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Transmission Problems Saturn Outlook

53 messages,  Last post on Aug 19, 2009 at 6:29 AM

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What is this discussion about? Saturn Outlook, Transmission, SUV

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#7 of 53 Transmission Saga Continues by myshakti May 27, 2008 (9:04 am)
I am still having major problems with my Outlook transmission. I am taking it in again this week for the 2nd upgrade but not feeling confident. This will be the third time for taking it in for this problem. I am considering taking action to have Saturn take the car back. Replies to this message: don121 (May 31, 2008 9:46 am)
#8 of 53 Re: Transmission Saga Continues [myshakti] by don121 May 31, 2008 (9:46 am)
Replying to: myshakti (May 27, 2008 9:04 am) I am having most all of the problems that are noted. I have all the songs and dances provided by the dealer service departments including they don't see anything wrong with the way the transmissions shift (ha-ha). I had them do the first softward update twice thinking it would help. No way. Comes back to normal in about a week or less. I have also dropped to a whopping 14.7 miles per gallon. I've verified it by both methods, car computer and computing miles driven divided by gallons purchased. I also found out original dealer repaired something on the transmission before selling me the car new a few months ago without informing me at time of original purchase. I am definitely looking at taking action with Saturn. My option would be for them either to replace the car or completely replace the transmission and computer with a new one. It is obvious that Saturn knows they have a problem or they wouldn't be putting out the softward updates. Please keep us informed if you find a solution. The transmission surges and down shifting has to be the primary reasons for poor gas mileage. As long as they keep advertising it on TV getting such great mileage, they should be responsible.
#9 of 53 2008 Saturn Outlook Transmission Issues by paynski May 31, 2008 (9:26 pm)
I've had my '08 Outlook since mid Dec '07. I hate the electronic transmission control system. It's OK around town, but it's horrible on the road when you have to pass someone, or go uphill. When passing, there is a huge 2 second delay before power is applied. First the engine revs up to 5K rpm, then it downshifts depending on pedal position and selects a lower gear. This takes about 2 seconds, but it seems like an eternity when you want to pass or accelerate to maneuver. By the time the power finally comes on, it's too late, and you've lost your opportunity. When going up a hill there are large dead spots in the throttle where nothing happens until you apply more throttle. Then, it does the 2 second delay and downshift routine. I complained to the Saturn dealer service when I had it in for the 1st oil chg, but they said it has the latest software control update, and there's nothing further they can do. The service mgr also said many other owners are complaining about the same issue. My suggestion to anyone considering buying an Outlook: Drive it on the freeway and slam the accelerator to the floor at 35mph, and at 55mph. Then ask yourself if you're willing to live with the hesitation. It doesn't seem so bad until you're in a situation, and you need power NOW, but you have to wait 2 seconds for the engine to rev and the tranny control to figure out what gear to select. Gas mileage is way less than advertised. I get about 14.5 city, 20 hwy.
#10 of 53 Transmission Again by myshakti Jun 17, 2008 (5:57 pm)
Hello All,   Just want to let you know that I had a very close call while driving my Saturn Outlook on Father's Day. While traveling on the freeway I went to pass someone and the shifting lagged so much that I thought I was going to be hit from behind from an approaching vehicle. I have had it with this vehicle. I had an appointment scheduled today for what I thought was another upgrade (due to the phone call I received from my dealershhip) but when I got there I was told that there was nothing else they could do for me as I have the most current upgrade, number 0217. I called the President/General Manager of the dealership and all he would say is that he validated the fact that I have brought the car in for the correct upgrade and he would gladly drive the car to validate that it in fact runs like it should. He also stated that he spoke with the "engineer" and has been told that Saturn designed the delayed shifting in order to be able to control the gas mileage so it holds true to what they claim. This is yet another untruth about the vehicle as my gas mileage is terrible. I am now going to the Better Business Bureau to start the process of GM buying the car back. Not only does the vehicle not deliver but now being so doubted and snubbed by the dealership makes me ill. Replies to this message: cschaper (Jun 17, 2008 9:23 pm)
#11 of 53 Re: Transmission Again [myshakti] by cschaper Jun 17, 2008 (9:23 pm)
Replying to: myshakti (Jun 17, 2008 5:57 pm) Please let me know what happens. I have had the same problem with my car. I went back for the 3rd time and they said they don't feel what I feel so theres nothing they can do! I put my car up for sale but have had no offers. My gas mileage is really bad also. I already started a case with corporate but after I told them the dealer said they didnt feel what I did they said o.k. well call us if theres any change. And that was the end of that. I don't know what to do I hate this car I feel like it's a waste of money!!!
#12 of 53 Re: Continued problems [soccer4] by hawkeye15 Jun 24, 2008 (2:26 pm)
Replying to: soccer4 (May 25, 2008 6:55 am) I had the Same update #08-07-30-022.(Wasn't available until May 2008) It came with the warning of a possible mpg decrease. We have seen no decrease. I posted on the Acadia forum, too, but this update has completely eliminated any complaints I have had with the transmission. It operates in a completely normal manner. Any of you that were told you already had the most recent updates need to check that they did the bulletin number given above. I see about 14 mpg in very short in town trips around town and 21-22 at 76 mph on the freeway with an awd Enclave. I'd be interested if anyone still has complaints after this update. Replies to this message: myshakti (Jun 24, 2008 5:31 pm)
#13 of 53 Re: Continued problems [hawkeye15] by myshakti Jun 24, 2008 (5:31 pm)
Replying to: hawkeye15 (Jun 24, 2008 2:26 pm) You drive an Enclave, not a Saturn Outook, correct?
#14 of 53 Tranny update by hawkeye15 Jun 25, 2008 (9:47 am)
I drive an Enclave with the same engine and Transmission as the Outlook and Acadia. The TSB has the 2008 Enclave, 2007/8 Acadia, and 2007/8 Outlook listed at the top and didn't come out until the second week of May 2008. #08-07-30-022 Replies to this message: hawkeye15 (Jul 27, 2008 10:14 am)
#15 of 53 Re: Tranny update [hawkeye15] by hawkeye15 Jul 27, 2008 (10:14 am)
Replying to: hawkeye15 (Jun 25, 2008 9:47 am) I was wondering if any of the previous posters went to their dealer to request the TSB# 08-07-30-022 that I posted about, before. They will not do this one and will tell you that you have the most current update unless you complain about the sluggishness and hesitation. Give them the TSB # and don't worry about the warning that it may worsen mpg. MOst of us on the other forums have not seen any decrease. The difference in the drive is night and day. I'd like to hear any of your results.
#16 of 53 Rain & Loss of Power Steering Control by shillelagh Jul 28, 2008 (1:07 pm)
When I drive my 08' Saturn Outlook in the rain or drive it through standing water (6 inches or less) after a hard rain, there is a squealing noise and I lose power steering control. It will last from 30 seconds to a minute. It has been in the dealer's shop 4 days now and they called today to say there is a "fender well" replacement with added splash guards to eliminate water from wetting the belt. I live in central Florida and this time of year it rains every day. Try turning this moose without power steering, I'm glad I don't live in a mountainous area with this thing. Also, they are going to perform the computer upload per Saturn Bulletin TSB #08-07-30-022 regarding hesitation in down-shifting of the transmission.

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