My 2005 did the same thing. It was the ignition switch. Happened mostly when it was a cold morning. Seems to be a common problem.
Just another note. If it doesn't start and you have power and there is a yellow light on the panel that looks like a padlock the problem is most definitely the ignition switch. The ignition switch will falsely trigger the passive anti theft devise "Passlock" to disable the engine. Several minutes later if you sit and watch the light it will go off indicating that Passlock has reset. If you then remove the key and try it again the car should start. This problem gets really irritating if you don't deal with it. My car did it so randomly in the winter that I only got it fixed after it happened twice in a row after resetting and only started on the third try. Took about half an hour.
I never tried the battery because the problem went away after I had the ignition switch replaced and I still have the original battery in the car. I suppose it's possible though. The PCMs do some weird stuff when the power is low. My wife's car's battery was disconnected for 24 hours and after I hooked it back up and started the car it only ran on two cylinders. Restarted and it was normal. Strange for sure.
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I have a 2003 Saturn Vue and for over 2 years now I have the same problem at least every 5-6 months it keeps coming back. Multiple tows to Saturn in past and they could never fix it. It has to do with the security and the cut off of the fuel, so it won't start. It is what they installed if you read the handbook, but they give no answers to what to do to fix the problem. They replaced the inginition switch, battery, checked wires and replaced a lot of other things and it still is doing it. I am trying to find someone to disengage the security on the vehicle, and the problem will stop.
I would say the starter needs to be replaced. please give a little more info. what noises are you hearing when you first try to start it? does the engine crank or not? once started, do you have trouble starting it during the rest og the day?
it could be the ignition switch. bad connection, bad relay...i'll research more and get back to you. in the mean time, clean battery terminals and posts with a wire brush. make sure when reconnecting, the terminals are fully on, the bottom of the terminal should **** up against the bettery. a little bit of the post should be visible coming through the terminal. unless of course you have side post terminals. these can corrode inside the boot. if the boot is not molded you can take it apart and clean it well. one trick to cleaning corrosion is to pour very hot water directly on the connection. don't be hesitant just pour on the battery terminals. repeat if necessary.
aside from the simple mechanical faults that could occur, after further research, there are signals that go through the body control module and the powertrain/engine control module. signals from both energize relays in order to start your car. if there is a check engine light on i might suspect either module. if not, the ignition switch, a relay, the shift lever, solenoid or starter. i'm sorry i can't be of more help. i'm afraid you might have to make a visit to the dealer service department
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I have the same problem and I replaced the ignition switch and that did nothing I even bought a new key and still nothing so I would not try either of those two options
Has anyone ever had luck replacing the battery? one technician I spoke with claimed that, during a cold morning, the battery may not be providing enough voltage to the computer - and the fault occurs which causes the padlock light to blink for 10 minutes.
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There is no noise at all, no clicking, nothing. It has happened 4 times in the last 6 weeks... took it to my local mechanic and he can't find anything wrong. Someone mentioned about the ignition also???
Any suggestions?
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