Service engine light

Tiny
JLEMON
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 SATURN L300
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 132,000 MILES
The service engine light comes on and then it shifts hard between 1st and 2nd gear. What would cause this?
Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 AT 7:31 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
I need you to go to a auto part's store like auto zone and have them scan it for code's let me know the exact code number's you have. You could have a bad line pressure actuator in the transmission.
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Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 AT 7:33 PM
Tiny
ANSELMI
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I recently traded in my 2003 Saturn L300. The light, I assume, is the one with the wrench in it correct? Now, I'm not sure what causes it, but I had the same issue very sporatically with my car. It happened every 2-4 months (give/take). I soon realized that the light would go out and the hard shifting would subside if I pulled over & turned the car off for about 20 seconds. After that, she was golden =) Hope this at least passes you temporary advice. Good luck with the long term fix.
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Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 AT 8:45 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
I wouldn't recomend doing that trick I have seen people doing that and not just fixing the problem destroy the transmission.
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Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 AT 8:51 PM
Tiny
MG0087
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have been having this same problem. Once every few months this happens. I have brought it to get the codes checked multiple times but when I bring it in the check engine light is no longer on and I am told no codes appear. I don't know how to fix this problem since the mechanics can't see any codes and the car is running fine by the time I shut the car off then turn it back on.
Recently this has been happening more often than everyone few months though and I want to get it fixed before I do damage to the transmission. Any suggestions? Thank you.
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Thursday, March 31st, 2011 AT 2:56 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
If the light is coming on especially the wrench light then most likely your setting a code P1811 I would take it to a transmission shop so they can read he codes properly. You have to have the transmission pressure tested when it's acting up that would be the best time to test it. Most of the time if there is no metal in the transmission pan then all it needs a new line pressure solenoid. Here is a bulletin that will help you with that.

File in Section: 07 - Transmission/Transaxle

Bulletin No: 04-07-30-020

Issue Date: April, 2004
Subject:
Service Vehicle Soon Lamp Illuminated with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1811 "Maximum Adapt and Long Shifts"

(Inspect Transaxle and Replace Pressure Control Solenoid)
Models Affected:
2001-2004 Saturn L-Series

Attention: Technician

Condition:

Some customers may comment on the Service Vehicle Soon (Wrench) Lamp illuminated with DTC P1811 "Maximum Adapt and Long Shifts." Vehicle may also have full line pressure shifts when DTC P1811 is set.

Cause:

DTC P1811 may set if any adapt cell is at maximum and any shift time reaches 0.65 seconds for a total of two times during the same ignition cycle.

Correction:

Check the pressure control solenoid function with the line pressure test procedure in this bulletin. If the test fails, replace the pressure control solenoid.

Procedure:
1. Test drive vehicle with Tech 2.

2. Evaluate shift times (1-2, 2-3, and 34 up shifts). Are any shift times greater than 0.65 seconds? If so, perform the line pressure test in this bulletin.

Line Pressure Test
Caution : KEEP BRAKES APPLIED AT ALL TIMES IN ORDER TO PREVENT UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOTION.

Notice :Total test running time should not be longer than two minutes. Otherwise, transmission damage may occur.

Line pressures are calibrated for two sets of gear ranges - Drive-Park-Neutral and Reverse. This allows transaxle line pressure to be appropriate for different pressure needs in different gear ranges.
Important :The Scan tool is only able to control the pressure control (PC) solenoid in Park and Neutral with vehicle stopped. This protects transaxle clutches from extremely high or low pressure in Drive or Reverse ranges.

1. Hook up Scan tool.

2. Start engine and set parking brake.

3. Check for stored diagnostic trouble codes, including the diagnostic trouble code for a pressure control solenoid.

4. Repair vehicle if necessary. Include the following areas:

Inspect fluid level.

Inspect manual linkage at transaxle.

5. Remove the line pressure tap plug and install Special Tool SA9127E (Gauge Bar Set) to transaxle.

6. Put gear selector in "P" and set parking brake.

7. Start engine and allow engine to warm up at idle.

8. Access PC Solenoid Control test on Scan tool.

9. Slowly increase engine speed to 1100-1300 rpm and maintain this engine speed throughout the test.

10. Increase PC solenoid amperage in 0, 1 amp increments. Read and record corresponding line pressure on pressure gauge. Allow pressure to stabilize for five seconds after each current change.

Important :The line pressures in the table listed in this bulletin assume a temperature of 70°C (150°F). The pressure will vary at different temperatures.

11. Compare your data to the line pressure table in this bulletin.

12. If the pressures recorded are within the ranges in the table in this bulletin, and the pressures did stabilize with current change, refer to the appropriate model year L-Series Automatic Transaxle Service Manual to diagnose the cause of the long shift time.

13. If the pressure recorded does not match with the table in this bulletin or the pressures do not stabilize:

The 2000-2002 Pressure Control Solenoid and the 2003-2004 Pressure Control Solenoid are not interchangeable.

Refer to the "Pressure Control Solenoid" procedure in the appropriate L-Series model year Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.

Important :Before reinstalling the line pressure tap plug, apply LOCTITE(R) 242, or equivalent, to the thread of the plug.

14. Remove Special Tool SA9127E (Gauge Bar Set) and install the line pressure tap plug.
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Thursday, March 31st, 2011 AT 5:06 PM

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