Avoid Vue RDM replacement if you want to avoid wheel spin.

BoA · 12-24-2004, 12:37 AM

All, the current RDM (Rear Drive Module) replacement program replaces the original AWD Drive functionality of your Vue with an effective conversion to FWD (Front Wheel Drive). Direct from Saturn, the new RDM units being installed in AWD Vues have the engagement setting altered from the original 40 to 60 RPM difference settings to the current 80 to 100 RPM difference. The result is a dramatic difference in wheel spin. Where the Vue would once chirp its tires you get full on wheel spin with late power transfer to the rear wheels. I have only been successful if achieving AWD mode under complete loss of front wheel traction and full throttle situations.

I advise that you request a test drive of a Vue having the new RDM before authorizing any rear end repairs. Note: Saturn Service Centers are scheduling RDM replacements in with the Rear Control Link Recall campaign. Make sure to advise your service department that you do not authorize the replacement of your RDM... only the control links. Unless you approve of the handling changes that is.

Bo...
Vue Redline owner and sufferer of the RDM replacement wheel spin issue.

BoA · 01-17-2005, 03:22 AM

Okay... its been about four weeks since the great RDM "downgrade". Saturn and I have been going back and forth on the subject and I've reached the point of "Review with Engineering"

Here's the scoop: so far Saturn knew that the RDM was a downgrade since last summer and has had consumer complaints lodged since then. Then with the Rear Link Replace Campaign they tried to bundle in the RDM replacement. The RDM replacement was intended to solve their durability issues with the RDM by reducing the frequency of operation.

However, since the start of the Rear Link Campaign complaints have been streaming in... We don't know what will become of this yet... And Saturn is not saying much other than "were looking into it, please hold on".

Saturn has been maintaining to this point that the RDM replacement was an Upgrade when in fact it was a downgrade of a purchased "value added feature" of the vehicle.

The biggest handling issue to date is that the new RDM provides no wet/slippery road traction in any turn from a stop unless you keep the AWD VUE's front wheels spinning. This results in an abrupt power transfer. If you keep on the gas, you'll get AWD and be able to complete the turn with a bit of lane wandering... If you back off on the gas even once... you're back to square one... until you can straighten the VUE out of the turn.

At this point there have been NHTSA fillings, BBB filings, and numerous complaints. I there is any news on this I will post it as it becomes available.

badkitty3804 · 01-19-2005, 01:14 AM

I have my notice sitting on my dresser now.

Is there a time limit for this? I'd REALLY like to wait to see if there's any more responses regarding the wheel spin issue, but I don't want to risk losing it.

BoA · 01-19-2005, 04:26 AM

There does not appear to be an actual limit on the time for either the Rear Link replacement or the RDM Voluntary Recall.

There is a rather thorough treatment of this topic on another site... but I don't like to link to another forum without permission. I will keep this thread up to date as stuff happens... At present there are at least 15 complaints that I personally know of lodged with the Saturn CAC. At least three NHTSA filings and at least one BBB filing.

In recent days there has been a Settlement over a Lemon-Law case regarding the RDM to the tune of $2500 to the owner as compensation for "loss of AWD".

More info as details progress...