Poor Acceleration, Flares on Start Off in Drive, Intermediate and Reverse

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Condition	Action
DEFINITION: Poor acceleration; flares on start-off in the D, I, and R positions
Low ATF level Shift cable broken or out of adjustment ATF pump worn or binding Regulator valve stuck or the spring worn ATF filter clogged Torque converter check valve inoperative	Inspect the ATF level and the ATF cooler lines for leakage and loose connections. Flush the ATF cooler lines, if necessary. Inspect for a loose shift cable at the shift lever and the transmission control lever. Inspect the line pressure. Improper alignment of the ATF pump and the torque converter housing may cause an ATF pump seizure. The symptom is mostly an RPM ticking noise or a high-pitched squeak. Do not damage the torque converter housing when replacing the mainshaft front bearing. Applying torque to the main control body may damage the ATF pump. This results in an ATF pump seizure if not detected. Use the proper tools.

Condition

Action

DEFINITION: Poor acceleration; flares on start-off in the D, I, and R positions

Low ATF level
Shift cable broken or out of adjustment
ATF pump worn or binding
Regulator valve stuck or the spring worn
ATF filter clogged
Torque converter check valve inoperative

Inspect the ATF level and the ATF cooler lines for leakage and loose connections. Flush the ATF cooler lines, if necessary.
Inspect for a loose shift cable at the shift lever and the transmission control lever.
Inspect the line pressure.
Improper alignment of the ATF pump and the torque converter housing may cause an ATF pump seizure. The symptom is mostly an RPM ticking noise or a high-pitched squeak.
Do not damage the torque converter housing when replacing the mainshaft front bearing. Applying torque to the main control body may damage the ATF pump. This results in an ATF pump seizure if not detected. Use the proper tools.