Saturn trans probs (Page 1/1) Patrick's Dad OCT 03, 05:32 PM So, I lost reverse.... I googled the issue for my car (1995 SC2) and found out that "reverse slam" is somewhat common. Many, many articles on Saturnfans and Saturnalia. Simple procedure works most of the time for good, otherwise for "several months." Essentially, changed fluid & filter, add additive, like Lucas, then run car in reverse for 20 - 30 min against a wall to run fresh fluid and additive through valve passages to clean it out. Brought the car to my normal shop. Though I could do this, I work six days a week, and it's hard to get time otherwise, as well. Local trans guy guy tells mechanic, "Band bolts, I see this all the time," so my guy does nothing. Googled "band bolts" with no hits for Saturn cars. Took it to another shop today, who changed fluid. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get the car cool enough to get it into reverse (does it when cold) to run backwards. Just picked up my boy from DE in next town. On way home, temporarily lost what is probably 3d gear. Engine raced as if it had no load, and car's forward motion wasn't exactly what it should have been. Going uphill, did not slow much, so maybe more like when my Fiero's clutch was slipping. Don't know. Was in traffic, and happened for about 20 seconds. Going to try reverse thing when it cools down completely. Next step if this doesn't work - do I buy a rebuilt valve (About $150) and change it over next Thursday (my day off)? Or do I listen to trans guy and have him open the case and "tighten the bolts" (about $350)? Khw OCT 03, 08:00 PM I'll have to remember this as a first gen Saturn (SL, SL2, SC1, SW or SW2) is on my short list to replace my Neon when I sell it. That or a first or second gen Eclipse, Talon or Laser. But if I find an auto with reverse issues and I can get them to lower the price because of it, it might be worth the risk to get it if the fix could be that simple. thesameguy OCT 05, 01:33 AM It's been a while since I've wrenched on a Saturn, but IIRC the S-series cars had a unique transmission - though I couldn't tell you why at the moment. I have zero recollection of there being a band adjustment on the MPx, or any adjustments in general. I'd be really skeptical of a guy claiming that will adjust anything. I'm no transmission expert, I've just never heard of such a thing. I'd want a written guarantee reflecting that guy's confidence before giving him a dollar. Both times I've swapped automatics on a Saturn, it's been because nobody would touch the failing one. Good news is that it's not that bad of a job to do it. Patrick's Dad OCT 05, 06:30 PM Well, sat in the car for half an hour in reverse (cold start), and it still won't go into reverse when warm. I'll try that one more time tomorrow, then it might be time to buy a valve.... Blacktree OCT 07, 12:38 AM Chances are the transmission is just worn out. It just happens that reverse is the first gear to start showing the signs. Eventually, the other gears will start fading away, too. The good news is you can find a good used unit in the salvage yards for a pretty good price. And the tranny is pretty easy to replace using the "cradle tilt" method. thesameguy OCT 07, 07:15 PM Yeah, I'd probably look at replacement before really considering a repair. A transmission swap isn't fun, but it's definitely DIY - less than a day's work in the driveway.