A/T - Harsh Erratic Shifts/Lacks Power/Multiple DTC's: Overview

BULLETIN NO.: 99-T-39

ISSUE DATE: September, 1999

GROUP/SEQ. NO.: Transaxle-07

CORPORATION NO.: 99-07-30-018

SUBJECT:
Harsh Shifts, Erratic Shifts, Lack of Power, Creep Forward in Neutral, No
Gears, or Gear Stuck On and Multiple Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Set (Replace Control Valve Body Assembly, Recondition Transaxle, and
Flush Transaxle Oil Cooler and Lines)

MODELS AFFECTED:
1999 Saturn S-Series vehicles equipped with MP6/MP7 automatic transaxles built between and including VIN XZ293158 - XZ331033

CONDITION:
Some customers may comment of harsh shifts, erratic shifts, no gears, or a gear stuck on with Service Engine Soon telltale illuminated and multiple diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored. (The DTCs may include any of the following: P0731, P0732 through P0741, and/or P0781, P0782, P0783.)

Some owners may also comment of lack of power, vehicle will not accelerate, or vehicle may surge while driving. All these symptoms could be intermittent initially, but later develop into a clutch failure.

CAUSE:
Iron sediment that settles in the control valve body assembly can cause control valves to seize or have limited travel during operation. A control valve that is seized or has limited travel can allow fluid pressure to be inadvertently directed to a clutch that is not being commanded to apply by the powertrain control module (PCM).

CORRECTION:
Replace control valve body assembly, recondition damaged components, and flush transaxle oil cooler and lines.

PARTS REQUIREMENTS:

21002897 Control Valvebody Asm

CLAIM INFORMATION:
To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System for K7136 (Shaft and/or Components, Second/Reverse and Third Drive Clutch Housing Assembly Input - Replace) or K7145 (Shaft and/or Components, A Fourth Clutch and Park Housing Assembly Output - Replace). Or, if another procedure is performed, refer to the appropriate Electronic Labor Time Guide for the correct Labor Operation Code and Time.