Lost transmission function while driving

Tiny
AIDYDAY
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 SATURN ION
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
Was driving down the highway about to get off an exit, when I heard a loud pop noise (almost like a balloon) lost all transmission function in every gear. Car runs fine. Won't catch any gears or even sound like it's trying. Check engine light came on after pop noise.

What do I do?
Friday, October 25th, 2019 AT 3:47 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi,

You appear to have what is called a CVT transmission which means it has a steel belt inside of it that is the main drive belt. More than likely when we hear this noise that one of the pulley's inside the unit that this belt connects to broke. This would cause the unit to not function and not have any movement.

I attached the process on how to replace the transmission in case you want to attempt this. However, before you do this, just check your axles and external components and make sure none of them look broken. If they are not, then you will need to remove the unit and see exactly what failed. Clearly if it is inside the transmission, then I would just replace the entire thing. There are not may parts available for these units and it is just easier to replace the entire thing.

Please let me know if you have questions. Thanks
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Friday, October 25th, 2019 AT 1:58 PM
Tiny
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  • 3 POSTS
Yeah, it's throwing a p0770 and p1882 codes also.
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Friday, October 25th, 2019 AT 2:01 PM
Tiny
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Okay. I attached the diagram for the P1882. It appears the P0770 is a solenoid code but it actually doesn't have diagram for that but I don't think it matters because of the loud pop noise.

These codes are saying that the TCM is expecting to see solenoid operation and then it expects to see the input and output speed sensor data increase. When this is not happening it sets these codes.

I also attached the process on how to change the fluid on a CVT transmission for this vehicle. It may make sense to just drain the fluid and check for metal. Just make sure you drain it into a pan or container of some sort so you can check it for metal. Once you have the fluid it is best to drain some if through a coffee filter just to see if there is anything glittery in it.

I do want to confirm that you do have a CVT transmission. There was another option for automatics but this issue is normally seen on CVTs. Thanks
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Friday, October 25th, 2019 AT 5:18 PM
Tiny
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Yes it is a CVT VTI.
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Friday, October 25th, 2019 AT 5:45 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. I would check the fluid for metal and go from there. Just make sure you put the right fluid back in if you are going to refill it. It gives you the right fluid in step 19 but ATF is not compatible.
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Friday, October 25th, 2019 AT 6:03 PM

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