FLUID LEAKS FROM AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE CASE ASSEMBLY

SUBJECT: Fluid Leaks from Automatic Transaxle Case Assembly (Replace Automatic Transaxle Case Assembly)

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

CONDITION: Transaxle fluid leaks from automatic transaxle. Diagnosis identifies the leak to be coming from the upper left hand corner of the case, near the case-to-end cover assembly joint. (Refer to illustration on next page of this bulletin.)

CAUSE: Some automatic transaxle cases may have been manufactured with a thin-walled section in the upper left hand corner of the case, near the case-to-end cover assembly joint. This thin-walled section may allow transaxle fluid to weep or leak through the automatic transaxle case over a period of time.

IMPORTANT: Due to the proximity of this leak to the end cover, this leak can be improperly diagnosed as an end cover leak.

CORRECTION: Refer to the following procedures to diagnose and repair the transaxle fluid leak.

PROCEDURES

A dye and black light kit (SA9175-NE) is available for finding leaks. (Refer to the manufacturer's directions when using the kit).

1. Pour the specified amount of die into the automatic transaxle.

2. Operate the vehicle under normal operating conditions

3. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.

4. Remove the left side splash shield according to the "Side Splash Shields" procedure in the "Front End Section" of the appropriate year "Body/Repair Service Manual" to better view the case and end cover assembly.

5. Direct the black light toward the suspect component. The dyed fluid will appear as a brightly colored fluid, leading back to the fluid path.

- If the leak appears to be coming from the upper left hand corner of the case near the case-to-end cover assembly joint (shaded area shown in illustration), replace the automatic transaxle case according to the procedures in the appropriate year "Automatic Transaxle Service Manual."

- If the leak does not appear to be coming from the area near the upper left hand corner of the case near the case-to-end cover assembly joint, proceed to "Fluid Leak Diagnosis" in the general information section of the appropriate year "Automatic Transaxle Service Manual."

PARTS REQUIREMENTS: 21003309 Case-A/Trans

CLAIM INFORMATION: To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System using the appropriate Electronic Labor Time Guide and Labor Operation Code K6105 (Transaxle Oil Leak Analysis) and K7800 (Replace Transaxle Case).

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.