Transaxle Slips, No Third Gear, Engine Flare during Shift after Transaxle Service - kw AF235 AF23-5 AF335 AF33-5 M43 M45 automatic transmission fluid fill change service RPM

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom described in the PI.

Transaxle slips or has no third gear range. Engine RPM may flare during shift into third gear. Condition occurs after transaxle service where the fluid fill plug was removed.

Cause: Third gear band anchor bolt pin has become dislocated due to the removal of the 3rd gear anchor bolt. Probable cause of the dislocated pin is the technician incorrectly identified the anchor bolt as the transaxle fill plug.

Confirm the technician has removed the 3rd gear anchor bolt instead of the 8 mm Allen head fill plug to fill the transaxle. Refer to TSB 03-07-30-018 for transaxle fill procedure, plug location and identification. Removing the third gear anchor bolt will dislocate internal components and require the transaxle to be removed and disassembled for repair. Refer to the appropriate service manual section for repair procedures.

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Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed. If these steps do not resolve the condition, please contact GM TAC for further diagnostic assistance.

(02, 03 SATURN VUE) and (03, 04 SATURN ION)

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