Transmission issue

HARTJEN

MEMBER
2007 SATURN ION
2.2L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

A few weeks ago it started driving poorly. The transmission was very unresponsive. Engine starts and runs fine. It goes into all shift lever positions. No matter the input you give the car does not accelerate properly. Also, does not shift properly from gear to gear. Shifting requires you to let off the accelerator and then re-apply.

This is my daughters car and she says that nothing popped or sound like it broke while she was driving.

I believe that it is a transmission issue but do not want to start pouring money into the car without a good idea of what the issue is.

There is a CEL code but not transmission related (intake related).

9 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,959 POSTS

Hello,

It sounds like you could have a plugged catalytic converter but to be sure lets run some tests.
Here is a guide that will show you how to test the catalytic converter:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

We should also see if there are any codes present it could be a shaft speed sensor problem .

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

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Friday, December 22nd, 2017 AT 6:56 PM

HARTJEN

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11 POSTS

Ken,
Thanks for the response. I am working through the weekend and get home after dark. I will have to run the catalytic converter tests next week. I do have a P0411 Code - Secondary Air Injection System Incorrect Flow Detected.

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Thursday, December 28th, 2017 AT 7:30 AM

KEN L

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Yep that is a sign the catalytic converter is plugged as well. Let me know what happens, Ken

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Thursday, December 28th, 2017 AT 1:10 PM

HARTJEN

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11 POSTS

Ken,
I finally got around to temperature testing the catalytic converter. Temperature going in was 390 and going it was 270. Did not do any of the other tests you recommended. Wanted to know what you thought of those temperatures.

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Friday, March 30th, 2018 AT 2:19 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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The temperature going in was 390 and going out was 270? That is a sign of a bad catalytic converter. Should be the other way around.

Here is a guide and diagrams (below) of what it will take to replace it;

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/catalytic-converter-replacement

Check out the diagrams (below).

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

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Saturday, March 31st, 2018 AT 11:42 AM

HARTJEN

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11 POSTS

Ken,
Thanks for all of the help up to this point. I pulled the O2 sensor and drove the car with very little change in performance. I am really leaning toward the catalytic converter being bad as you said it was.

California has not approved a catalytic converter for the 2007 Saturn Ion (2.2L). Only option is to buy OEM for $1,700.00.

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Wednesday, July 18th, 2018 AT 6:11 PM

KEN L

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Try to undo the exhaust at the head pipe, it will be a little loud but you should be able to drive it around to confirm the issue before getting the catalytic converter. Did you check eBay?

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Thursday, July 19th, 2018 AT 10:37 AM

HARTJEN