Having transmission problems with my 2004 Saturn.

Thanks for the replies ASEMaster 6371 and saturntech9.
In answer to your post saturntech 9, If I need to get up to speed quickly, ie. Getting on the beltway, etc. It's like my car is in slow motion. The rpms are way up there, but it's not getting up and going. I have tried letting off the gas to get it to shift and that doesn't always help. It is sort of an off and on thing. Some days it seems to be acting fine and then the next day it has issues. On highway driving, it does seem to act up when accelerating past 70, so for example when I was trying to switch lanes to get over the my exit, I needed to speed up a little to get over, but it just wouldn't go any faster and as I accelerated the rpms went way up with again no increase in speed. The car next to me probably thought I wanted to race them! LOL.

At my last oil change, they suggested that I do the fuel injection service first, and then go on the the transmission or spark plugs. The cleaning and additives did seem to help at first but did not resolve the off and on problem. (Also I thought that usually spark plugs lasted a little longer, since I only have 65000 miles). I took it in to a transmission place for diagnostics today and am waiting for their findings. It was crazy too because the drive over to drop it off, my car seemed to be getting the job done entering and exiting from the highway. Just like when you finally drag yourself into see the doctor, and while your sitting their in the examination room, you suddenly feel much better! Also haven't seen any yellow wrenches or other warning lights come on or anything, just poor performance.

Question regarding, transmission fluids, is Dex. III the one that I want? Also, is the transmission service on Saturns straight forward, or are their other differentials? When I get the service done, I want to get it done right, so any helpful advice of what I need to ask for, would be great. I always feel so vulnerable getting my car worked on so I like to get an idea what the standard operating procedure is for whatever I'm going in for and the right questions to ask to at least appear that I have some basic knowledge of the subject. I don't mind paying for service if it is something that my car truly needs. This Saturn has been good to me! Thanks!

I took it into the transmission shop and they test drove it and ran diagnostics, etc. And came up with a code that indicated too rich fuel. (Possible cause. Oxygen sensor? Not 100% sure, but would require more investigation.) During the test drive they noted the sluggish acceleration but feel it is an engine problem as opposed to a transmission one. It is possible that whatever is causing the fuel issues, could have compromised the spark plugs, so they suggested that I take it to my mechanic for a good tune up to see if that would improve my engine's sluggish performance and then I could probably use a transmission flush later on along with replacement of the trans. Hoses which are showing some wear and could be a problem waiting to happen. They were very honest and straightforward and didn't even charge me anything for the diagnostics, and exam. I'll definitely return to them for the transmission flush after I get the fuel issue resolved. Thanks for the information on the Dex, hard pan gasket, etc! I'll keep ya posted.

The code was code p0172. Thanks!

Saturntech9,

You were absolutely right! Your original call was correct, the cat was clogged, They put a new cat. Converter in and changed the oxygen sensor as well. When I asked about the spark plugs, they said that they should be good until about 100,000.00 miles. My husband is picking the car up today. I can't wait to test drive it and see how it runs now.
Assuming that after the repairs my saturn's performance is improved and the problem is fixed (hope I'm not counting my chicks before they are hatched. Lol) when would you recommend having the transmission fluid changed with new filter. It seems that Saturn discouraged messing with that until absolutely necessary. At the same time, if it would be of benefit in keeping my "06" feeling like a "10" than I would go ahead with that, while the situation is fresh in my mind. I would like to come up with a recommended service guideline beyond the regular oil changes that I can put in my calender, because I am a strong believer in preventative maintenance, but sometimes get sidelined by "never actually getting around to it", so if I write it down, it will get done.

Thanks again for all your guidance and helpful information!

Believe it was one of the upstream. Car was taken out for test drive and problems I described were confirmed. Removed 02 sensor (the one right before the cat. Conv.) And test drove it (car drove much better), that's how they deducted the cat. Problem and replaced it. Did scan tests/diag on sensors and determined which one was faulty and replaced it. Car is running great and problem appears to be resolved.

Should I still check the fuel pressure by doing the mass air flow sensor test you described or just go with it for now. Thanks!