98 SL2 Auto Trans Problems

[31rx7]

The car is a 1998 SL2 Automatic with 101k miles. I purchased it used about a month ago, and changed the trans fluid / filter shortly after purchase (the old fluid looked fine - not burnt) as a preventive maintenance measure. The car was running and shifting fine.

Yesterday, the car would not shift into reverse, and when in drive, the upshifts were delayed. Also, the service light is on. I suspect that internal hydraulics or valve body have failed or are in the process of failing, but I just don't know much about automatics.

Questions:

1) Any advice on things to try or look for? I don't think there is a way to read the trouble code without a OBDC II scanner is there?

2) If I have to put in another transmission, are there other years that interchange?

Thanks!
Rich

[ratpak07]

i belive you can put from a 1995 to a 1999sl2 trans in your car, however, check the fluid once again, and if its black, your tranny is pretty much gone, just try not to drive the car that hard or that far

[Doug000]

This is a lesson that I learned quickly with Saturn's...The auto trans very dependant on power output from either the alternator or battery or both. I have been getting about 1.5 years on every battery since it was new in Sept. 1998. What you are describing is the same problem that I have when the alternator goes weak. I have talk to several other Saturn owners and they have the same problem.

[miamisl2]

not exactly. the light that comes on is not the ses light when the alternator fails.

i have had this happen on many occasions and what happends is first you lose power when you accelerate, then the car will be stuck in second gear, lights start dimming ect ects.

there are many years of saturn transmissions that will fit on your car, there are quite a lot of other saturn forums where someone could help you out. Try saturnfans.com or saturnspot.com. there are many others but i reccomend those two. escpecially saturnspot.com, because as mentioned in another post, joey from 6thplanet used parts can help you out on your transmission issue. most likely the problem is the valve body. you can contact joey at the forum or at [email protected] or [email protected]

[Doug000]

the alternator light does not come on because the alternator is still putting out enough power to run the ECU, but not the transmission. So the light does not come on. Take the car to a shop and have them check it out, most shops will check it for free.

[miamisl2]

my mistake, i thought he was talking about when your alternator dies, not when its weak.

joey sells these used saturn alternators for very cheap and i believe he warranties them, he only sells certain newer models because they last longer, i forgot why, but contact him for details, mine hasnt died since replacing it.

[tgr430]

On my Saturn I had the Service Light on Also. It could be due to an Emissions problem.

Terry

[31rx7]

I got lucky. There was a problem with a small piece in the transmission that looks (to me) to be spacer of some sort that impacts how the transmission engages when it shifts to second gear. It was fairly easily accessible and repairable by my mechanic.

Sorry not to be more precise with the decription.

Rich