Engine is sputtering

Start with a scan of the PCM (If check engine light i son) to get the codes, this will help narrow it down.

If it has 70k or more on the odometer it may be time for a tune up just to get the basics freshened up. You may have other issues, but the basic parts need to be good

Heres a few guides on tuning it up

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-tune-up-a-car-engine

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-spark-plugs

Hey nlicht74! Does the check engine light ever come on? Do you keep track of your fuel economy? If so, have you noticed a change in you MPG?

The check engine finally came on and I struggled to make it to work luckily I was two stop lights away. The light blinked three times but now stays on. I went on in the afternoon and started fine actually engine sounded better then before. Drove around the parking lot with no problem then parked it. the check engine light stayed on. I really havent noticed the gas mileage dropping as I do pay attention. It slowly has gottne worse but when I add Lucas Fuel cleaner it seems to give no problem for about half a tank a gas. The other weird part is when Im driving it starts to slip and that got real bad yesterday. I think transmission but yet why would it struggle when its in park. could be two different problems I guess

Next step, have the codes retrieved and write them down. We're making progress!

When I hit between 35-50 mph my Vue shudders. It goes into gear fine and seems to shift normally. At the 35-50 mph speed range it sometimes vibrates intensely from the shudder. Is the bad torque converter likely the cause for this problem? If not, is there something else you would know of that causes this?

thanks

Are there any codes in the computer? Also what color is the transmission fluid and does the transmission fluid smell burned? Has the transmission fluid been changed regulary when it should be changed?could be a torque convertor or a bad clutch pack inside the transmission or even a bad transmission solenoid.

There are no check engine lights that come on. The color of the transmission fluid is brown and it does not smell. I don't know if the fluid has ever been flushed. The carfax gave no indication if it was done or not. Would a bad torque converter be the most likely issue?

If the fluid has never been changed the transmission could be bad have seen that happen from that kind of abuse.Cant say if the torque convertor is bad from the information i have so far. Just because the check engine light isn't on doesnt mean you dont have codes.Also not all diyer scan tools will read transmission codes or all the computers and codes in the car.The starting point for me is if there are codes.shuddering like that could be a solenoid bad clutches etc.If its only in a certain gear it could be bad clutches in the gear.

Another thing I noticed is when I am traveling steady at about 35 mph, the rpms are in constant flux between 1400 and 1500. Is this a related symptom to any the bad clutch or solenoid? What is the best way to get a code if there are no lights showing?

2004 saturn vue awd I was told I had a torque converter shutter. at 30 to 50 mph gm 4000.00 to fix. how can I fix this? the 8th digit in vin is a 4 what type of trans do I have. I was going to add shutter stop but unk what type of trans I have. I have seen reports of no dip stick sealed system some say there is in line with the elec fan motor black in color??? thank you.

I wouldn't add the shutter stop you could do more harm then good.You have the honda engine and transmission in that one.So are they saying you have a bad torque convertor?Also do you have any code's?If so what are the code numbers?I have replaced a couple of torque convertors on those for shutter.

Its possible it could be a symptom of a slipping clutch pack or a number of other things. I would have it scanned with a professional scan tool not a diyer scan tool and see what it shows.Also what color is the fluid and what does it smell like?

Do I have to go to a GM dealer to get a professional scan done? The fluid is brown and smells like normal transmission fluid.

The transmission fluid should be red not brown sounds like its been a long time since its been changed.A independent shop should have a professional scan tool that can read all the codes.

My Saturn has been a nightmare come true. The latest problem that I am facing is this... On my way home yesterday, driving 35 mph, my Vue started running rough and the engine light was flashing. It started trying to stall out while I was driving. It got to the point to where it wasn't even going 15 mph with the pedal all the way to the floor. I thankfully made it to the corner by my house and coasted it into my driveway where it died. I tried to start it a couple times but it did not start. I went out today and started it but it only took about 20 seconds before it started to stall out again. So here is a little history on this disaster of a vehicle, ECM was replaced 1 year ago; timing belt, serpentine belt, water pump all replaced 9 months ago; both front cv shafts replaced along with brakes, all of this since 11/2013. Obviously a bad investment on my part lol. Anyway, back to the issue at hand. Please let me know what you think, ask questions, I will answer them ASAP, thanks a million!!

Most of that stuff is normal maintenance except for the ecm i have seen them go bad on those sometimes.Also both axles what happened there?Haven't even really seen many of the cv boots leak.Do you we know what trouble codes are in the computer? That would really help you could have a plugged cat even thats a possibility.

I am going to try to limp it to the auto parts store tomorrow to get some codes. I really hope it is a cat! I will let you know tomorrow.

Make sure you write down the exact code numbers not code descriptions and let me know what they are.

I am sorry about the delay, I could not limp it to the parts store and ended up having to have it hauled to a shop. The codes that they pulled were P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306, P0318, P0442, P0128. The shop said that it is almost all to do with sparkplugs and coil packs. What are your thoughts. I have them waiting before they tear into it.