Well, here we go again...

About 18 months ago, the vehicle started to exhibit signs of some type of
transmission problem (automatic). Engine RPM would jump and fall about
400RPM while driving down the road (level road) at five second intervals.
No codes set in the computer and no warning lights showing. Mileage was
42,000 and we had purchased the extended vehicle warranty package.

Brought to our Saturn dealer who told us that the tires were out of balance.
Paid for a tire rotation and rebalance of all tires and went on our way --
didn't fix the problem. Returned to dealership who kept the vehicle a day,
and returned it with no work done; telling us the streets we drove on were
causing it.

Finally contacted Saturn Customer Service who directed us to go to
dealership again. The mechanic put some test equipment on the car and we
went for a ride. Found the torque converter was not locking up properly.
Three days in the shop for repairs, but seemed to be OK. Work performed
under the warranty package.

Fast forward to current times - the vehicle is now at 59,750 and starting to
exhibit the same symptoms as before. Returned to dealership and rode with
mechanic WHO VERIFIED problem. Left vehicle for three days and returned to
find that Service Manager felt the problem was with the tires. Disagreed
with him, but at his insistance brought new set of tires ($375.00).

Told him that if problem wasn't fixed, then I'd be back, that he would
reimburse me for the tires, and they would then fix it properly. Vehicle
continues to act up, the transmission now hangs in second range until engine
speed reaches nearly warning mark before shifting into fourth. My
appointment is on the 29th.

Mileage is now at 61,000+ and I will probably have to get Saturn Customer
Service involved again. Fortunately, I contacted them and opened a
complaint file before vehicle exceeded the 60,000 mile warranty limit - a
fact that I have not divulged to the dealership. Will keep everyone
informed

Definately sounds like one of the electronic modules related to the Tranny
(ex: torque converter, or?) acting up again. Tires will never cause RPMs to
fluctuate, that is just plain bulls*it they are feeding you. However, the
L-series was a known tire-eater due to a known Recall Issue which can be
fixed by having the front end shimmed and any faulty front end parts
replaced. Ask if the recall has been done and if not demand that it get done
at no cost to you, else call Saturn CS and they will resolve it.

marx404

In article <67SdncsJc7oBDD_ZnZ2dnUVZ_tqdnZ2d (AT) adelphia (DOT) com>, 404 (AT) 404 (DOT) com
says...
60k miles was probably close to the tires end but yeah there is no way
this would cause his problems. The issue is likely sensor/computer
related. Contacting CS prior to 60k was a smart move.

(sorry to hear about your job marx)

Its skipping 3rd? My bonneville will run up to 90mph before it needs
shifted into 3rd. If this is the case it may be possible that your 2-3
shift solenoid is faulty. I wonder if they have any actual transmission
savy techs at this place... Look on the wall and see if you see any ASE
A2 - Automatic Transmission/Transaxle techs.

I'm at 98,000 (ish) and I bought the L200 used at about 80,000 miles
almost a year ago. I've driven the absolute hell out of my little
EcoTech and I've been utterly satisfied with its 'get-up-and-go'.
Granted its no Saab 93t but it gets me where I want(ed) to go. The
past tense addition on the last sentence is due to an unfortunate
incident :

I "accidentally" went off roading - or RAN off the road a few weeks
ago. I snapped the back right tire off and shattered the (what I guess
is) the A-frame and rear strut. I also have done some kind of damage
to the passenger-front tire and drive-assembly (strut, I'd venture to
guess). I also put a hole in the tranny pan (already replaced).

The car (after a $200 tow) starts and runs fine. I've taken my 2.2
sweety up to 90 MPH and gunned the transmission like some street punk
in The Fast and the Furious. A few hours after taking her out, now on
a near empty tank - I start to get a few noticable tranny issues :

1) From a 4- or 500 RPM idle, if I go full throttle I get a HIGH rev
and some pretty sweety (but worrying) tire squeal. Yes, I'm on brand
new Pirellis. And yes, the squeal is coming from the damaged right
side of the car. Stop driving? Nah, I think I'll go a little farther.


2) Now, from a dead stop or very low RPMs, regardless of how fast I
accelerate, I get a light but definite grinding noise at about 2,600
RPMs. It's right after I press the pedal in 1st and a few moments
before the 1-2 shift.

Other than those two (what should be scary) issues, I'm shifting VERY
well, but maybe getting a little too high at the 2-3 shift at full
throttle (seems like about 6,100 RPMs). My problem isn't too bad just
yet, but I'm 'fiddin' to take her out again and see what happens.

If I'd guess, I might tend to agree with previous posters - a control
module or 'misc' tranny ECU could be to blame. But I'd bet its a
hardware issue. For my issue, I was thinking a worn set of gears...
But I'm not smart enough to really know. My father-in-law and I are
going to drag the 2.2 out and stick in a crate 2.2 with the manual
trans (I hope).

As for you, insist that your problem is more than tires or a simple
adjustment, because I've been under the hood and in the driveline of my
L200 and my issue (similar or not) is NOT a simple fix. So get your
baby fixed, the L200 is NOT that bad of a vehicle.

I'm at 98,000 (ish) and I bought the L200 used at about 80,000 miles
almost a year ago. I've driven the absolute hell out of my little
EcoTech and I've been utterly satisfied with its 'get-up-and-go'.
Granted its no Saab 93t but it gets me where I want(ed) to go. The
past tense addition on the last sentence is due to an unfortunate
incident :

I "accidentally" went off roading - or RAN off the road a few weeks
ago. I snapped the back right tire off and shattered the (what I guess
is) the A-frame and rear strut. I also have done some kind of damage
to the passenger-front tire and drive-assembly (strut, I'd venture to
guess). I also put a hole in the tranny pan (already replaced).

The car (after a $200 tow) starts and runs fine. I've taken my 2.2
sweety up to 90 MPH and gunned the transmission like some street punk
in The Fast and the Furious. A few hours after taking her out, now on
a near empty tank - I start to get a few noticable tranny issues :

1) From a 4- or 500 RPM idle, if I go full throttle I get a HIGH rev
and some pretty sweety (but worrying) tire squeal. Yes, I'm on brand
new Pirellis. And yes, the squeal is coming from the damaged right
side of the car. Stop driving? Nah, I think I'll go a little farther.


2) Now, from a dead stop or very low RPMs, regardless of how fast I
accelerate, I get a light but definite grinding noise at about 2,600
RPMs. It's right after I press the pedal in 1st and a few moments
before the 1-2 shift.

Other than those two (what should be scary) issues, I'm shifting VERY
well, but maybe getting a little too high at the 2-3 shift at full
throttle (seems like about 6,100 RPMs). My problem isn't too bad just
yet, but I'm 'fiddin' to take her out again and see what happens.

If I'd guess, I might tend to agree with previous posters - a control
module or 'misc' tranny ECU could be to blame. But I'd bet its a
hardware issue. For my issue, I was thinking a worn set of gears...
But I'm not smart enough to really know. My friend and I are going to
drag the 2.2 out and stick in a crate 2.2 with the manual trans (I
hope).

As for you, insist that your problem is more than tires or a simple
adjustment, because I've been under the hood and in the driveline of my
L200 and my issue (similar or not) is NOT a simple fix. So get your
baby fixed, the L200 is NOT that bad of a vehicle.