Automatic Transaxle 2-3 Shift Flare During First Minutes of Driving After Cold Start (Perform Bulletin Procedure)

Some customers of 2002 S-series vehicles with MP6 or MP7 automatic transaxles may comment on a 2-3 shift flare during the first few minutes of driving after vehicle cold soak.

This condition may be caused by improper pressure, a leak in the 2nd clutch circuit, improper clutch plate finish on 2nd and 3rd clutches, a restriction in the 3rd clutch oil delivery path in the end cover, or improper surface finish in the piston bores of the 2-3 clutch housing.

To correct this condition, duplicate by cold soaking the vehicle the amount of time at temperature described by the owner. Refer to procedure in this bulletin.

1. Verify proper transaxle pressures by installing gauge and performing stepped pressure test after cold soak. Refer to "Stepped Pressure Test" procedure in the 2002 Saturn S-Series Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.

•	If pressures are low, follow the diagnostic chart for DTC P0745 for possible causes of low pressure. Refer to "P0745 -- PC Solenoid Pressure Low" diagnostic in the 2002 Saturn S-Series Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.

•	If pressures are within normal ranges, proceed to Step 2.

2. Remove the transaxle end cover. Refer to "End Cover Replacement" in the 2002 Saturn S-Series Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.
3. Check torque on input shaft nut and end cover 3rd clutch oil passage for restrictions.

•	Input shaft nut torque should be 150 N·m (111 ft-lb). If nut is found to be loose, remove nut, clean threads and install new nut using Service Manual procedures and proceed to check 3rd oil passage.

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Check 3rd oil passage in the end cover by pouring transaxle fluid through it and another passage. If the passage is restricted, you will notice significantly less fluid flow through it. If 3rd clutch passage is found to be restricted, install new end cover per Service Manual procedures and retest for concern.

•	If nut and 3rd clutch passage are okay, proceed to Step 4.

4. Remove transaxle from vehicle. Refer to "Transaxle Removal" in the 2002 Saturn S-Series Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.
5. Disassemble transaxle and install new 2-3 clutch housing, clutch pistons and clutch plates. Refer to "Transaxle Disassemble" in the 2002 Saturn S-Series Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.
6. Reassemble transaxle. Refer to "Transaxle Assemble" in the 2002 Saturn S-Series Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.
7. Install transaxle to vehicle. Refer to "Transaxle Installation" in the 2002 Saturn S-Series Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.
8. Verify that condition has been eliminated.

To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System for one or both of the following operations: