're new to this forum. Just bought a 2006 Saturn Vue AWD to tow behind my RV.

Anybody else towing a Vue?

Anything I need to do to this car ASAP, it has 110k on the 3.5L?

Do they have timing belts or chains?

[billysvue]

Belt ,if you have no record of past maintenance, you shoulld seriously consider getting er done.

Change ALL fluids- trans/ transfer, rear diff, motor and especially get rid of the DEXcool Antifreeze, flush well, and replace w/ standard glycol.

MIght look over the belts and replace @ same time as timing. I beleive there may be some parts uncovered( like a waterpump , maybe) that would be perfect time to replace during the Tbelt job.

And then there's coolant hoses....

[SuperDad]

How much does it normally cost to get the timing belt done?

[far2grumpy]

Originally Posted by SuperDad

How much does it normally cost to get the timing belt done?

I live in Iowa and had timing belt, water pump, TB pulleys, tensioner, accessory drive belt and coolant flush and replaced for $777. Work was done by shop specializing in Honda and came with 12 month or 12,000 mile guarantee.

I take care of four family 3.5 Vue's (58,000 to 118,000 miles) and won't use any coolant other that DEX-COOL. Each refresh is good for five years or 100,000 miles and I've had no problems.

Its a good idea to refresh all fluids unless you have evidence they've been updated on a reasonable schedule.

You probably researched the AWD Vue before choosing one to be towed. But just in case - I'll attach three pages from the last GM document I can find which lists a few special needs.

You would have 3.5L V6 (L66) engine and MJ8 automatic transaxle package.

[mikec]

Welcome to the forum. I tow my Vue. No issues so far. I had my timing belt, water pump and plugs done about a year ago. Cost was about $1,200

[SuperDad]

Thanks for the info. I bought it today. Here's a picture. Has 110k 3.5L and is AWD. Runs great, but I still going to have the timing belt and other stuff replaced soon.

[mikec]

It looks good. I can see the base plate on the front. I went with Blue Ox for the base plate, tow bar, brake assist and electrical cable. The only non-Blue Ox item that I bought are a pair of Carco safety cables because they were half the price of Blue Ox and rated the same weight capacity.

I ended up spending about $2K to get my Vue towable so you are lucky to get one with a base plate.

+2 on the timing belt.

Here is a close up pic of my tow set up.

[mikec]

Let's try this again:

http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/att...1&d=1390071008

[SuperDad]

Thinking about doing the timing belt myself.

Looking at this kit:

Gates TCKWP329 Engine Timing Belt Kit with Water Pump

Also think I'll do serpentine belt, plugs and wires too.

What brand of plugs is everybody using?

[SuperDad]

I already have a Blue Ox XL (10,000 lb) tow bar and Brake Buddy Vantage Select Brake System. Just need to find the Blue Ox tow bar to the base plate that on the car adapters now. Not sure but I think it's a Roadmaster?

[Chazberry]

Originally Posted by SuperDad

Thinking about doing the timing belt myself.
Looking at this kit:
Gates TCKWP329 Engine Timing Belt Kit with Water Pump

Some folks using the Aisin TKH-002, but that Gates kit is only $129 on Amazon.

You've probably seen this thread . . .
http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=134918

[JesseJames]

My 06 Vue AWD V6 has been towed regularly since it was new and have never had a towing related problem. It presently shows 135,000 Km's and I'm guessing about 50,000 Km's towed. Been to Florida several times, also to Texas and Arizona. I'm using Blue Ox base plate and tow bar with Classic Brake Buddy. Rear lights are wired with diodes.
It's a PITA to have to remove the IGN fuse but it is necessary for trips any more than about 2 hours.
Your base plate looks like a Roadmaster and you can get adapters for Blue Ox tow bar at www.rvupgradestore.com