Transmission slipping

Tiny
SC RUNNER
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 SATURN SC2
  • 1.9L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
I just had a Neutral Safety Switch replaced yesterday and when I left the garage the transmission would not shift beyond first gear while I was driving. I stopped and moved the gear shift to 3. The car ran fine and I made it home. I left about a 1/2 hour later and the same thing happened in drive only the service engine light came on this time. I was able to get it back to the mechanic since they are close by and they checked the installation and couldn't find anything wrong with that. The fluid is full, the the right color, no leaks are showing. These mechanics don't do internal transmission work so I need to find someone that does. I was trying to get a heads up on what the issue might before heading to the shop. As like with everyone else money is tight these days. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 7:29 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

Did the car do this before the neutral switch installation?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-neutral-safety-switch-works

How long since you changed the oil in the transmission?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Can I have the code that was set for the check engine light?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Roy
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Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 8:05 AM
Tiny
SC RUNNER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
No, the car didn't do this before the installation. I just got the car in July of 2020 and no I haven't changed the oil in the transmission. I asked about that at the garage maybe 4 months ago and was told my fluid looked good and I didn't need it changed. I don't have the codes. Actually I'm not sure they even tested it. Mechanic said he just reset the light and checked his work. They had checked for codes the last time I asked about the fluid and said it wasn't throwing any. Another place I stopped at just to ask a question said they couldn't do anything unless the engine light was on which it wasn't at that time.
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Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 8:14 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
If the light was on, there was a code stored.

You need a new shop that will do a proper diagnostic.

I would also change the fluid. Looks good is not a good answer. It requires changing just like engine oil.

As far as the switch, there is a shaft that comes out with the switch. If that is not installed correctly, it could cause this.

Roy
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+1
Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 8:41 AM
Tiny
SC RUNNER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Well, I agree with you about the mechanics. I was in such a hurry yesterday I should've asked more and expected more. I was curious about the switch installation and the timing of this transmission issue. I wanted to believe it was coincidence but you confirmed what I suspected and I am not even close to being a mechanic in any way. Thanks for all of your help and for the images. That helped clear things up with the switch. I'm glad to have something to go on.
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Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 8:55 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 9:06 AM

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