2006 Saturn Ion 1-2 shift solenoid

LSUFAN1292

MEMBER
2006 SATURN ION
2.2L
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
113,000 MILES

Hi I recently purchased a 2006 Saturn ion 3 with a 2.2l eco tech and a 4t45e transmission. Very much like the little car. I'm having transmission issues the vehicle rpms run way high before hard shift from 1-2. Under heavy load will not shift at all. Going downhill light load shifts very close to being right. No slippage every other gear shifts perfect overdrive and torque converter lock up perfect. I am quite savvy on these things and slapping a full set of solenoids in it is what I think would fix it. No codes and cold or warm does not affect symptoms. Solenoid worked some when tested and other times stuck. No metal in pan whatsoever. Any thoughts on putting the solenoids in it fixing it? Second question I do not have access to a rack in order to remove the side cover I should be able to remove the cradle then lower the tranny side down with a jack without supporting the engine from the top because the passenger motor mount and driver tranny mount is on top bolted to engine compartment. Am I correct in assuming I can do it that way without motor support from up top because that mount on engine passenger fender well will always be connected

5 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

So were there any codes in the computer? When the pressure control solenoid goes bad they will sometimes set a code. Like p1811 Also when the pressure control solenoid goes bad it will usually shift hard into every gear. Also when the pressure control solenoid goes bad it doesnt usually cause it to not shift at all.I have seen cats plug up and cause it to not shift because the computer see the engine under too much of a load to shift. Usually when the transmission wont shift if you let up on the gas when it wont shift it will shift. Also how are you testing these solenoids with a scan tool?I would support the engine with a floor jack if you going to tilt the cradle to get the side cover moved the side enough to get to the solenoid.

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Sunday, September 20th, 2015 AT 5:11 PM

LSUFAN1292

MEMBER
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No codes in the computer except for O2 sensor. Replaced O2 sensor ( upstream) and gutted converter just to be sure it was not stopped up, I still have exhaust air coming from where the manifold bolts to the flex pipe which leads to the converter but most of exhaust is coming out of tailpipe and none of these repairs have affected shift problem at all. I mistated earlier the vehicle will never not shift at all from first to second but under a load not full throttle but on a normal up hill start it will go to around 4500 rpm before hard shift from first to second. Going down hill start the vehicle acts perfect and does not shift hard or late at all from first to second. Yes you can let off gas and it will shift at whatever time u release the load. I am having absolutely no issues from any other gear, shift or overdrive whatsoever I drive car daily. The solenoids were beyond my knowledge I'm an r and r guy so a tranny shop tested them and just told me to replace 1-2 shift solenoid. Now I wanna state I will be replacing both shift solenoids, pressure control, and tcc lockup while I'm in it for preventative maintenance. Should be worth a shot before a tranny huh? And also I agree I'll support engine with jack but as long as I support both engine and tranny with jacks and both top mounts are still bolted I should be able to freely remove cradle correct? Thanks so much for help in tryin to have a good little college car for my stepdaughter.

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Monday, September 21st, 2015 AT 12:21 PM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

If the transmission shop tested the car and said the solenoid was bad then I would replace it.I have never replaced a solenoid on that car with the transmission in the car.I have never come across a bad one on that car.I have replaced plenty of those solenoids on the L series saturn with the transmission in the car like your trying to do. Just be careful not to tear the upper engine mount. If the engine shifts too much that mount will tear.

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Monday, September 21st, 2015 AT 12:54 PM

LSUFAN1292

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4 POSTS

Thanks so much I will be careful on that engine side for sure. Looks like the ion gives way more room than the cobalt/Malibu. I'm hoping I might get stupid lucky and be able to slide the cover back enough to slips the solenoids in and re bolt but I doubt it. Thanks I will update progress starting project wednesday

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Monday, September 21st, 2015 AT 1:13 PM

LSUFAN1292

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Just started project Sunday and almost 75 percent done. Praise Saturn engineers this project was made way easier due to ion having extra room in engine bay. Was able to loosen cradle bolts, remove tranny mount and everything on that side up top and the side cover ( with reusable gasket just be careful) Kaye's back plenty enough to replace all three solenoids. Will be finishing reassemble shortly and will tell results and step by step of what I did. Thanks so much hope this helps some people.