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07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down


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a1handy2
User

Oct 31, 2020, 6:27 AM

Post #1 of 25 (1890 views)
07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

I just purchased a used 2007 Saturn Vue with 147,000 miles. The car starts and idles great but when I put the car in gear or depress the accelerator the car bogs down and eventually shuts off. Every so often I can get the car on the road but it has no power at all. I have replaced the engine coolant temperature sensor with no results. I also cleaned the throttle body which was relatively dirty. There are no codes. The car has been sitting up for several months prior to purchase. Any ideas what could be the culprit? Stopped up catalytic converter? If so how can I tell?


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Oct 31, 2020, 7:09 AM

Post #2 of 25 (1884 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

Why did you create a second user name?



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a1handy2
User

Oct 31, 2020, 7:41 AM

Post #3 of 25 (1865 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

Because I lost my password and your site would not send me the link to reset.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Oct 31, 2020, 7:48 AM

Post #4 of 25 (1855 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

OK, you will have to stay with this one now. I am going to disable the previous one. You can't have 2 accounts.

As for your car, I can think of 2 things that will cause that.

Bad Mass Air Flow sensor (may not set code)

Plugged Converter. You can check this 2 ways.
1) Pressure gauge threaded into 0/2 sensor hole not to exceed 1PSI
2) Use a vacuum gauge in a main manifold vacuum port. Measure at idle and again at 2,000 RPM. If plugged the 2000 RPM reading will drop off dramatically.



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a1handy2
User

Oct 31, 2020, 2:06 PM

Post #5 of 25 (1812 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

I am having a hard time locating the Mass Air Flow sensor. I found a sensor beneath the throttle body but the parts stores cannot locate a part called a Mass Air Flow sensor for this car? Is this the sensor beneath the throttle body? Does it have another name? Do you have a part number?


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Oct 31, 2020, 2:09 PM

Post #6 of 25 (1810 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

It may not have one. Some use a MAP sensor instead. Is this a 4 cyl or 6 cyl?



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(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Oct 31, 2020, 2:10 PM)


a1handy2
User

Oct 31, 2020, 2:20 PM

Post #7 of 25 (1799 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

This is a four-cylinder. Would a defective map sensor create the same type of problems I am experiencing?


Hammer Time
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Oct 31, 2020, 2:33 PM

Post #8 of 25 (1794 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

It can but it's not as common as a MAF failure.

Yes, this one does use a MAP instead. It reads vacuum to determine load. You would need a hand vacuum tester and a voltmeter to test it.

Here is where it is located. Follow the arrow.







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a1handy2
User

Nov 1, 2020, 10:59 AM

Post #9 of 25 (1759 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

I replaced the MAP sensor and disconnected the exhaust to see if there was a blockage. No change. Still bogs down when I put it in gear or try to speed up the engine. Every now and again the car will run relative well but about 90 percent of the time this happens. Still no codes. Any other suggestions? Thanks


Hammer Time
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Nov 1, 2020, 11:03 AM

Post #10 of 25 (1756 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

Test the fuel pressure.



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Sidom
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Nov 4, 2020, 9:12 AM

Post #11 of 25 (1717 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

Test the fuel pressure as HT has suggested.
Since you have already check for codes, you can try to disconnect sensors, 1 at a time, this will put that circuit into default mode (usually) and drive it to see if it makes any difference. Obviously this will set codes.

If you have a way to get live date, get a shot of data while it's running good and then another shot when it's acting up and post both shots


a1handy2
User

Nov 6, 2020, 6:44 AM

Post #12 of 25 (1674 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

Since my last post, I have replaced the throttle body, MAP sensor, ECM, and Temp Sensor. Overall the car seems to have improved but the main problem is the engine stalling when you place the car in gear. The engine will stutter and eventually shut down unless you can get it to catch. This seems to happen at a very low idle. I had the fuel pressure checked and it was as it should be. It happens when the AC is running and when it is off. Once the car is on the road it runs flawlessly. I have made an appointment with the GM Dealer for a diagnostic but it will be almost 2 weeks before they can get the car in.


Tom Greenleaf
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Nov 6, 2020, 9:20 AM

Post #13 of 25 (1670 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

? Outside the box ? #1, you just acquired this thing with this issue that's hiding well apparently.
No codes?? Does the device you used say it's communicating or "Ready" to even read codes? Next, does the CEL or icon light up with key on just "run" without engine running? If not and the bulb was removed or defeated that is in the way now to find the fix - guess is it was before you got this is where I was going.


If so and no codes try another or better reading. Engines don't just stall like this without a reason. All should cover loads of A/C for a uniform idle speed is/was the clue it just can't because of an "outside the box" reason.


Screams of a vacuum leak or low "manifold actual pressure" = MAP spelled out. That is what tells the load on the engine and on to adjust idle speed NOT to stall - ever.


It sat for a while (top post) another cause for problems is just vehicles that sit unused especially outside parked.
For whatever reason why did it sit if you know? This problem not solved or another reason if you know. That's prime time for critters to do things who knows why they love to chew wires and nest on soundproofing stuff?


Just a thought to look for evidence changes the approach to this if the above applies at all,


Tom



Hammer Time
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Nov 6, 2020, 10:42 AM

Post #14 of 25 (1655 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In


Quote
Overall the car seems to have improved but the main problem is the engine stalling when you place the car in gear. The engine will stutter and eventually shut down unless you can get it to catch. This seems to happen at a very low idle.


That's considerably different from the problem you initially described.

Now you are describing an idle speed problem, not a hesitation.
The vacuum leak Tom suggested should be checked into but I would expect lean codes if that were the case. If you already replace the throttle body complete, you would be eliminating the electronic throttle.



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a1handy2
User

Nov 7, 2020, 4:20 AM

Post #15 of 25 (1610 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

One reoccurring thing I keep hearing is a Vacuum leak. I have not checked for that thoroughly. I purchased some carburetor cleaner and will be checking this morning. A vacuum leake makes a lot of sense to me as well.


Tom Greenleaf
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Nov 7, 2020, 4:42 AM

Post #16 of 25 (1607 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

If you HEAR it, it should be easy. Try this for vacuum leak finding if not a smoke machine BRAND NAME BRAKLEEN is fire-proof. Carb cleaners some are flammable, some aren't- can do just test each. Watch out for any! Either can/will ruin paint, plastics or rubber items. Fire hazards or not always beware.


When you spray on a leak (if engine will just idle for you for this test) spray it at subject areas INCLUDE that MAP sensor counts on the rubber to seal just intake vacuum. If you find another hose or item to tap into intake manifold vacuum is very telling. Same at a realistic idle about 18Hg +/- and same without load at just over 2,000 RPM is telling. If lower than 18Hg what is your altitude! Why? Deduct 1 Hg for ea. 1,000 ft elevation is why.
If that's steady and low VALVE TIMING is in the game rule in or out. If floating aimlessly that's a vacuum leak usually. One time blips/drops a valve issue and so on. Yes you need to "T" in to a line such that vacuum works the item(s) it was going to.
HT already said "intake manifold" vacuum is the measure of load on an engine it just also tells lots more.


Easy with tossing parts at this and keep ones that didn't totally fix something suggest those are GOOD and know it,


Keep at it you'll find a crack, gasket or leak especially if you hear it,


Tom


Hammer Time
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Nov 7, 2020, 6:58 AM

Post #17 of 25 (1596 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In


Quote
Try this for vacuum leak finding if not a smoke machine BRAND NAME BRAKLEEN is fire-proof.



When testing for a vacuum leak you should be using something flammable as it will enrich the fuel mixture and raise the idle when you hit the spot.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Nov 7, 2020, 7:24 AM

Post #18 of 25 (1590 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

Just suggesting the safer route. For fire can use a propane torch - no flame AYOR at this. Go real nuts and use starting fluid blow the hood right off (and you along with it) but you found something?


Other is water or real bubbly water watch bubbles shrink - if cool it (duh) evaporates fast. Point is you hear it you'll find that one, Tom


a1handy2
User

Nov 7, 2020, 8:29 AM

Post #19 of 25 (1583 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

Just tested for a vacuum leak and I did not detect any. I did notice something very interesting, however. When you go from park to drive or neutral to drive there is no problem. There is no hesitation or stumbling of the engine and it does not subsequently shut off. If however, you shift from Park to Reverse or Neutral to reverse the problem will occur with the stumbling and eventual shutdown. I also noticed there is a distinct odor each time the engine stumbles and shuts down. To me, it smells like fuel as when an engine floods.


Sidom
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Sidom profile image

Nov 7, 2020, 8:42 AM

Post #20 of 25 (1580 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

If you get too many people helping, sometimes it get too confusing so I'll just add one more comment.

I would look at the IAC motor (idle control) real close. Every time you restart the engine it is suppose to default for a cold start and then when the comp see the engine is warm drop down to the base idle.

So on engines with clean throttle bodies and IAC that are working correctly, when you 1st start the engine, the rpms should go up to around 1000 rpms for a second or 2 and then if the engine is already warm, drop down to the target idle.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Nov 7, 2020, 9:17 AM

Post #21 of 25 (1566 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

Some of these are "drive by wire". Is this one?



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a1handy2
User

Nov 7, 2020, 1:06 PM

Post #22 of 25 (1543 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

yes


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Nov 7, 2020, 1:11 PM

Post #23 of 25 (1541 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

So if it's drive by wire it has no IAC.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



a1handy2
User

Nov 7, 2020, 4:22 PM

Post #24 of 25 (1524 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

So what can the problem be


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Nov 7, 2020, 4:29 PM

Post #25 of 25 (1522 views)
Re: 07 Saturn Vue - Engine Bogging Down Sign In

Probably not something that will be found on the computer. All the data needs to be examined for anything out of place. It needs a better check for the vacuum leak, likely with a smoke tester and you can't rule out the problem being transmission related.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.







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