I have a 04 Vue, 5 speed 4 cylinder. When I shut it off, the doors click repeatedly, the dash lights and guages go haywire, and the lights will dim and brighten. This goes on for a minute or two, then some of my dash lights will stay on until the next time I start it. I had to disable the alarm because it started going off with no provocation. If I don't take out the dash light fuse, the battery will be dead the next morning. I can't just leave the fuse out, because it won't stay running without it. I have a feeling this all has something to due with the key fob and the passkey systems.

Also, it is throwing codes 0408, 1599, 0530, 0606, 1515, and 1682. We had to put a new radiator and condenser unit and have yet to charge the AC. Once this is done, codes 0480 and 0530 will clear out. The car runs like a dream with no hesitations, stutters, dying, loss of power, or any other problems I've read people have had with their Vues with electrical issues.

Please help me! We just finished putting this thing back together after repairing damage from an accident. We did nothing with anything electrical, other than replacing a headlight plug. The dash light fuse was blown when we got it, so I have a feeling this is not a new problem to this car. I am taking it in for diagnosis next week if I can't figure out the problems.

 

Check your BCM connector and plug. The BCM means body control module. Now, I don't know for sure if your vehicle even has one or where it's located. I'm more familiar with Mopars, but this sure sounds a lot like BCM problems that I've had and other friends have had with Mopars over the years. Most are located under the passenger side kick panel. If the cowl vents are clogged, water spills down inside the panel and causes the connector to get get corroded. Sometimes just unplugging and plugging it back in several times will "sweep" the contacts clean and eliminate the problem. Sometimes you have to remove the BCM and get some electrical contact cleaner and follow the directions. Other times, the BCM has to be replaced.

 

I'm not throwing any rocks, but it almost sounds like you have a car that may have been "submerged" (flooded).

 

OA could be on to something with that idea. Where'd you get it and how long ago? I sure hope it's not a CARMAXX vehicle. They suck.

 

LOAD test battery
LOAD test alternator
Check battery cables for connetion and corrosion. Cut back a bit of the cable covering at the battery end to check for cable corrosion. Check both positive and negative cables.

 

I bought the car wrecked. It had minor front end damage, but no signs of any water damage. I work with a friend doing body work, in 10 years buying, fixing, and selling wrecked cars we have never had a one give us this much trouble. The first one I buy for my personal use and it's the lemon!! We put in a brand new battery, cables are all clean and connections are tight. Had alternator and battery tested, both are fine. As I was typing this, My husband went out to check on my car to see if the battery was drained again. While he was checking that he checked to see if we remembered to put a new airbag sensor in. The one on the frame rail. Go figure, we forgot. He disconnected it and guess what. The alarm system works just as it was supposed to. No dash lights and door locks going crazy when it's shut off. Go figure!

 

I fail understand how anyone can call a nine year old wrecked automobile that was not properly repaired a "LEMON", go figure.

I smell LEMONS but it's not the VUE.