SERVICE INFO. ON DESIGN CHANGE TO AUTO. TRANS. CONT. ACT. VAL

SUBJECT: Service Information on Design Changes to Automatic Transaxle Control Actuator Valve

MODELS AFFECTED: 1997-1998 Saturns equipped with automatic transaxles (MP6/MP7)

PURPOSE: This bulletin provides technical information on changes to the automatic transaxle control actuator valve.

IMPORTANT: In this bulletin, the new design control actuator valve will be referred to as the second design, the previous design control actuator valve will be referred to as first design.

A running change was made during the 1998 model year, to the control actuator valves used for the 2nd/REV clutch, 3rd clutch, and 4th clutch. This change involves the addition of a filter on the control side of the control actuator valve (denoted by the thick arrow in the illustration), which reduces the opportunity for debris to stick a control actuator valve. For identification purposes, the first design control actuator valves will continue to have a "red" top and the second design control actuator valves will have an "off-white" top.

First design control actuator valves should be used on the torque converter clutch (TCC) and transaxle fluid pressure (TFP) positions in the valvebody (positions (1) in the illustration). Second design control actuator valves should be used in the 2nd/REV, 3rd clutch, and 4th clutch positions in the valvebody (positions (2) in the illustration).

IMPORTANT: Second design control actuator valves should be used only in the 2nd/REV, 3rd clutch, and 4th clutch positions in the valvebody. Poor shifts may occur if the second design control actuator valves are placed in the TCC and/or TFP positions of the valvebody.

IMPORTANT: When servicing a 1997 or 1998 valvebody and it is necessary to replace any or all of the clutch actuators (2nd/Rev, 3rd, 4th), second design transaxle control actuator valves (P/N 21003289) should be used in appropriate positions.

PARTS REQUIREMENTS: 21003289 Valve-Trans Cont Actr (for 2nd/REV, 3rd clutch, 4th clutch 97-98) 21002509 Valve-Trans Cont Actr (for TCC & TFP 97-98, All Actuators 93 - 96)

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.