2004 Saturn L300 Transmission Not Shifting Properly

DAISY CUTTER

MEMBER
2004 SATURN L300
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
60,000 MILES

Under hard acceleration as during passing or climbing steep grades the transmission will not shift properly. What normally happens is that the RPM's go up but the car does not go any faster as if the transmission is slipping. It also will not shift unless you let your foot off the gas. Could this be a low fluid level? Plugged filter? Something worse?

Where do you check the fluid level and where do you add additional fluid?

Thanks, Steve

2 Replies

BOWERS_SHEILA

MEMBER
7 POSTS

Hi Daisy,

I am having the exact problem you described in your post back in 2008. You didn't get a reply, but I was wondering if you ever figured out the problem? I am going to take to a transmission place, but I wanted to gather as much information as possible beforehand. If you could respond back to me directly that would be most appreciated. My email is bowers_sheila@hotmail. Com. Thanks!

My details: Saturn L300 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 65000 miles
[.]
Under hard acceleration as during passing or climbing steep grades the transmission will not shift properly. What normally happens is that the RPM's go up but the car does not go any faster as if the transmission is slipping. It also will not shift unless you let your foot off the gas. Highway driving: ok once you get up to speed, but if you need to accelerate rapidly, ie to pass someone etc. It just can't get it done (the rpms' go way up but the car won't go any faster than it is already going!)