I have an 05 Saturn Vue. Are they still recomending that you pull the ign fuse if you tow over 8 hours? I thought I saw a change on that some where. Any body have an update? Thanks
Also have an 05 Vue AWD V6. If I don't pull the fuse,then on the 2nd day of towing the Vue will not turn over anymore.(with a Brake Buddy plugged in that is) . So you must pull the fuse or you need to charge the Vue battery from the MH while driving.This is what I have done now.
Happy Trails
Siggy & Ursula
05 Kountry Star DP 3720,FTL XC
CAT C7 330HP,Allison MH3000
2005 Saturn VUE AWD V6 , Brake Buddy,Roadmaster XL,Falcon II
Camping since 1975 Pop-Up,1986 22Ft.TT,1999 Gas MH,2005 DP
FMCA 368283 , NKK 17385
IMHO, you either need to pull the 30A Ignition fuse, each time you tow, or take a chance on having a dead battery. Even if you don't pull the fuse, please remember that a automobile starting battery is not designed for deep discharges, and each time it is done, the life of the battery is shortened.
Other options that eliminate the requirement of pulling the 30A fuse is to add a charge line to your VUE from the towing vehicle, or remote the 30A fuse circuit to a switch located under the dash. When towing, simply turn the switch off, and after towing, simply turn the switch back on.
Only One Old Fellow's Opinion
Bill
2002 Discovery 3126E CAT
2004 Saturn VUE
Mountain Master Tow Brake
I have an '06 and the manual specifies that it must be removed after seven hours of driving, the engine started and allowed to run for at least three minutes and then the process can start again. It also states that you must not exceed 65mph when being towed.
the time for restart includes rest stops, etc. not just driving time. I have a small jumper battery jobby that I plug my brake buddy into myself. I want that along anyhow.
bumpy
jimlaurie lucy wrote: I have an 05 Saturn Vue. Are they still recomending that you pull the ign fuse if you tow over 8 hours? I thought I saw a change on that some where. Any body have an update? Thanks
You should do exactly as your owners manual for your model/year tells you to do....
Tallyo
2007 Winnebago Adventurer
W-24, 6 spd Allison
Saturn VUE w/ Brake Buddy Vantage
Drinks-6, Eats-4, Sleeps-2
Semper Fi
Here is a copy of the latest 'Official' guidelines from Saturn, in regards to flat towing the 2004-2006 Saturn VUE. Bulletin No.: 05-00-89-014b Date: January 12, 2006 INFORMATION Subject: Updated Recreational Vehicle Towing Information and Procedures for 2004-2006 Saturn VUE Vehicles Models: 2004-2006 Saturn VUE Vehicles with 3.5L V-6 (VIN4 – RPO L66) Attention: Sales Manager, Fixed Operations Manager, and Technician Supersede: This bulletin is being revised to add a step in “Once you have reached your destination.” Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-00-89-014A (Section 00 – General Information). Important: This bulletin includes the towing procedure for Saturn VUE vehicles with 3.5L V-6 (L66) engine and supersedes the information found on page 4-47 of the 2004 Saturn VUE Owner’s Manual and page 4-51 of the 2005 VUE Owner’s Manual. The current towing procedure is already included in the 2006 VUE Owner’s Manual. This bulletin is to be used in conjunction with Corporate Bulletin Number 03-00-89-033B. Purpose: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide updated procedures for towing a 2004-2006 Saturn VUE with a 3.5L V-6 (L66) engine and 5AT automatic transaxle (RPO MJ7/MJ8) behind a recreational vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (dinghy towing). Based upon engineering analysis of field exchange transaxles, it has been determined that inadvertent transaxle damage may occur during dinghy towing if the appropriate steps are not taken during and prior to towing. As a result, the procedure for dinghy towing has been changed. Copies of this bulletin should be made available and inserted into the 2004 and 2005 VUE Owner’s Manuals for those customers considering recreational vehicle or dinghy towing. (This information is already included in the 2006 VUE Owner’s Manual.) The new Procedures include additional information regarding: Maximum duration for towing: Due to transaxle fluid drain back, the transaxle lubrication procedure is required every seven hours after the initial procedure has been completed, regardless if vehicle is being towed or parked. Once the procedure is performed, the transaxle is adequately lubricated and can be recreational vehicle towed for seven actual hours prior to repeating lubrication procedure. As an example, if you initially perform the lubrication procedure and tow your vehicle for three hours, then park for four hours, the lubrication procedure will need to be performed again, prior to dinghy towing the vehicle. Failure to observe these time limits may result in transaxle damage. Final shift before towing: Care should be taken to ensure that the final shift during the lubrication procedure must be from “D” (Drive) to “N” (Neutral). Failure to perform this final shift may result in internal damage to the transaxle assembly. Procedure: Dinghy Towing (Front-Wheel-Drive and All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles with 5AT Five-Speed Automatic Transaxle) 1. Position and attach the vehicle behind the recreational vehicle. 2. Turn the ignition key to ACC. 3. Turn fog lamps and all accessories off. NOTE: Start the engine and shift through all gear positions. The FINAL shift must be “D” (Drive) to “N” (Neutral). Failure to perform this final shift may cause internal damage to the transaxle assembly. NEVER shift from “R” (Reverse) to “N” (Neutral) as the final shift, to avoid internal damage to transaxle. 4. Perform transaxle lubrication procedure: 4.1 Set the parking brake. 4.2 Start the engine. 4.3 Apply and hold the brake pedal until the end of Step 4.5 4.4 To ensure proper automatic transaxle lubrication, shift transaxle through “P” (Park), “R” (Reverse), “N” (Neutral), “D” (Drive – Automatic Overdrive), “I” (Intermediate), “L” (Low). 4.5 Shift to “D” (Drive), then to “N” (Neutral) and let the engine run for 3 minutes. If you tow or tow and park the vehicle for more than seven hours in one day, you must repeat the procedure. 4.6 Turn off the engine, and leave the key in the ACC position. 4.7 Release the parking brake. Important: Before performing dinghy-towing procedures, remove the large IGN fuse from the underhood fuse block. Failure to remove this fuse may result in low battery voltage after towing. 5. Locate and remove the large IGN fuse from the underhood fuse block. After seven hours, repeat Step 4 if you intend to continue dinghy towing. Once you have reached our destination, do the following steps: 1. Return the shifter to the “P” (Park) position. 2. Set the parking brake 3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK and remove the key from the ignition 4. Reinstall the large IGN fuse. While this bulletin does not address the 2007 VUE with the V-6 engine, I understand the procedure is the same as for the previous year models.
While I don't have the current documentation for the 2007 VUE, I understand that is is essentially the same as above.
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