2002 Saturn SL2 Slow Disengage

PIATAR

MEMBER
2002 SATURN SL2

I have had this car for 2 weeks. 180K miles. It has had 2 noticeable slow disengages. Both times in the morning and cold (less than 40 degrees) outside. From drive to reverse is normal time, reverse to drive took about 20 seconds. Drove find and didn't do it again the rest of the day. Took it to mechanic, cam sensor code came up. Mechanic is recommending trans fluid change and additive. Is this acceptable? Also, have read mixed reviews about transmission additives.

6 Replies

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

Delay When Cold
The following are possible causes and corrections for this condition:
Forward-reverse piston seal leaks. Replace seal(s).
Servo apply valve sticking. Replace damaged component

GM Vehicles under normal usage do not require any additional procedures or additives beyond what is advised under the former Vehicle Maintenance Schedules or the current Simplified Maintenance Schedules

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Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 AT 1:49 AM

TOPTECH56

MEMBER
1 POST

Hello, your cam sensor code po341, is probably from spark plugs or wires being worn. There is no actual cam sensor on your Saturn. It is a derived signal from the spark firing voltage. Not related to the trans concern. Too much resistance in either cyl 1 or 4 firing circuit [plug or wire]. The shift delay is something else. There is a forward/reverse servo and shift collar that affects the changeover. It is spring preloaded to the forward side. Since you do not have a delay into reverse[which is a common low pressure symptom]but instead a delay into drive, I think this is hanging up. There are two bolts which hold the servo cover to the case.I have found them loose several times. To access them you need to take the end cover off. Can be done in the car. But not for a DIYer. You must remove the large mainshaft clutch assy to get to them after cover removal. Nice time to see if the nuts are loose on that big gear. They also come loose. Torqued to 110 ft# I think. Your best bet is to take it to the GM dealer that absorbed your local Saturn techs. They would be more inclined to perform a surgical repair as opposed to most who would advocate a complete overhaul. Also they could scan the trans computer. Something a generic scanner usually cannot do.

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Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 AT 3:09 AM

PIATAR

MEMBER
5 POSTS

I also have po731 code. This is related to tranny?

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Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 AT 3:21 AM

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

DTC P0731 will set if the PCM detects an incorrect actual lst gear ratio when lst gear is commanded on

check for hub seal ring damage, clutch piston damage or servo leak

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Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 AT 3:51 AM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,870 POSTS

There is your delay into drive the code p0731 the clutch pack for 1st is on the end of the input shaft under the end cover. The input shaft nut is pretty common for loosening up on that late model of a saturn S model. What your going to have to do is have the all the transmission actuator's audibly checked with a scan tool that has the special test to do that. Also have the high low pressure tested on the line pressure and the step pressure test performed. Then have the valve body removed and have the clutch pack's air checked to make sure the all the clutch pack piston's are holding pressure and not bleeding down. That way you can tell if it's electrical or internal seal in the transmission.