INFORMATION ON DESIGN CHANGES TO AUTO TRANSAXLE

SUBJECT: Service Information on Design Changes to Automatic Transaxle Input Shaft ------------------------------------------------------------------

MODELS AFFECTED: 1997 Saturns equipped with automatic transaxles (MP6/MP7) ---------------------------------------------------------

PURPOSE

A change was made during 1997 model year production to the input shaft used on both the MP6 and MP7 automatic transaxles. Changes to the new input shaft are (refer to illustration on next page):

* The new input shaft has a narrower groove for the input shaft 0-ring seal.

* A new machined surface, acts in place of the back-up input shaft to converter ring (back-up ring).

IMPORTANT:

For purposes of this bulletin, the previous design input shaft is called the first design input shaft and the new design input shaft is called the second design input shaft.

This second design input shaft eliminates the need for the back-up input shaft to converter ring that was used in the previous design. The same input shaft 0-ring seal (P/N 21001996) is used on both the first design and second design input shafts.

IMPORTANT:

When servicing a second design input shaft, do not install a back-up input shaft to converter ring onto the input shaft.

PARTS REQUIREMENTS ------------

21003517 Shaft Asm-Input (2nd Design MP6) 21003516 Shaft Asm-Input (2nd Design MP7) 21001996 Seal-Input Shf (O Ring) (IMPORTANT: For use with both 1st and 2nd Design Input Shafts) 21002144 Ring-B/Up Input Shf to Conv (0-Ring) (IMPORTANT: For use with 1st Design Input Shafts Only)

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.