Strange Noise at Startup on Vue

VueBob63 · 05-12-2003, 04:53 PM

Has anyone experienced this situation?
At starup, the engine starts just fine, but the strange sound comes from the front drivers side , it sounds like something is spinning then abruptly stops with a clunk sound. Ithapens right after the engine starts.
This occurs at startup only, the past couple of times, it does not occur after the first start of the day, it seems to happen after a night or more of sitting and sometimes does not happen.
Planning to bring it in to the dealer soon, just no time as yet, so has anyone have any ideas, they are more than appreciated, thanks in advance.

2003 AWD V6 Vue 5sp Auto 1200+ miles

corympak · 05-12-2003, 04:56 PM

Start it up at the dealership with the mechanic looking on. It will never make that sound again!

MPR2001GTi · 05-12-2003, 05:36 PM

Mine has done it once in 5000 miles now.

mr weather · 05-13-2003, 08:21 AM

I'm just guessing here but maybe it's the ABS winding up? I don't recall my VUE's ABS making a noise but the Cavalier I used to own made a spinning/crunching noise shortly after start-up.

That seems like the right location too because the master cylinder is there.

VueBob63 · 05-13-2003, 02:20 PM

it seems to sound like something whinding up, I thought it might have something to do ith the tranny, or the AWD trying to kick in, it is that kind of sound

MPR2001GTi · 05-13-2003, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by VueBob63
it seems to sound like something whinding up, I thought it might have something to do ith the tranny, or the AWD trying to kick in, it is that kind of sound

It almost sounds to me like the little pawls that allow the starter nose gear to free wheel. Almost like once the engine starts the starter motor is freewheeling then the pawls kick back in and try to engage the starter nose gear again.

If that’s what it is its not a normal thing. But as long as it not an everyday occurrence I wouldn’t worry to much about it. The same time mine made this noise I also got a weird clicking from the starter solenoid like you get when the battery is low. But it cranked then I got the wind-up-clunk as you described.

sattech · 05-13-2003, 09:07 PM

You may be hearing the A/C compressor cycle. Before you start make sure the A/C is off AND you are NOT in defroster mode. The A/C will operate in defroster mode and heat/defrost mode no matter if the A/C on is requested or not.

vue4u2nv · 05-13-2003, 09:45 PM

i think use are all hearing things i hav nt hear nothing like this i got 2003 v6 awd but no abs so maybe thats why miles are 2300

OhioVueBoy · 05-13-2003, 10:21 PM

The 4 cyls seem to do it. Kind of a loud "PBBBB" or "BRRRR" sound for a sec, right?
~D.J.~

samats55 · 05-19-2003, 01:44 PM

I think I know what you are talking about, I only heard it 1 time. After it happened I turned it off and then turned it back on to see if it would do it again but it didn't. Is it just manual transmission's that have done this? I will have my radio off the next few times I start it up.

MaxSL2 · 06-04-2003, 04:08 PM

I just took mine in for this noise, (its a 5spd.) they at first said they coudn't hear anything but ended up replacing the starter after finally duplicating the "clunk". I don't know if it is cured yet, but the starting seems quieter than it ever was before.

VueBob63 · 06-04-2003, 04:46 PM

Well the idea with the A/C Compressor seems to be the trick for us, Thanks so much. But I still have my Ears on Red Alert!

MaxSL2 · 06-09-2003, 01:10 PM

My problem may have been somting different, as now my starter sounds totally different than before. Instead of the click like the A/C makes it was making an occasional loud clunk after a cold start.

My VUEs starter never cranked as fast or as quietly as the replacement unit, so mine may have had a starter decfect ever since I bought it.

VueBob63 · 06-11-2003, 04:15 PM

Well, I thought it was the AC compressor, but now it seemed to happen again , so I guess it's time to go in, near 3000 miles anyway. That clunk sound right after start up, and it was after a cooler night so I have to check that as well.

2003 Vue AWD V6 Auto
2003 Ion Sedan

SaturnVue'03 · 06-11-2003, 09:52 PM

I too have that "clunk" sound during start up. It only occurs on the first start up of the day, or if the car has been sitting for at least 8 hours or so. I've never had any other problems with my Vue (7 months old w/7000 miles on it). I think it's happening because my A/C has been on. It's only started doing it recently. I'll have to test it again tomorrow and report.

2003 Black 4cyl. sports package

DejaVUE · 06-12-2003, 05:42 AM

Everyone who is experiencing this noise, do you all have ABS? My '97 SC2 made noises like that at startup, and it was just the ABS system checking in for duty. Sometimes, I think I could even feel it in the brake pedal. Have someone else start your VUE while you're under the hood listening, or even with your hand on the ABS module. Chances are, you'll feel and hear the pumps cycling at the same time you hear the clunk noise.

SaturnVue'03 · 06-12-2003, 08:05 AM

Yes I do have ABS, but today I went out early this morning to start my Vue and it did not make the noise. I made sure to turn the A/C off and that seems to do the trick for me. I'll try it again later today when the A/C is off and then I'll know for sure if that was the problem.

mr weather · 06-12-2003, 08:25 AM

It's probably not a bad idea to turn the a/c off before shutting the VUE down anyway. That way there's less electrical and mechanical stress on startup.

VueBob63 · 06-12-2003, 03:34 PM

Hello there,
Yes I do have ABS on my Vue, I'll have to check it out to see about that kicking in at startup. And it does happen at first startup of the day, after sitting overnight or more than 8+ hours.

2003 Vue AWD V6 Auto ABS
2003 Ion 2 Sedan Auto

VueBob63 · 06-12-2003, 03:38 PM

Also, when I first tried the turning off of the A/C compressor, that seemed to do it, but the other day it did it again, and i can't seem to remember all the details , if I turned everything off or not before coming in.... Ahhh, Oh well, I'll figure it out soon enough i guess.

05-12-2003, 04:53 PM	#1
VueBob63 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NY Posts: 14	Strange Noise at Startup on Vue Has anyone experienced this situation? At starup, the engine starts just fine, but the strange sound comes from the front drivers side , it sounds like something is spinning then abruptly stops with a clunk sound. Ithapens right after the engine starts. This occurs at startup only, the past couple of times, it does not occur after the first start of the day, it seems to happen after a night or more of sitting and sometimes does not happen. Planning to bring it in to the dealer soon, just no time as yet, so has anyone have any ideas, they are more than appreciated, thanks in advance. 2003 AWD V6 Vue 5sp Auto 1200+ miles

05-12-2003, 04:56 PM	#2
corympak Advanced Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Sudbury, ON...... 2003 Jeep Rubicon Posts: 843 corympak's Photos	Start it up at the dealership with the mechanic looking on. It will never make that sound again! ... 1-2003 Jeep Rubicon 1-Bubble Blowing Lawn Mower

05-13-2003, 02:20 PM	#5
VueBob63 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NY Posts: 14	the noise it seems to sound like something whinding up, I thought it might have something to do ith the tranny, or the AWD trying to kick in, it is that kind of sound

05-13-2003, 09:07 PM	#7
sattech Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Saturn of Norwood, Ma Posts: 1,466	You may be hearing the A/C compressor cycle. Before you start make sure the A/C is off AND you are NOT in defroster mode. The A/C will operate in defroster mode and heat/defrost mode no matter if the A/C on is requested or not. ... ~ If it worked before you messed with it, it must be something you did ~

05-13-2003, 10:21 PM	#9
OhioVueBoy Master Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: N. Bethesda, Maryland (DC) (Dayton Ohio Native) Posts: 9,295 OhioVueBoy's Photos 2002 VUE 2.2L	The 4 cyls seem to do it. Kind of a loud "PBBBB" or "BRRRR" sound for a sec, right? ~D.J.~ ... 2012 Mercedes Benz C250 Sport Sedan 2008 smart fortwo Passion Coupe 8/28/2008 - 3/12/2012 2002 VUE FWD4m - Gone but not forgotten. 5/14/2002 - 10/31/2011

05-12-2003, 05:36 PM	#3
MPR2001GTi Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: So Cal Posts: 245 MPR2001GTi's Photos	Mine has done it once in 5000 miles now.

05-13-2003, 08:21 AM	#4
mr weather Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Mississauga, Ontario Posts: 1,918 mr weather's Photos	I'm just guessing here but maybe it's the ABS winding up? I don't recall my VUE's ABS making a noise but the Cavalier I used to own made a spinning/crunching noise shortly after start-up. That seems like the right location too because the master cylinder is there.

05-13-2003, 09:45 PM	#8
vue4u2nv Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: JERSEY SHORE Posts: 378 vue4u2nv's Photos	i think use are all hearing things i hav nt hear nothing like this i got 2003 v6 awd but no abs so maybe thats why miles are 2300

05-19-2003, 01:44 PM	#10
samats55 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: ALbany NY Posts: 20	I think I know what you are talking about, I only heard it 1 time. After it happened I turned it off and then turned it back on to see if it would do it again but it didn't. Is it just manual transmission's that have done this? I will have my radio off the next few times I start it up.

06-04-2003, 04:08 PM	#11
MaxSL2 Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: FL Posts: 605 MaxSL2's Photos 2003 VUE 2.2L	I just took mine in for this noise, (its a 5spd.) they at first said they coudn't hear anything but ended up replacing the starter after finally duplicating the "clunk". I don't know if it is cured yet, but the starting seems quieter than it ever was before.

06-04-2003, 04:46 PM	#12
VueBob63 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NY Posts: 14	Well the idea with the A/C Compressor seems to be the trick for us, Thanks so much. But I still have my Ears on Red Alert!

06-09-2003, 01:10 PM	#13
MaxSL2 Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: FL Posts: 605 MaxSL2's Photos 2003 VUE 2.2L	My problem may have been somting different, as now my starter sounds totally different than before. Instead of the click like the A/C makes it was making an occasional loud clunk after a cold start. My VUEs starter never cranked as fast or as quietly as the replacement unit, so mine may have had a starter decfect ever since I bought it.

06-11-2003, 04:15 PM	#14
VueBob63 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NY Posts: 14	Well, I thought it was the AC compressor, but now it seemed to happen again , so I guess it's time to go in, near 3000 miles anyway. That clunk sound right after start up, and it was after a cooler night so I have to check that as well. 2003 Vue AWD V6 Auto 2003 Ion Sedan

06-11-2003, 09:52 PM	#15
SaturnVue'03 Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 148 SaturnVue'03's Photos 2006 VUE 3.5L	I too have that "clunk" sound during start up. It only occurs on the first start up of the day, or if the car has been sitting for at least 8 hours or so. I've never had any other problems with my Vue (7 months old w/7000 miles on it). I think it's happening because my A/C has been on. It's only started doing it recently. I'll have to test it again tomorrow and report. 2003 Black 4cyl. sports package

06-12-2003, 05:42 AM	#16
DejaVUE Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Near Frederick, MD Posts: 199 DejaVUE's Photos 2003 VUE 2.2L	Everyone who is experiencing this noise, do you all have ABS? My '97 SC2 made noises like that at startup, and it was just the ABS system checking in for duty. Sometimes, I think I could even feel it in the brake pedal. Have someone else start your VUE while you're under the hood listening, or even with your hand on the ABS module. Chances are, you'll feel and hear the pumps cycling at the same time you hear the clunk noise.

06-12-2003, 08:05 AM	#17
SaturnVue'03 Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 148 SaturnVue'03's Photos 2006 VUE 3.5L	Yes I do have ABS, but today I went out early this morning to start my Vue and it did not make the noise. I made sure to turn the A/C off and that seems to do the trick for me. I'll try it again later today when the A/C is off and then I'll know for sure if that was the problem.

06-12-2003, 08:25 AM	#18
mr weather Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Mississauga, Ontario Posts: 1,918 mr weather's Photos	It's probably not a bad idea to turn the a/c off before shutting the VUE down anyway. That way there's less electrical and mechanical stress on startup.

06-12-2003, 03:34 PM	#19
VueBob63 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NY Posts: 14	that noise ! Hello there, Yes I do have ABS on my Vue, I'll have to check it out to see about that kicking in at startup. And it does happen at first startup of the day, after sitting overnight or more than 8+ hours. 2003 Vue AWD V6 Auto ABS 2003 Ion 2 Sedan Auto

06-12-2003, 03:38 PM	#20
VueBob63 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NY Posts: 14	Also, when I first tried the turning off of the A/C compressor, that seemed to do it, but the other day it did it again, and i can't seem to remember all the details , if I turned everything off or not before coming in.... Ahhh, Oh well, I'll figure it out soon enough i guess.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
2003 Saturn VUE... strange noise	shygirl2229	Vue Tech	5	04-02-2011 11:06 AM
Strange noise and lights dim after startup	usagoal	S-Series Tech	6	11-20-2008 11:18 PM
strange noise from 2003 vue	tubbs	Vue General	6	11-24-2007 03:42 PM
Startup noise in 04 Vue with 3.5L	Blue Goose	Vue General	0	02-27-2006 08:06 PM
Startup noise in 04 Vue with 3.5L	Blue Goose	Vue Tech	1	02-27-2006 10:05 AM