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2003 Saturn L300 Thermostat

Tiny
JIMLEVAN
  • MEMBER
  • 30 POSTS
Now the next problem I have to tackle is the transmission. After driving for awhile the trans shifts hard and the service light comes on. When car is turned off the system resets and has to warm up again to get the same problem. Is this trans problem or cat problem?
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Monday, December 5th, 2011 AT 11:48 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Hard shifting is caused by a pressure issue not a cat when the cats get clogged on those cars they wont shift till you let off the gas pedal. Most of the time the problem is caused by a bad pressure control solenoid in the valve body. You can change the solenoid by poping the transmission side cover loose and using a long screw driver and extendable magnet to change the solenoid.I replaced a ton of them that way if you let it go too long like that you will damage the transmission. The main thing is drain the transmission fluid thru a rag and see if there is any metal in the fluid. Also what is the exact code number you are setting for that transmission problem?
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Tuesday, December 6th, 2011 AT 12:10 AM
Tiny
JIMLEVAN
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  • 30 POSTS
How involved is changing that solenoid? I was guestimated by a dealer it would cost 2k to change.
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Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 AT 12:42 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
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No thats outrages labor is about 8hrs plus 180 for parts. You seem pretty handy with tools you can just change it yourself you only have to pop the side cover loose and do it with a long screwdriver and a extension magnet. Also any codes?
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Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 AT 12:51 AM
Tiny
JIMLEVAN
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It will take 8 hours to change out one solenoid?
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Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 AT 2:00 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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They dont charge by how long it takes because everyone can do it in different times. So they charge you labor at flat rate every job has a flat time they charge you. Probably 6-7hrs flat rate.I can do one in about 2hrs or less but keep in mind I have replaced a ton of them.
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Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 AT 2:20 AM
Tiny
JIMLEVAN
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So then is it that easy, just open the side of trans and pop out old insert new? Or do you have to remove a bunch of other stuff just to get to the side of the trans?
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Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 AT 2:42 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
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There is plastic cover remove battery battery tray fuse box etc. Its not the easiest but you tackled the thermostat which isnt the easiest. So did you check for transmission codes?Also you have to unplug the solenoids and remove a U shaped clip holding into the valve body.
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Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 AT 3:07 AM
Tiny
JIMLEVAN
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How do I get the codes? I have to turn the engine off and then return the key to the run position for the scanner to work. Whilst doing so the car resets everything. And I get no codes to show.
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Friday, December 9th, 2011 AT 12:50 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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If there was any codes there still would be codes after turning the key off. When it shifts hard does the wrench light ever come on?
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Friday, December 9th, 2011 AT 3:45 AM
Tiny
JIMLEVAN
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I have about a 20 minute drive to work and about 5 minutes before I get there the hard shifting starts and the wrench light comes on. Same thing on my way home. Tonight I got home and ran the scanner and found no codes.
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Friday, December 9th, 2011 AT 4:03 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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If that wrench light is coming on then there is codes stored in the computer. Maybe your scanner just read them?
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Friday, December 9th, 2011 AT 4:12 AM
Tiny
JERRY RAY SMITH SR
  • MEMBER
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I have the same problem with the Saturn 2003 L300 v6 as for the thermostat removal except for my problem came from a cracked radiator tank and overheating. My jack neighbor poured some Bargs gasket sealer not realizing the car had a plastic tank. Replaced with new radiator and antifreeze the car continues to overheat. Are there any tricks that you might reveal to unfreeze the thermostat so that the coolant will circulate through the radiator?
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Tuesday, October 6th, 2020 AT 10:03 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,170 POSTS
Hi,

Would it be possible for you to repost this question in a new thread? I ask simply because we are trying to keep the threads specific to one topic. If you could, I'm sure someone will answer this for you.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Take care and I hope you understand.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, October 8th, 2020 AT 6:56 PM

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