I originally come from a Saturn Forum.

I was referred to this forum by someone for extra, Honda specific help.

I have a 2004 Saturn Vue Redline. It has the 3.5 SOHC V6 Honda Engine with the Automatic 5 speed Transmission.

Here's my problem:

-I have to pretty much warm my car up for about 10 minutes every time I drive it. If I just get in it and drive (worse the colder it is outside) it runs crappy until it warms up and then it drives fine.



-What it does when I start and drive it *cold*: . . .



> When I hit the gas to go, and then let off to coast, I get a "whirring" sound (or "whining"). With this sound I can feel a lag, It almost feels like it's stuck trying to up/down shift. When I hit the gas, it stops the "whirring sound" until I coast again. This is mostly prominent at lower speeds (0-25mph).



>Along with that, when I get on the road and accelerate, it kind of shifts rough over all, but ESPECIALLY when shifting from 2nd to 3rd. I feel a significant "lurch" that actually causes me to lean forward some.



------------------------



-If I let the car warm up, I have no trouble shifting, and no "whirring" noise. I hear a little noise when I first start moving (5-10mph) that kind of sounds like the whirring, but its just for a second, and I think that is just the ABS testing?



-I still notice a difference in the 2-3 gear shift when I drive after warming up, but its only noticible because its a more prominent shift than all the others, not sure if this is normal or not.



- I did a 3x atf flush and fill around 78k miles(probably the first time it was ever done), I have 87k miles now.



-Also, Ive only had it since November 2012, bought used,so not sure if it would act the same if it was say, already 90* outside in the summer.


-I think whoever had it before me was pretty rough on it, so hopefully its not too late to solve some of these noises!



Thanks again for your help

Joe

 

Although the engine is Honda, it sounds like you have tranny issues. As the transmission fluid warms, it thins out and flows better. You may have some passages blocked in the tranny. I would check to see if the tranny was ever serviced. You may want to have the fluid / filter changed and a possible flush at a minimum. Get with GM (Chevy) and see what they recommend for service on VUE transmissions.

 

Thanks for your reply

I bought it at 77k miles, I had replaced the tranny fluid with Z1 from a Saturn tech, which I assume is the Honda equivalent. I did a 3x flush and fill, the tranny fluid at this point looked like root beer (best description I can give) and smelled burnt. It had a shudder/hesitation at 45mph or so before I changed it, after that no shudder at all.

I have 90k on it now, and maybe another tranny change may not hurt.

As far as the noise as it warms up on cold days, I have yet to change any RDM fluid or Transfer case fluids. I doubt it was ever changed given the quality of the ATF when I changed it. If the fluids are in bad shape in the RDM and the Transfer case, It may be causing trouble when things are engaging? My reasoning behind believing it could be fluid is the difference I get from being cold to warming up, since fluids usually flow better as the temp rises.

Whats your opinion on this? Also, aren't the engine AND tranny both Honda?

Thanks again

 

Chances are the tranny is Honda if the engine is. Mine shifts harder between 2nd and 3rd. When coasting do you get any surging?

 

You are correct, the tranny and engine are Honda. Most of the info you find on the web relates to issues with the GM VTI or Aisin transmissions in the 4 cyl Vues although there are reports of issues with the Honda tranny's as well.

Have it checked out by a trusted repair shop and see what they say. At this point you will know your options. A quick search shows rebuilt trannys for your VUE shipped for around 1200.00. I have a 2005 Saturn ION with a 5-speed that had issues with the synchronizer for 5th gear going out. It was a couple thousand to have it rebuilt, or a couple hundred to put a tranny in from a scrapped 2007 ION. I went with the salvaged tranny and replaced it myself. It has been running great. I know, a bit more work for an automatic vs a manual, but for me in the long run it was a lot less than a new car payment.