Loses speedometer/odometer and very erratic shifting together intermittently

Hi,

I realize you replaced the sensor, but what you described sounds related. Is the wiring and the connection in good condition?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Next, I attached a pic below. Is the sensor in the pic the one that was replaced? Also, I need you to check the ground shown in the pic. Make sure it is tight, clean (not corroded) or damaged.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Glad you got it fixed. Let us know if you need help in the future. And, a bad ground plays havoc with everything. LOL It's frustrating at times.

You are very welcome.

I would start with the SES issue. Pics 1-3 are for trouble shooting. Here is the info related to the code 11. It is a transmission related code. Basically, when you find a code 11, it indicates there are other codes present. I suspect it is related to the SES codes.

DTC 11 - TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES PRESENT
The powertrain control module, used on vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles, contains an engine control module (EC) and a transaxle control module (TC). These control modules communicate internally over a serial peripheral interface (SPI) bus. When the transaxle control module (TC) detects a malfunction in the automatic transaxle, a DTC is stored in the transaxle control module's memory and an indication is sent to the engine control module to turn on the malfunction indicator lamp. If the DLC is grounded, the transaxle diagnostic trouble codes flash on the HOT light telltale located in the instrument cluster. (Refer to Auto Transaxle diagnostic trouble codes.) See: Computers and Control Systems > Testing and Inspection

DTC PARAMETERS
DTC 11 will set if the PCM/TC has set a transaxle diagnostic trouble code.

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
Search the scan tool for stored transaxle codes. Select TCM trouble codes.

When the PCM/TC codes are cleared, DTC 11 will also be cleared from general information but not from Malfunction history.

Code 11 will not set if transaxle flags are present.

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The code 42 is related to the ABS can bus system (wiring). Here is the info and the last two pics correlate with this. Pic 4 is a diagnostic flow chart.

1995 Saturn Sedan L4-1.9L DOHC VIN 7
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
Vehicle ALL Diagnostic Trouble Codes ( DTC ) Testing and Inspection Manufacturer Code Charts DTC 42 Antilock Braking System (ABS)
ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
Diagnostic Chart
imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

ABS Modulator Motor Pack
imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

REAR ESB DOES NOT HOLD MOTOR
The expansion spring brakes (ESB) are used on both front and rear actuator motor assemblies. The spring expands to provide friction to prevent the modulator piston from being back-driven by hydraulic pressure. This condition will disable rear base brakes and turn On the antilock and brake telltale.

CODE PARAMETERS

Code 42 sets if:
Rear ESB does not hold motor.
This code can only set during initialization.
This code can be set after an ABS stop if this channel did not get into ABS.

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
The ESB (enterprise service bus) is an internal component of the ABS motor pack and can not be serviced separately. If it is determined to be faulty, the motor pack must be replaced.

WARNING: When replacing motor pack do not place hands near the motor/modulator gears. The gears may have enough preloaded tension to cause personal injury.

Use Scan tool to perform ABS motor tension release special test before removing motor pack.

When the ignition is cycled On, the ABS module verifies motors are in home position.

The ABS system will initialize (run motors down then up) when the vehicle is driven at least 13 km/h (8 mph) after start-up.

NOTE: Initialization alternates between left front/rear and right front/rear each ignition cycle.

When attempting to diagnose an intermittent problem, use the Scan tool[1] to review supplemental diagnostic information. The supplemental data can be used to duplicate a problem.

[1] Select Malfunction History from Scan tool ABS menu.

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Also, code 42 is set when there is an issue with the vss. I suspect we have a wiring issue and not a component. Double check the connections at the vss. Make sure none of the pins are damaged, corroded, or pushed out of position.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe

Sounds like a plan. I attached three pics below relevant to these testing directions. I figured I would add them just in case.

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NO VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR SIGNAL
DTC 41 indicates no vehicle speed signal pulses are present on circuit 400/400A at the PCM. Vehicle speed values are provided by the vehicle speed sensor. The sensor is a permanent magnet (PM) generator mounted on the differential area of the transaxle converter housing. The PM generator produces a pulsing voltage whenever vehicle speed is above 5 km/h (3 mph). These pulses occur 16 times per each revolution of the differential housing and are translated to provide vehicle speed in miles per hour. The km/h (mph) value read on the Scan tool TCM menu may very slightly from the ECM data or the speedometer.

DTC PARAMETERS
DTC 41 is set when the PCM has detected the following conditions after starting from a stop.
No vehicle speed. Vehicle speed = zero.
Turbine speed above 1400 rpm.
Steady moderate throttle.
Speed ratio across the torque converter is greater than 700 rpm.
During a 1-2 upshift the turbine speed pulls down by a one to two ratio. This diagnostic commands TCC off during a 1 to 2 shift.

TEST DESCRIPTION
Numbered steps below refer to steps on trouble chart.
1. This step verifies the problem is still present.
2. This test indicates if problem is PCM or a wiring/sensor problem.
3. An open or shorted sensor will set DTC 41. This test indicates if problem is a wiring problem or a faulty sensor.
4. An open, ground or a short to voltage in circuits 400/400A or 401/401A will cause DTC 41 to set. This step indicates which circuit is faulty.

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
When attempting to diagnose an intermittent problem use the Scan tool[1] to review supplemental diagnostic information. The supplemental data can be used to duplicate a problem.

Check the tightness of the female terminal grip with a spare male terminal.

Check wire routing for possible chafed wires.

[1] Select Malfunction History from Scan tool TCM menu.
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Let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe

Hi,

First, you are very welcome. The two codes that you mentioned can both be related to the transmission. However, the 26 gives me a range of components that it can be related to. See picture 1.

Code 32 is most likely related to the transmission temperature sensor. See pic 2 for location. If you have cleared the codes and they returned, check the connector on the temp sensor. If it is good, replace the sensor. If you want to check it first, here are the test procedures. They coordinate with pics 3 and 4.

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TRANSAXLE TEMPERATURE CIRCUIT GROUNDED (HOT)
The transaxle temperature circuit monitors transaxle fluid temperature by using a thermistor (sensor) located in a transaxle pressure port near the pressure filter. Sensor resistance will increase as temperature decreases and decreases as the temperature increases. The PCM/TC supplies a five volt signal to circuit 585 and monitors the voltage on the internal signal line as it varies up and down with circuit resistance. The voltage value on the signal line is converted to a temperature value.

DTC PARAMETERS
DTC 32 is set when the PCM/TC has detected the following conditions for longer than 30 seconds.
Engine coolant temperature below 100°C (212°F).
Sensor reading is above 140°C (284°F).

TEST DESCRIPTION
Numbered steps below refer to numbered steps on chart.

NOTE: High temperature equals low sensor resistance.

1. This step verifies the problem is still present. If Scan tool indicates temperature is less than 140°C (248°F) the conditions for DTC 32 are not currently present.
2. This step simulates a DTC 31 - Transaxle Temperature circuit Open (Cold). If the PCM recognizes the high signal (low temperature) and the Scan tool reads less than -37°C (-35°F) the PCM and wiring are OK. With IGN on five volts at sensor harness terminal for circuit 585 indicates PCM and circuit 585 are OK.

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
When attempting to diagnose an intermittent problem use the Scan tool[1] to review supplemental diagnostic information. The supplemental data can be used to duplicate a problem.

Check the tightness of the female terminal grip with a spare male terminal.

DTC 32 is not set on overheated transaxle. That would cause information flag 15 Hot Lamp illuminated to set.

[1] Select Malfunction History from Scan tool TCM menu.

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As far as the 26, if I look under transmission, here is what is listed.

1995 Saturn Sedan L4-1.9L DOHC VIN 7
Transmission Controls With PCM
Vehicle ALL Diagnostic Trouble Codes ( DTC ) Testing and Inspection Manufacturer Code Charts DTC 26 Transmission Controls With PCM
TRANSMISSION CONTROLS WITH PCM
Diagnostic Chart

pic 5

Circuit Schematic

pic 6

TCC STUCK ON
When TCC is commanded off, the engine speed to turbine speed ratio (delta) is monitored to assure TCC is off. TCC stuck on indicates that TCC was commanded off but the actual ratio (delta) across the torque converter, (engine speed/turbine speed), is one to one or TCC on. TCC is turned off by opening circuit 422 at the PCM/TC. A TCC stuck on will usually cause the engine to stall when reverse is selected.

DTC PARAMETERS
DTC 26 is set when the PCM has detected the following conditions for more than four seconds twice per ignition cycle.
Engine speed greater than 908 rpm.
Turbine speed is between 224 and 2800 rpm.
TCC is commanded to release for more than 0.25 seconds.
Load value (engine torque) is greater than 100.
Speed delta (engine speed - turbine speed) across torque converter is less than 84 rpm.

TEST DESCRIPTION
Numbered steps below refer to numbered steps on chart.
1. Check for information flags 79 or 96. They must be eliminated first as a possible cause of DTC 26.

NOTE: Prior to performing actuator quick check, the fuel pump probe hole must be connected to 12 volts. See "Actuator Quick Check" procedures. See: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle > Component Tests and General Diagnostics

2. Check actuator operation. The actuator quick test will PWM the actuators at a set rate. Listen and compare the noise of TCC gear actuator to that of other actuators. The noise of all should be similar.
3. The TCC release circuit may be leaking at the seal ring on the input shaft. This would allow release pressure to leak off to converter out circuit or lube circuit. Also a remote possibility is the ball pressed into the input shaft is loose.

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS

When the PCM detects a fault in the circuit (open, ground, short), the PCM will open the circuit internally to protect the circuit.
The TCC may be detected as- stuck on when the transaxle is put into drive range. If TCC is stuck on at start-up, a stall may occur, and after a restart it will result in a 3rd or 4th gear start.

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Let me know if this helps.

Joe

Don't laugh, but by SES are you referring to Service Engine Soon?

Because of the model year, the OBD systems were in transition from OBD1 to OBD2. I show codes for both systems, but with the OBD1 codes, they need broken into component areas. Ugh. Anything to make things more confusing. LOL

Let me know.
Joe

Hi,

Yes, it is an OBD1. 1995 was the transition year. Most have obd2 but some still had the obd1.

Now the tough part is the code. The way GM broke them down was one code could be related to different systems. That is where I am stumped. I'm not sure which way to direct you. If you can pinpoint which area you would like to focus on based on symptoms, I would be more helpful. Sorry, I just don't want to confuse you.

Joe