Auto Trany problem

97 SC2 112000 miles, auto tranny.

Ok so it seems I have the classic reverse slam issue.

I have read about a cure which involves changing the transmision fluid & filter, adding some tranny additive and running the car in reverse for 30 minutes. Anyone tried this? Did it work? I also read a few posts saying once they tried this they no longer had reverse and seemed to have bigger problems. What if I don't remedy the issue will things get worse?

It seems like this is a tempoary fix to a real problem. Anyone else tried anything different with success? I had read about replacing the valve body, is that difficult/expensive?

Any help would be much appreciated!

What type of tranny fluid should I use? Dextron III? Whats the best additive for this procedure?

What type of tranny fluid should I use? Dextron III? Whats the best additive for this procedure?

You must use a fluid that is Dextron III .. use any additive but not one that is said a sealant.. the procedure is not a cure all... sometimes its all it needs.. sometimes its just electrical connectios... sometimes its just a mess....
Valve body replacement is a standard for these transmissions but may not be the specific problem. It is easy to replace if you have some mechanical aptitude. The valve body contains the actuator/solenoids that when electrical activated change gears by hydralic ressure.. thus being electro/mechanical devices.. suspectible to electric failure or mechanical failure..

Key to working on the valve body is inventory of what parts go where and ensuring things don't get dropped into the open top transmission when the valve body is out..

It is tough to give an exact analysis of the problems with this transmission without the diagnostic equipment only available to the dealership or certain transmission repair shops...

I tried the reverse slam fix..... no luck:eek:

Actually things seem worse when shifting into reverse. Althought all other gears are a lot more smooth. I will probably drive it for another week or so to see if it gets any better, probably won't, but it will give me time to decide what to do.

I called the saturn dealership and they want almost 3000 to replace the valve body! They quoted me 650 just on the part. Another transmission shop quoted 800 for parts and labor. I would do it myself but if I can have someone else do it for just around 150 in labor I will probably do that.

Now here is my problem, the car is worth about 2800 (on the high side) should I really dump this money into it? Not sure what else might go soon? I could have other major tranny problems or engine problems as well:banghead: .

Maybe I will just deal with it until reverse goes out. Is that such a bad idea? Maybe I will even continue to drive it when reverse is gone.

This sucks, my next car will be a toyota.

Do you have any other electrical problems with the car? Generally when dealing with this transmission's shifting issues, sometimes it is the alternator.

The next steps you should take is to ensure the electrical connections on top of transmission called the buss plate are good. The connection is held in with a 7mm bolt. If it full of ATF or crap...that could be a problem. You just changed the fluid and filter, right ? Next to the transmission filter is the transmission fluid temperature sensor. Make sure it is connected. This sensor and connector is the same device as the engine coolant temperature sensor FYI.

Thanks so much for the help so far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did check the connector at the top of the bus plate looks great I pulled it out an checked.

Also checked the connection on the fluid sensor. I unplugged it and re-connected it to ensure a good connection.

No electrical problems that I know of. I took it to auto zone to see if it was throwing any codes. No codes, which I suppose is good I just wish I knew what was wrong, although from reading these posts I think I have a clue.

Anything else I can check or am going towards vavle boby replacement:eek: Anyone know where I can get a good price on a rebuilt vavle body?

Actually not sure how much more of this my wife can take I think she is going to make me sell the saturn soon. I feel it has been a pretty good car, sure it has had some issues but nothing I couldn't fix myslef so far. Plus I enjoy working on it.

Check the fuses in the under hood fuse box. Use the reverse side of the cover to see what they are for. Generally the ones in the middle are for the transmission but check them all.

Fuses are all good.

Any more ideas?

I had this problem a couple years ago. The trans had always been smooth, but over the course of a few days started slamming harder and harder when put into reverse. Finally lost reverse when going to back out of a parking spot, as I put it into reverse the car shuddered and stalled. Started her back up and no reverse. Did a bit of research and ended up replacing the input shaft nut in the trans, this was my fix, has been fine ever since. Took a bit of time, but not a terribly difficult fix, this can be done from the drivers side, taking the wheel off and disconnecting the tie rod and lower control arm. I did this so there was enough room to remove the trans cover, other wise it's a tight fit with the suspension components in the way.

first of all, dexron III is not the recommended fluid for this trans. the fluid used is a auto./manual trans type fluid. i would use factory fluid. second, every time you unplug the electrical connector on top of the trans., you have to relearn the shift addaptives. third, just get a new valvebody and this will fix it. you can try all of these magic tricks all you want to, but the press. regulator valve will continue to stick. you might free it up for a (very) little while, but it will always come back and bite you in the @#%.
you asked if anyone has tried anything else. delay/slam into reverse, valvebody fixes it every time.

p.s. if you've added other fluids, i would definitely recommend getting them out of your trans.

I've never heard of an automatic transmission fluid having a rating of " factory fluid". Like oil, ATF has a standard .. please post what that "factory fluid" standard is so as to verify some credibility to postings...

So I checked my Owners manual for my 97 saturn and guess what? It says to use Dexron III. I also called the Saturn Service department and guess what they said to use. Exact quote "Dexron III is what is recommended, and would be best." He also said the factory fluid they would have given me would be exactly equivilent to Dexron III.

1996 SL1 153K. My car has the same problem. It seems to occur more often when the car is warm. Had a transmission fluid change including filter with synthetic. Also, when moving from forward to reverse I now come to a complete stop. BEFORE putting the car in reverse I put the car in park. Wait for the transmission to disengage then put it in reverse. Doing it this way I never get the reverse slam anymore. It's cheap and works for me.
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hey guys I picked up a 93 saturn wagon (D.O.H.C.) and I'm pretty sure i'm having the same problem. When I throw the car into reverse and am not holding the brake it makes a clunk sound. On top of tatI have to wit 2-3 seconds or it to actually enguage into reverse. It especially acts up when it is warm. Also, there is a very big rattling noise/vibration and rattles the whole car when you are driving and urning left, or if you are sitting n park reving it. Don't know if that has anything to do with it or not. I picked it up for the demo derby and am not looking to spend a whole lot of money on it so I am just wondering if it is worth fixing it or not. Thanks, Deven.

Consider doing a reverse slam procedure and replacing your top motor mount located on the passenger side of the engine. Both procedures are easy to do with directions located on another website callled ...

http://saturnfans.com/