Saturn LW300 woes..

[d-jones]

Manifold absolute pressure sensor. I had to replace that on my Intrepid after the original was damaged while the manifold was off the engine sitting on the floor of my garage. The car would run at higher rpm’s but would not idle at all. Glad you were able finally get it sorted out.

 

[stricklybojack]

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I replaced the MAF sensor so whenever I saw “MAP sensor” mentioned I thought it was a different name for the same thing (MAF) oops...like body control module BCM vs engine control module ECM, seems it varies depending on manufacturer.
Nope, MAP is it’s own animal, my bad.[this post was last edited: 8/29/2018-00:07]

 

[ken]

Glad you finally got it straightened it out. Problems like that can be a real PITA to resolve as you well know.

 

[stricklybojack]

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Decided to change (not flush) the trans fluid. On this car that means dropping the pan as there is no drain plug, or even a dipstick...other than the guy driving! The car only has 60k miles, but those are mostly stop and go. The manual says change at 100k for normal 50k for tough conditions...trailers, etc. so I figured it was time. Got bids from $130-$280. Ended up going with the low bidder, but had them use a premium pan gasket rather than the minimum they usually use, that added $8. It uses metal grommets around the bolt holes, and has a centering pin, rather than not.
My research said never flush auto transmissions (bad for seals), and be wary of even changing fluid in a high mileage unit. Sometimes high mileage transmissions need the grit and varnish to keep from slipping.
To fill, you shift through the gears and remove a particular bolt which will then start to leak fluid once the trans has been filled to where it should be. It took 8 quarts of new fluid, and man does she shift and drive smooth now. The trans capacity is higher but a significant amount of fluid stays in the torque converter and other nooks and crannies. Thankfully the service manager snapped a couple of pics to show me the job was actually done, and what the old fluid looked like...toasty but not too burnt. I would swear it’s quieter too, I wonder if she was a couple of q’s low. I doubt it leaked any, but was it full when it left the factory? [this post was last edited: 9/8/2018-20:55]

 

[lordkenmore]

was it full when it left the factory?

If a car was assembled on Monday or Friday it might well be low on fluid leaving the factory. LOL

 

[lordkenmore]

<strong>be wary of even changing fluid in a high mileage unit. Sometimes high mileage transmissions need the grit and varnish to keep from slipping.</strong>

 

From what I've heard, it sounds like it isn't high mileage that's a problem. It's when it's high mileage with fluid that hasn't been properly maintained (e.g., a transmission with high miles that still has its original fluid).

 

[ken]

No dipstick

Not being able to periodically check the fluid level is asinine in my opinion.

 

[stricklybojack]

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Ya there’s the consideration that ATF is inherently detergent by nature, and that new fluid might loosen crap from a poorly cared for tranny, and then clog an artery or capillary in the transmission as it were.
My ‘97 mercedes s420 also lacks a dipstick, it’s next up for an ATF change.

 

[stricklybojack]

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Which reminds me of a question i’ve long pondered: what is the shelf life of ATF? 10 years, 20, 50?[this post was last edited: 9/8/2018-21:52]

 

[askolover]

Well new fluids have improved components  in them.  Like Dexron 6 that can be used in an old car but Dexron 3 can't be used in a new car.  I'm sure the fluid itself on the shelf is perfectly usable but I'd personally rather have "new and improved" fluid in my old SUV.