Hi there, I have a 2003 Vue 4cyl VTI. Recently replaced battery and alarm
system. Gauges started going crazy, Speedometer, Tach, Temp, gas,
service engine, ect... Now steering goes out, drive it for a while and it
comes back. Removed alarm, took it to the shop they said there is a draw
on the system, but no idea. Checked battery. I going to have saturn check
the alternator. It might be a ground? The mechanic said he saw a puff of
smoke coming from the harness the goes to the ignition switch, but could
not find a short. Please help

 

Sounds like your body control module (BCM) is on the way out...its a dealer only repair, about $ 700.00.

I have heard of corroded grounds doing some of the things you mention. Worth a try to clean up any grounds before you pronounce the BCM completely dead.

The bright spot is that a BCM won''t leave you stranded on the side of the road...but it makes almost everything else go crazy.

 

Body Control Module failures do not cause ''puffs of smoke'' in/around the wiring harness. Your idea to check/clean/tighten the grounds sounds like a very good idea ....

 

Thank you, can you give me an idea or post a diagram of the ground
points to check, already checked the ground from the battery to the motor.

Also is the BCM module by the alternator or the module by the braking
system?

The steering kicks back in if I turn the car off then turn it back on several
times.

Thank you

 

It was the BCM, $533.00 bill. WOW, thank you

 

Well, heck. I have to stand corrected. (Makes note about puffs of smoke and adds to troubleshooting file). Anyhow, glad you are repaired and on your way ...

 

Can I say "I told you so"[img]smileys/smiley2.gif[/img]

Just kidding of course

To the OP: I''m glad they got to the root of the problem quickly.

 

Hee hee hee ... Ya got me, John

 

You know what I don''t understand though:

You''re right, a bad BCM shouldn''t go bad with a puff of smoke. I wonder if there''s something else going on? I only said BCM based upon the symptoms.