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Saturn S-Series

1418 messages,  Last post on Sep 11, 2012 at 4:19 PM

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What is this discussion about? Saturn S-Series, Sedan

Messages Page 128 of 143

#1266 of 1418 1997 Saturn SC2 (AT) transmission problems HELP PLZ! by nate91304

Aug 05, 2006 (12:38 am)

About three days ago I bought an automatic Saturn SC2 from a used car dealership for a little less than blue book value. When I took it for a test drive it drove ok, the car was a little jumpy around 30mph though. I assumed it was the transmission but took it lightly cause the car had 177,000 miles on it when I bought it and thought it was normal for an old car.
The next day the "service engine soon" light came on. When I drove it a little less than 5 miles and after coming into a driveway to turn around it stalled, this happened when I stopped and then slowly pressed the gas.. then.. "cauplunk".
 
Today I added transmission fluid because the level was below low. Thought that that would do the trick, but unfortunately not, and the "service engine soon" light is still on. The engine oil level seems fine. But I guess whoever had the car before me drove it with below normal trans fluid and mostlikly did permanent damage.
 
I have noticed that it does this sometimes, after I have stopped (it runs smoothly in idle) then press the gas then it stalls. And while driving the car gets jumpy around 30mph (since its a 4 speed automatic its probably 2nd gear?)
Keeping the car in "perf" or I guess "over drive" helps to slightly reduce these chances. It feels like it tries hard to switch into first and other certain gears (like a very poor stick shift driver) This is my first car that I've had for 3 days! and besides this problem I love the car it has good pick up and is quite sporty and fast considering its automatic.
 
Does this sound like a major transmission problem? or minor?
Has anyone else experienced this problem?
Please e-mail me.. need any help/advice.

#1267 of 1418 I wouldn't drive it... by ghulet

Aug 09, 2006 (1:32 pm)

...until you get it to a mechanic, because even if it is a 'minor' problem (doesn't sound too minor to me, sorry), it will no doubt be 'major' if you don't have it serviced. In any case, sorry to hear about your problem, hopefully it's not too major.
 
Hate to ask, but how much is 'a little below blue book' for a ten year-old Saturn with 177k miles, anyway?

#1268 of 1418 Haven't had time to read them all... by ghulet

Aug 09, 2006 (1:55 pm)

...but just wondering, as a general rule, what to 'watch out for' with a '95 SL2. I wasn't really in the market for a car (I live in Chicago, don't really need one), but a co-worker was getting rid of hers, it seems to run and look fine (and it's not even an ugly color), despite it's 160k miles, and the price is a practially irresistible $400. Any advice?

#1269 of 1418 Re: Haven't had time to read them all... [ghulet] by krony

Aug 09, 2006 (6:26 pm)

Replying to: ghulet (Aug 09, 2006 1:55 pm)
I have an '01 SL2 so it'd be a generation after yours but much the same design...
 
I'd be most concerned about the transmission. I spent ~$800 to have my local Saturn dealer this Spring to attempt diagnosis on funky shifting to eventually replace a shift solenoid. I read up on it quite a bit and sounds like they are a bit finicky but like most sensitive to maintenance. make sure you have your tranny professionally flushed and the trans filter replaced. If you need repairs I'd recommend a local transmission shop who has no doubt had experience on Saturns. I thought my dealer would have more expertise but I was wrong, they were crooks.
 
Beyond that I think they are fairly solid. Pretty good power on the twin cam engine, I had some engine vibration at idle the same time as the trans issues and a new upper motor mount (~$200) made it smooth as new.
 
For $400 I think it's a deal...

#1270 of 1418 Re: Haven't had time to read them all... [ghulet] by krony

Aug 09, 2006 (6:27 pm)

Replying to: ghulet (Aug 09, 2006 1:55 pm)
by the way...when I say trans I'm talkin' auto...

#1271 of 1418 Re: 1997 Saturn SC2 (AT) transmission problems HELP PLZ! [nate91304] by krony

Aug 09, 2006 (6:34 pm)

Replying to: nate91304 (Aug 05, 2006 12:38 am)
Sounds similar to what I had this Spring...Saturn dealer started by replacing electrical stuff (battery and cable) and sent it home. Same exact thing when I pulled off the lot. I was suspicious from the start with the "have to start with elecrical first..." They then adjusted the input nut in the transmission and sent it home. Pulled off the lot and bad 2-3 shift was fixed but still slammed in reverse. Then they replaced a solenoid and was as good as ne (after $800).
 
Needless to say I wasn't impressed with their diagnosis skills, especially with what's a common problem.

#1272 of 1418 Join the many happy people!!! by kannenberg

Aug 11, 2006 (11:51 am)

Replying to: ghulet (Aug 09, 2006 1:55 pm)
I've been in posession of a 94 SL2 for about six years now. We paid $2500 for it then and I have been nothing but happy ever since. As long as you take good care of it, it'll last you till past the 200,000 mile mark. Mine has.

#1273 of 1418 valve body 96 sc2.... by gmb2428

Aug 16, 2006 (12:16 pm)

Well the dealer and a trans shop say I need a new valve body. The dealer wants 1100. The trans shop says about half that.
  
My question is how hard is it to swap this part out. I see u just pull the battery and tray, then take out a lot of bolts to the pan on top, so once u get in there is this something u just unbolt and replace and ur done...or is there a lot more to it???

#1274 of 1418 Re: valve body 96 sc2.... [gmb2428] by krony

Aug 19, 2006 (12:53 pm)

Replying to: gmb2428 (Aug 16, 2006 12:16 pm)
Can't say but doing searches on the net for my tranny problems you may find repair info. Not sure if a Haynes manual would have it in there...

#1275 of 1418 97 SL2 by lmljjl

Aug 25, 2006 (12:59 pm)

I have a 97 SL2 that has a few problems. The check engine light comes on periodically but doesn't change the way the car is runs. The cars starts great when the engine is cold. After running the engine and gets warm and shut the engine off, I have a hard time re starting the car. It cranks fine but seems to have a problem possibly with fuel getting to the engine. I was hoping that someone else has experienced this problem and could direct me to the problem.

Messages Page 128 of 143

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