1999 Saturn SL1

NAIVETOCARS

MEMBER
1999 SATURN SL1
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
290,000 MILES

I recently purchased a car in which the previous owner said it needed a transmission flush because the car sometimes sticks in reverse. As of this moment it will not reverse. What could be causing this problem? Does this mean I need a new transmission or could it be something else?

5 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,870 POSTS

I wouldn't flush the transmission what color is the transmission fluid?Do you have any code's in the computer of the car?Do you have any trouble with any of the forward gear's?Especially second gear?

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Sunday, September 12th, 2010 AT 12:16 AM

NAIVETOCARS

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This is an automatic all the other gears I put it into seem to be fine. I put it in reverse today and had to push on the gas and then it went into reverse. I dont know about computer codes. The check engine light is on. Colour of the transmission fluid I dont know I would have to check. What colour should it be? Thank you.

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Sunday, September 12th, 2010 AT 11:34 AM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,870 POSTS

The fluid should be a bright red so when it shift's by itself into 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th those seem to be ok?Why don't you go to a auto part's store like auto zone and have them read you code's. Let me know what the code number's are.

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Sunday, September 12th, 2010 AT 12:24 PM

NAIVETOCARS

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The fluid is not a bright red it is dirty. When it shifts into the other gears it seems to be ok sometimes it seems to do a sort of clunk but not always. I dont know if there is an Auto Zone in Ontario, I will have to find out. I am not sure but I think have someone check the codes would be the same as have an inspection done to the car?

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Sunday, September 12th, 2010 AT 2:30 PM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,870 POSTS

You can just get the code's checked in the computer without getting a inspection. Do you live in Ontario canada or the us?If you live in the us which state?IS your transmission fluid a dirty red color?