1995 Saturn SL1 Problem with transmission/electrical

Tiny
BOB/335
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 SATURN SL1
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 93,000 MILES
Two days ago my son told me the battery light was staying on.
Last night he told me that there was no power stepping on the gas from a stop (and some bucking?)

I took it for a ride this morning. Started out in reverse to back up. Took off and I thought it was running really good. Stop sign and a let turn/ no problems. Red light and a left turn/ no problems.
Drove a straight mile and it was running beautifully. I was wondering what the heck he was talking about.
Aprroaching a red light I was stopping as I turned on my right signal. Immediately the radio went off and then back on for a second and then back off and stayed off. As I was wondering what just happened, the light turned green and I stepped on the gas and I had no power. It very slowly got up to speed. The engine sounded fine. I turned around and still no power. As I got up to speed I kicked it down a bit and NO passing gear.
I pulled over and started from a dead stop and payed close attention. I have no power because it seems to be starting from second gear. Listening closely and I don't hear or feel it shifting at all. Just staying in second gear.

I also noticed after this that it now bangs hard when shifting into reverse.

The radio hasn't come back on.

This radio was just installed a few weeks ago by the previous owner. (My nephew's kid)
Monday, September 6th, 2010 AT 9:23 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
First of all thank you so much for your donation. The first thing you need to do is test your alternator a bad one will cause everything you described.I would also test your battery if the alternator test's bad let me know and I will get you instruction's on replacing it.
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Monday, September 6th, 2010 AT 9:57 AM
Tiny
BOB/335
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Louie,

Thanks for such a prompt reply.
Since my son was already complaining of the battery indicator light coming on and staying on PRIOR to the more recent problem, I assumed that there was a connection and had planned to check the battery and alternator. (Guess I should have done that today)

I never would have guessed that the transmission shifting is electrically controlled to the point that a low performing battery or alternator would affect it to that extreme.

I will let you know what happens. Thanks again!

Bob
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Monday, September 6th, 2010 AT 6:33 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
With low battery input the transmission will slip in and out of gear. Let me know what you find and I will get you the information you need.
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Monday, September 6th, 2010 AT 9:19 PM
Tiny
BOB/335
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Turns out my problem was a bad battery AND a bad alternator. The car is running fine now. Thanks!

Bob Goodwin
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Monday, September 13th, 2010 AT 4:49 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Glad to hear you have it all figured out that's what we like to hear. Thanks for using 2carpros.
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Monday, September 13th, 2010 AT 11:21 AM

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