Top 10 2004 Saturn VUE Questions & Answers

The 2002 thru 2007 do not have the traditional hydraulic power stering unit that requires fluid. In these models, power assist is provided by an electrical power steering unit. Nothing to check there but the battery.

You should probably check the shifter cable. I had the same thing happen and then I couldn't shift into 2nd, 4th, and reverse gears. Then the cable snapped and I had to replace it. Be careful "man-handling" the shifter. If you break the shift linkage at the base of the shifter it's about $45 from the dealership. It's cheap plastic and doesn't take much to break. If you really want to know if it's the shift cable and not the gearbox crank the engine, have someone hold the clutch, disconnect the shift cables from the box, and manually shift the gears. If they move smooth, it's probably your cable which would mean there's a kink in it somewhere. You can't fix that. Depending on the VIN you're looking at anywhere from $189 (what mine cost with tax) to a little over $200 (from the dealership brand new). Talk to the parts desk at a Saturn dealership and they can tell you which one you need. Hope this helps

It is part of the fuel pump module inside the fuel tank, all the cars are starting to use this type of setup, the filter is only serviced when the fuel pump fails.

I think your transmission is a 4T45E which does not have a typical dipstick. Check underneath the vehicle on the transmission case above the oil pan on the passenger side of the vehicle and you will see a pipe thread plug. The transmission must be at operating temperature on a level surface and the engine running, you then remove the plug and add new fluid in the fill hole until it runs out the removed plug. You will obviously need a catch basin and do not re-insert plug until fluid has stopped overflowing. Do not turn off the engine during the process.

It was very likely that the problem turning the key was due to the steering column lock mechanism. Sometimes when you lock the steering wheel, if you the mechanism will bind up, making it difficult to unlock the ignition with the key. Often when this happens, you will be parked on a hill with your wheels agains a curb or some such item. Once you turn the wheel hard to the right (or left), the pressure is released on the locking mechanism, and the key will turn easily. This is a similar situation to what can happen in an automatic if you park on a hill without the parking brake.
try doing this:
pop the off the circle piece around the ignition and the holster cover under the steering wheel.
that ought to work.

The transmition is not the problem. The cables that run from the shifter to the transmition are the culpret. I recently rescued my wife from the road when the linkage broke on our VUE. I purchased new connectors and cables from the dealership and replaced them. For those that have the proper knowledge and skill set, you can replace them yourself. Others are better off having it done at a shop. The following is my personal experience and is not meant to be a guide, repair manual or procedure for those who lack formal automotive repair training! The new shifter cables come as a set. The cable with the white housing does not seem to be a problem. The cable with the black housing controls the push forward-pull back and the cable with the white housing controls the side to side movement. I found that the new cable with the black housing had the same sort of stiffness when I pushed and pulled the cable by hand. Then I noticed that the cable end was bent, causing it to bind in the housing. I straightened the end by bending it with my hands untill I felt the least amount of binding or resistance when pushing and pulling it. When I installed it the difference was amazing! I kept the old cable set for emergencies. The only tools you need to replace the cables and couplings are a 7mm socket on a screwdriver handle, a phillips head screwdriver and a pair of needle nose plyers. Remove the center console, (4, 7mm screws) and electrical connections. Then remove the plastic panels around the shifter, (7, phillips head screws and 2 plastic push pins) associated snap together panel fasteners and electrical connections. Pop each cable end off it's shifter joint/ball and push the collar back on each cable housing anchor. Pull the carpet back and push the rubber grommet through the firewall in the passenger footwell. Then pop the cable ends off at the transmition. Pull the old cable set out and reverse the procedure to install the new cables. There is an adjustment of the cable length. This should be done before replacing the plastic panels and center console. The new cable ends that attach to the shifter can be positioned/adjusted. Looking at the old cable pair you will see where the old clips were positioned and can start with that. Then run the shifter through all the gears to make sure they all engage. If you run out of travel on the shifter handle re-position the clips on the cable ends, as needed, to get full gear engagement without running out of travel.

Did you scan for codes? If there are codes pull them out
provide me with them and I'll try to diagnosis this. This could be anything. The shifter may be defective the transmission range sensor aka manual shift valve may be defective. When your in first is it slipping?

If it is not your brakes, or your rear shoes, being so they have been replaced, you may have a wheel bearing bad in the rear, or you may have a caliper that is not releasing pressure on the slides causing the brake to drag just a little. I think sense it is coming from the rear of the vehicle i am going to lean towards it being a wheel bearing. One more thing you can try, push the emergency or parking brake on half way when you hear the squeak not enough to lock up the brakes but enough so the brakes touch the drum. If the squeak stops then your parking brakes are you culprit!

there are two things that cause this clicking noise u hear, one and most common is the hazard flasher relay switch assmbly, they also say in a factory bulletin the turn signal switch on the steering column can cause this, any GM dealer should be able to order these parts for you.
here are the part numbers, they are avail from www.rockauto.com
AIRTEX / WELLS Part # 1S7579



OE PRO Part # SM557H
without auto headlamps

AIRTEX / WELLS Part # 1S7582 {#15251096, 22729563, SW5130}
with Auto Headlamps

2004 Vue with 6-cyl Honda engine: Dipstick handle is hard to find unless well lit- dark blue and "D" shaped. Driver side, low. Presumably check in Park with engine running and trans at normal operating temp.