In drive, from a stop, It starts out in 3rd gear. If you shift it to 1st gear, it takes off fine but when you shift it to 2nd gear it goes right to 3rd. was told the ****** was out. bought a used ****** and transfer case and they put it in but is still reading the same code and still doing the same thing. Money down the drain. Now they think it is the powertrain control module because of the code so before I fork out the money for that, I want to make sure that is the problem.

Johnny Massengill

• 345 Answers
• Posted on Dec 07, 2008

SOURCE: 1997 sc2 saturn automatic

I had a 1991 Dodge Caravan that did the same thing. I had a transmission rebuilt because of the problem you describe. I was told it was a seal inside the transmission that was leaking fluid from an internal chamber when the engine was at an idle (like it is when you are at a stop sign). A redesigned seal fixed my problem. I would bet if you gave it a little gas with one foot and kept your foot on the brake it wouldn't act like it had dropped out of gear. If you have the money for a transmission rebuild that might be something to consider but if you are tight on money, a bottle of lucas transmission additive might help your problem. That seemed to help me so I could get some money together for a transmission rebuild. I realize that most mechanics will say that your transmission doesn't need an additive of any kind, I also realize that sometimes in real life you have to do what your pocketbook/ wallet can afford.

Good luck.

SOURCE: 1999 Saturn SL2 shifting problems

I also have a 1999 sl2 saturn . I was having about the same problem but mine also did not want to go into reverse somtimes as well . Ichanged my fluid and filter and put in a good trans conditioner and just about all my trouble went away. The trans filter is just like a oil filter it just screws on the outside of the transmission . It is located down under the air filter housing, and the fluid plug is right on the bottom of the trans.

SOURCE: hard transmission shift from 1st to 2nd after hot drive

make sure you maintain trans fluid, may be low or very dirty. get serviced,

SOURCE: Saturn SW1 will not shift into 2nd, 4th, or reverse

no hydralic fluid in the resvoir look for the resvoir on the fire wall of the drivers side if its empty well fill it back up lol not sure if the sw1 has this but ive had too fix this problem before

Jta91

• 99 Answers
• Posted on Jul 30, 2009

SOURCE: Jerks going into 3rd Gear

You the beginnings of what is known as the reverse slam. If caught early enough it is fixable. However, most times a rebuilt valve body is in order. I do it for around $200. For the record any late 1992-2002 valve body will work, those are the type II. Type I won't work and is 1992-early 1992 years.