Service Vehicle Soon Lamp Illuminated with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1811 Maximum Adapt and Long Shifts (Inspect Transaxle and Replace Pressure Control Solenoid)

Some customers may comment on the Service Vehicle Soon (Wrench) Lamp illuminated with DTC P1811 "Maximum Adapt and Long Shifts." Vehicle may also have full line pressure shifts when DTC P1811 is set.

DTC P1811 may set if any adapt cell is at maximum and any shift time reaches 0.65 seconds for a total of two times during the same ignition cycle.

Check the pressure control solenoid function with the line pressure test procedure in this bulletin. If the test fails, replace the pressure control solenoid.

1. Test drive vehicle with Tech 2.
2. Evaluate shift times (1-2, 2-3, and 3-4 up shifts). Are any shift times greater than 0.65 seconds? If so, perform the line pressure test in this bulletin.

Line Pressure Test

Caution: KEEP BRAKES APPLIED AT ALL TIMES IN ORDER TO PREVENT UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOTION.

Notice: Total test running time should not be longer than two minutes. Otherwise, transmission damage may occur.

Line pressures are calibrated for two sets of gear ranges - Drive-Park-Neutral and Reverse. This allows transaxle line pressure to be appropriate for different pressure needs in different gear ranges.

Important: The Scan tool is only able to control the pressure control (PC) solenoid in Park and Neutral with vehicle stopped. This protects transaxle clutches from extremely high or low pressure in Drive or Reverse ranges.

1. Hook up Scan tool.
2. Start engine and set parking brake.
3. Check for stored diagnostic trouble codes, including the diagnostic trouble code for a pressure control solenoid.
4. Repair vehicle if necessary. Include the following areas:

•	Inspect fluid level.

•	Inspect manual linkage at transaxle.

5. Remove the line pressure tap plug and install Special Tool SA9127E (Gauge Bar Set) to transaxle.
6. Put gear selector in "P" and set parking brake.
7. Start engine and allow engine to warm up at idle.
8. Access PC Solenoid Control test on Scan tool.
9. Slowly increase engine speed to 1100-1300 rpm and maintain this engine speed throughout the test.
10. Increase PC solenoid amperage in 0.1 amp increments. Read and record corresponding line pressure on pressure gauge. Allow pressure to stabilize for five seconds after each current change.

Important: The line pressures in the table listed in this bulletin assume a temperature of 70°C (150°F). The pressure will vary at different temperatures.

11. Compare your data to the line pressure table in this bulletin.
12. If the pressures recorded are within the ranges in the table in this bulletin, and the pressures did stabilize with current change, refer to the appropriate model year L-Series Automatic Transaxle Service Manual to diagnose the cause of the long shift time.
13. If the pressure recorded does not match with the table in this bulletin or the pressures do not stabilize:

•	The 2000-2002 Pressure Control Solenoid and the 2003-2004 Pressure Control Solenoid are not interchangeable.

•	Refer to the "Pressure Control Solenoid" procedure in the appropriate L-Series model year Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.

Important: Before reinstalling the line pressure tap plug, apply LOCTITE® 242, or equivalent, to the thread of the plug.

14. Remove Special Tool SA9127E (Gauge Bar Set) and install the line pressure tap plug.

To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System for K6353 (Solenoid, Pressure Control - Replace).

Important: Installation of the line pressure tap plug requires the use of LOCTITE® 242, P/N 21485277 (in Canada, P/N 10953489). Claims received in the amount of retailer cost, plus 40 percent parts allowance will be accepted for the material to perform the repair. It will be necessary to sell LOCTITE® 242 to the CSO as material, using net item code "M." Claims exceeding the amount of $.50 (cost $.35 x 1.4 parts allowance) will be returned with reason 143 - material amount greater than maximum allowed.