Delayed And/Or Harsh Engagement Into Reverse Or Drive, Erratic Shifting Between 1ST/2ND, Bind Up In Reverse, No 2ND Or 3RD Gears, And/Or Transaxle DTCS P0731, P0732, P0733 Or P0734 Stored In Pcm (00-T-24)

DELAYED AND/OR HARSH ENGAGEMENT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE, ERRATIC SHIFTING BETWEEN 1ST/2ND, BIND UP IN REVERSE, NO 2ND OR 3RD GEARS, AND/OR TRANSAXLE DTCS P0731, P0732, P0733 OR P0734 STORED IN PCM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

SUBJECT

Delayed and/or Harsh Engagement into Reverse or Drive, Erratic Shifting Between 1st/2nd, Bind-Up in Reverse, No 2nd or 3rd Gears, and/or Transaxle DTCs P0731, P0732, P0733 or, P0734 Stored in PCM (Replace Input Shaft Pilot Hub and Seals).

MODELS AFFECTED

2000 Saturn S-Series vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles (RPOs MP6/MP7) built before and including VIN YZ315846.

CONDITION

Some customers may comment that on occasion one or more of the following conditions may have occurred:

• Delayed engagement into Reverse and/or Drive. The symptom of delay into Drive may only occur after the transaxle has reached normal operating temperature. Some customers may also experience a harsh engagement into Reverse when transaxle is hot.
• No Reverse after shifting into reverse or vehicle moves a short distance in reverse and transaxle binds up then releases when shifted again. If this condition has happened, clutch component damage and fluid contamination may be present.
• Transaxle slips in 2nd and/or 3rd gears and results in transaxle DTCs P0731, P0732, P0733 or, P0734 being stored in PCM.
• Vehicle may creep forward during the transition into Reverse.

CAUSE

This condition may be caused by an improperly machined surface finish on the area of the input shaft hub where the seals ride. Improperly machined surface finish on the area of the input shaft hub where the seals ride. Improper surface finish on the input shaft hub, allows across leakage between the 1st and 2nd/Rev clutches.

CORRECTION

Replace input shaft hub (P/N 21002498) and input shaft hub seals (P/N 21002684).

PROCEDURE

1. Remove end cover assembly. (Refer to "End Cover" removal procedure in the Automatic Transaxle System section of the 2000 S-Series Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.) Fig 1 .
   Fig 1: Inspecting Shaft Hub Seal

   
2. Inspect the input shaft hub seals at the thrust surface area where they contact the hub for signs of abnormal wear. (Refer to Fig 2 .) An improperly machined hub will cause the seals to conform to the input hub thrust surface. And, in many cases, the hub seals may become copped or lipped on the outer diameter of seals.
   Fig 2: Checking Seals for Damage

   
   • If seals are not visibly damaged (location 1 in Fig 2 ), refer to appropriate diagnostic charts in the 2000 S-Series Automatic Transaxle Service Manual and repair as necessary.
   • If seals are visibly damaged (Location 2 in Fig 2 ), replace input shaft hub (P/N 21002498) and input shaft hub seals (P/N 21002684). If additional transaxle concerns were discovered during disassembly, rebuild affected transaxle component as necessary, thoroughly clean transaxle assembly, and replace valve body.
3. After transaxle repair, test drive vehicle to verify proper repair.

PARTS REQUIREMENTS

21002498	Hub, Input Shaft
21002684	Seals, Input Shaft Hub

CLAIM INFORMATION

To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System for K6490 (Cover and/or Gasket, Transaxle End - R or Replace), of if another procedure is performed, refer to the appropriate Electronic Labor Time Guide for the correct Labor Operation Code and Time.