2003 Saturn Vue Car Won't Start

2003 SATURN VUE
108,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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SOUPERFX
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I just bought a used 2003. I come out one day and the car won't start. There is no noise at all, no clicking, etc.

I have this car less than a month. Sometimes the key fob wouldn't work either locking or unlocking.

The first time I looked at the car they had to jump it, I assumed this because it had sat for a while, now I suspect something more sinister.

It shouldn't be out of gas because last time I drove it the light wasn't on. It was probably less than a 1/4 tank of gas though.

I read something on another question that it might be a bad bcm? What exactly is that?
Apr 22, 2010 at 1:42 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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the bcm is short for body control module that's the computer for ur body controls.it controls ur fuel gauge door locks keyless entry anti theft interior lights etc.it's not real common for vue bcms to cause no starts it's mostly LS model saturns that have happen more often.let's start with the battery does ur dash lights warning lights an all that come on when u turn the key on?do u have a voltmeter please tell me u do we could really use that here.let me know.
Feb 9, 2021 at 8:40 AM
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SOUPERFX
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I don't have a voltmeter.

I turned the key today and tried to turn on anything, lights, wipers, radio, and nothing came on.

When I pushed the button for the emergency flashers there was a clicking noise that was continuous while the button was depressed, but when I turned to key to "start" the car, the noise would stop.

No lights come on the dash regularly. If I turned the key on/off enough times for some weird reason I could get some lights to come on. The light that look likes a battery light up (the manual said that was a charging system issue if I remember right) and an yellow arrow (which the manual said was related to manual transmission, and I have an automatic)

I tried to jump it today, and it didn't work. I think that might be that we didn't give the battery long enough to recharge. I tried to tell the guy who was helping me that he was doing it wrong, but he wouldn't listen. We'll try again tomorrow, but I'm worried it's a bigger problem.
Feb 9, 2021 at 8:40 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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Sounds like we need to start with looking at the battery and fuses first before we look at bigger problems.check all the underhood fuses.and inside fuses make sure ur battery cables are clean and tight.how old is ur battery?if ur charging light comes on while the engine is running then u have charging problems.it's normal for it to be on when the engine is not running because the alternator is not charging.u may have to by a meter or borrow one so we can check battery voltage of the battery an other things.if u have a harbor frieght by u there only like 3 with cupon u can a cheap one cheaper then taking it into a shop.let me know what u find.
Feb 9, 2021 at 8:40 AM
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SOUPERFX
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So I checked all the fuses, everything is good.

I didn't check the battery because they guy at the hardware store by me said he didn't have anything that will test a battery. He said I need to take it to an Autozone, they'll test for free

Problem is, I can't get the damn battery out. I think it's bolted to the tray on the under side. So I can't get it out, I can't jump start it, I can't drive it to an Autozone so they can help. What am I supposed to do?

The battery is ACDelco, which I believe is the original battery. It's probably time for it to be replaced, though I have noticed that a number of people have had battery problems with this model Saturn.

Once I get it to Autozone I will have them check the alternator and starter, and see if they can check the BCM.

Any help on how to remove the battery would be greatly appreciated.
Feb 9, 2021 at 8:40 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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At the base of the battery there is a block with a bolt holding ur battery down remove the bolt and block and the battery comes right out.let me know what comes up with the battery test and all that.
Feb 9, 2021 at 8:40 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/416332_2003_vue_battery_1.jpg

Feb 9, 2021 at 8:40 AM
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SOUPERFX
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Thanks for the awesome image! I had to get help from a friend with smaller hands to remove that piece, but I got it out in the end.

Also, I did have to go buy a socket wrench set with a pretty healthy extender to remove that bolt.

Took the battery to Autozone, they charged it for an hour (which I figured they wouldn't need to do) and they announced it was dead.

After hooking up the new batter the car started like a dream!!! I will still take it by Autozone to test the starter and the alternator to make sure they aren't draining the battery.

Thanks for the help! :)
Feb 9, 2021 at 8:40 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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Glad to hear u got it all figured out that's what were here for sounds like u have some new tools also that's the good thing about fixing ur own car u save money and get to keep the new tools win win.just wanted to thank u again for ur donation and for using 2carpros hope u use us again.
Feb 9, 2021 at 8:40 AM
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