VUE-loss of electrical power when starting

[davidjw]

Hello,


I have a weird problem that occurs very intermittantly on my VUE. Sometimes (once or twice a week) when I turn the key to start the engine, it begins to crank, but then there is a split-second loss of electrical power. The engine stops cranking, and the dashboard lights go out, but it happens so quickly that while you're still holding the key, it all comes back to life, and starts back up just fine.

I have been sure to have the clutch fully pressed, in case there was a faulty switch...but this reminds me of an older car that has battery terminal corrosion... However, I don't know how that could be the case with a brand new car.

Like I said, it happens only occasionally. The retailer tried starting it 30-40 times when I was in for an oil change, and it would never happen for them. I cannot find any patterns with the problem (starting with the a/c on, when it's cold, warm, whatever...), so it is really baffling me.

Has this happened to anyone else???

David
'02 VUE SP, Red
Ohio "NICE VUE" plates

[ricksLS1]

Originally posted by davidjw
Hello,


I have a weird problem that occurs very intermittantly on my VUE. Sometimes (once or twice a week) when I turn the key to start the engine, it begins to crank, but then there is a split-second loss of electrical power. The engine stops cranking, and the dashboard lights go out, but it happens so quickly that while you're still holding the key, it all comes back to life, and starts back up just fine.

I have been sure to have the clutch fully pressed, in case there was a faulty switch...but this reminds me of an older car that has battery terminal corrosion... However, I don't know how that could be the case with a brand new car.

Like I said, it happens only occasionally. The retailer tried starting it 30-40 times when I was in for an oil change, and it would never happen for them. I cannot find any patterns with the problem (starting with the a/c on, when it's cold, warm, whatever...), so it is really baffling me.

Has this happened to anyone else???

David
'02 VUE SP, Red
Ohio "NICE VUE" plates

How old and # of miles? Maybe turn it in if you can if under 30 days and 1,500 miles.

[BeausoleilRacin]

Sounds like a battery cable problem, like they're not tight enough. But I am not very familiar with anything beyond 1996 yet.

[davidjw]

I've had it since February, and I have about 6500 miles on it... So returning it is not an option. I figure the problem will either get worse (happen enough for the retailer to see the problem), or else stay the same, which is simply an annoyance right now. It NEVER fails to start... Just a little embarassing at times when it happens... For instance, my neighbors had just asked how I liked my new VUE, and I said that I love it (which is still true)... But then, I turned the key to start it, and the problem happened... Yeah... heheheee


David


David

[ricksLS1]

Hope they fix it for you soon. I had a problem with an older car when I would stop after driving for a long time and restart again would just click. Wait 5 minutes and then no problem. Was loose connection on starter. This would drive me crazy