One of the few weak spots of a Saturn SL-1 or SL-2 is the automatic transmission. We have an abundance of updated rebuilt transmissions for sale to fit these cars. One problem in particular is the subject of conversation on all of the Saturn forums.
It is one of the few ‘sore spots‘ Saturn owners have. The problem I speak of is a slow, yet consistent loss of reverse. The other problem, which emanates from the same source are extremely hard shifts. Expect the engine light to come on. What causes this problem?
The source of this problem is the valve body. The valve body housing is made out of aluminum, which wears faster than a steel or cast steel valve body housing. The steel valves actually wear the bores that they stroke back and forth in to a point where the valve does not contain the pressure properly in the bore itself. Meaning the clearance of the bore to the valve is so great that fluid pressure passes by the valve even when it is not commanded to.
This is a solid transmission for all practical purposes. It has a design similar to the Honda transmissions. The whole problem is a result of using a low grade aluminum housing for the valve body. Why Saturn used a poor quality aluminum for the valve body eludes me. Saturn owners love their cars, but don’t ask about the transmission or valve body.
In some cases, where this particular problem occurs, at a low mileage, the valve body can be replaced with a factory new one, which is the only place that currently manufactures replacement valve bodies for this transmission. Obviously a used valve body is a short termed cure and more expensive (and problematic) in the long run. Since most of the transmissions become damaged by this occurrence, you will most likely need a transmission for sale, such as a rebuilt transmission with a new valve body..
Don’t misunderstand the fact that an upgrade kit must be installed in this transmission upon a rebuild, even with a new valve body. The point of an upgrade kit is to reroute the ATF and modify the valve body to bleed off the excessive pressures that cause the wear, or you will be in the market for a transmission for sale again. even if a new valve body was installed, without an upgrade kit.
The goal of the post on our GotTransmissions Blog today is that one of the few ways to know you purchased a transmission for sale with a new valve body and an upgrade kit is to deal with a nationally respected supplier of transmissions like GotTransmissons.com. 866-320-1182.
