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buzz57 · 06-09-2016, 08:20 PM

Hello all. We are thinking of using the vue for a toad. while its quite old, it only has 60k miles on it, It is the ALL WHEEL DRIVE model. GM says ok and has a procedure to do before every day of towing. Has anyone else towed this oldie and what were the results-good or bad?

Waiter21 · 06-10-2016, 04:34 AM

I tow a 2003 FWD manual tranny Vue, no problems. Its light (3300 lbs)

You'll need to leave the key in the ACC position to unlock the steering column. I'm not sure what accessories are running or if a fuse should be pulled.

On mine, I completely disabled the steering column lock so I don't need to leave a key in the ignition. On most older GMs, the steering lock can be disabled by drilling a hole and putting a pin in the locking paw, or do what I did, completely remove the paw.

Disable steering column lock for towing - SaturnFans.com Forums

I installed the Demco base plate, its compatible with the Blue Ox tow bar. The Demco plate does require hole drilling.

The only thing I found different from my other toads, I cannot back up while turning with the Vue. The front wheels on the Vue caster to end stop. If I need to turn while backing, I either disconnect or the DW rides in the Vue to steer. It backs up OK in a straight line .

DISCLAIMER - Tow bar manufactures specifically warn against backing up, do so at your own risk

Easyrider · 06-10-2016, 05:05 PM

I'm surprised you haven't gotten more responses to your question of towing a Vue. It's actually a popular towed vehicle and I've read of many positive posts about towing the Vue. We tow a Captiva which is a Chevy rebadged Vue and like ours a lot. Ours is an automatic and we have no complaints at all about towing it. Maybe do a search of this website for the Saturn Vue, I'd think you'd get a lot of information.

buzz57 · 06-10-2016, 08:38 PM

Thanks waiter and easyrider. I guess the question thats bugging me is the all wheel drive part. If it was just fwd it would be a done deal. I tried the search function in toads and was overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of posts and most had very little in common with my question. I'll keep watching as I'm in no hurry as I just got back from a month away to the western coast of the US. Had a GREAT time!!

Easyrider · 06-11-2016, 08:56 AM

Our Captiva is awd, and it states in the owners manual that it is ok to tow all 4 wheels on the ground, and how to do it. I'd say if your owners manual says the same thing, it's good to go!

JesseJ1826 · 06-11-2016, 03:47 PM

You haven't mentioned if yours is a 4 or 6 cyl. Not sure about the 4 cyl for that year but the 6 cyl. AWD can be towed with no problems. The 6 cyl has the Honda powertrain which carried over to the 2007 model year. My 2006 has been towed consistently since it was new with no problems whatsoever.

buzz57 · 06-11-2016, 04:26 PM

Thanks Jesse! That is exactly what I wanted to hear. Yes it has the honda powertrain in awd with the V-6. Do you follow the GM procedure everyday or do you just tow it?
Bob(buzz)

JesseJ1826 · 06-11-2016, 05:20 PM

Bob. It is MOST IMPORTANT that the procedures outlined in the manual are followed to the letter. These procedures are also outlined in various other sources by Honda for their vehicles with this powertrain (Pilot comes to mind). In particular Neutral for towing must be selected from Drive. If Neutral is selected from Reverse the transmission will be toast.
Aside from the transmission issues one other important thing is the removal of the 30 AMP IGN fuse. This kills the power to the ignition switch as well as the instruments and HVAC. I find this is required for towing trips longer than 2 or so hours. Anything more than that time period will cause the battery to die. (Ask me how I know this). Some Vue towers have rigged up charge lines to get away from pulling the fuse but I haven't got around to that, mainly because my MH only has a 4 wire connector for the lights and I'm too old to be crawling around under the thing to wire up an extra line. Don't worry about miles (or KM's) accumulating on the odometer. It won't happen, whether or not the fuse is pulled.
Good luck with the Vue, it's a great little vehicle.

buzz57 · 06-11-2016, 10:03 PM

JesseJ1826 · 06-12-2016, 05:59 AM

Hi Bob, me again.
If I may offer one more word of advice - if you decide to tow the Vue. Make sure that before doing so get the transmission fluid changed.
Cheers.

Waiter21 · 06-12-2016, 06:38 AM

Does your Vue have the VTi trannsmission? (also known as a CVT, Constant Velocity Transmission?)

I don't remember if the AWDs used the CVT or not. I think they used a Honde power train as mentioned by Jessie.

However, if i does have a CVT, you may want to re-think your future with this vehicle as the CVTs were a big problem with a life expectancy around 100k miles. It has nothing to do with being a toad it was just a very poor design.

My FWD Vue originally had a CVI and the previous owners swapped in a manual transmission tranny. They made a very common mistake during the swap (reversed two electrical plugs) and could never get it running.

If your not sure you can check your VIN #, it will tell you what transmission you have.

VIN Decoder - Saturn Forum - Saturn Enthusiasts Forums

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JesseJ1826 · 06-12-2016, 09:26 AM

The CVT (or VTI) was only paired with early 4 cyl Vues. They were never connected to any 6 cyl. You are right however, in that they were junk.

buzz57 · 06-12-2016, 10:38 AM

Thanks Jesse good idea! I love this vehicle and it has been flawless in all the years I've had it! looking forward to this winter!! So far I've been towing the goldwing behind me but that has some limitations to it.