Transmission slamming into gears

Tiny
RODNEY7867
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 SATURN SL1
  • 1.9L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 240,000 MILES
I put put car into reverse and it slams, I put into drive it slams, and as I dive it slams into all gears except last gear. Plus now once in a while I will put it in drive it will roll as I rev engine slowly then around 4,000 rpm's it slams into gear and will drive but still slams into every gear but last gear.
Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 7:05 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi Rodney,

This sounds like the transmission either has low pressure as the pump is failing or the valve-body has an issue. Either way, if it is banging at this point, I would suggest just getting a rebuild or a replacement unit. Banging into gears is very hard on the transmission and more than likely if you just put a valve-body in it or a pump in it, there is already damage done to the rest of the clutches and internal components.

What I would do first is check the fluid level. If the fluid is okay and proper level, I would start sourcing a new unit or rebuild. If the fluid is low or burnt then it is worth trying to fill it or change it.

Please let me know what you find and we can go from there. Thanks

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems
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Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 8:17 PM
Tiny
RODNEY7867
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
I did a flush. No burnt smell, but it seemed to help at first there was no metal or anything in the fluid. I have read other post and they said to replace solenoids other said to replace shaft input nut. I don't know what shaft input nut does and I am thinking the TCC solenoid might be bad as it seems the engine is putting the power out but transmission is not matching. If I take foot off gas it will shift a lot better. Less banging.
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2019 AT 2:43 AM
Tiny
RODNEY7867
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
Plus there is no codes. I forgot to mention that.
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2019 AT 3:35 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Yeah. It could be a solenoid issue. However, the solenoid does not normally cause harsh shifting. The solenoid just moves the valves in the valve body back and forth. They will normally cause erratic shifting, no shifting, it will go to limp mode if your transmission has that. Also, there are normally codes and a check engine light to go along with it.

Harsh shifting is normally caused by high pressure, valvebody issue, or clutch issues if there is only portions of the operation effected. This is why when you have harsh shifting it is best to go through the transmission and replace what is needed.

You may be able to get by with a solenoid but again, if it were me, I would want to go though everything to make sure it is ok or it can turn into a prolonged issue.
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2019 AT 2:40 PM
Tiny
RODNEY7867
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
Just wondering could it be a bad ground connection?
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2019 AT 7:33 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Unlikely. You would more than likely have codes. Plus that would not cause a harsh engagement. It would cause a no shift condition. Lastly, the solenoids are grounded through the PCM as pictured so it is unlikely because there is not a specific ground for just the solenoid.
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2019 AT 7:40 PM
Tiny
RODNEY7867
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
I was wondering also is there a gasket on the solenoid cover?
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Wednesday, September 25th, 2019 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
RODNEY7867
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
On the that transmission.
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Wednesday, September 25th, 2019 AT 6:15 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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I am not finding one. Unfortunately I don't have step by step directions on these service manuals on the shift solenoid. Unfortunately you may have to just see if there is one when you remove the old one. Sorry I don't have more detail for you.
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Thursday, September 26th, 2019 AT 7:06 PM
Tiny
RODNEY7867
  • MEMBER
  • 70 POSTS
It is okay. On side note I replaced the transmission mount will never try that again took me 8 hours I hate how they have it. Thanks for your help and information on solenoids.
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Friday, September 27th, 2019 AT 2:37 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Haha. Yeah they are not fun. You are welcome. Please come back if you need anything else. Thanks
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Friday, September 27th, 2019 AT 6:37 PM

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