SERVICE INTERVALS
Check fluid at every engine oil change. Under normal conditions, replace fluid every 30,000 miles. Replace filter at 30,000 miles then every 60,000 miles.
Note. On 1992 vehicles, powertrain control module maintains a "Percentage Of Oil Life Left" parameter which can be read with a scan tool. Manufacturer recommends that this parameter be reset by a Saturn dealer whenever transaxle fluid is changed.
CHECKING FLUID LEVEL
| CAUTION | DO NOT overfill transaxle. When transaxle is hot, one pint of fluid will raise fluid level from ADD 1 PT. OR .5L mark to FULL HOT mark on dipstick. |
Transaxle
- Start engine, and operate vehicle for at least 15 minutes or until engine reaches operating temperature. With engine at curb idle and vehicle on level ground, move gear selector lever through all ranges ending in Park position.
- Remove transaxle dipstick, wipe clean and fully reinsert into filler tube. Remove dipstick again, and inspect fluid level. Fluid level should be between ADD 1 PT. OR .5L mark and FULL HOT mark on dipstick.
| CAUTION | If vehicle has been driven for an extended period of time at high speeds, in city traffic, in hot weather or if vehicle has been pulling a trailer, an accurate fluid level reading cannot be made until vehicle has been parked and ATF is allowed to cool about 30 minutes. |
RECOMMENDED FLUID
Use only Dexron-II Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).
FLUID CAPACITIES
| Application | Qts. (L) | |
|---|---|---|
| Drain & Refill | ||
| With Oil Filter Change | 3.5 (3.0) | |
| Without Oil Filter Change | 3.0 (2.8) | |
| Overhaul | 7.25 (6.8) | |
TRANSMISSION REFILL CAPACITIES
DRAINING & REFILLING
- Raise and support vehicle. Remove drain plug and discard gasket. Allow transaxle to drain for 5 minutes. Install drain plug with NEW gasket. Fill transaxle with proper amount of fluid. See «TRANSMISSION REFILL CAPACITIES»(/saturn/sl/i-1990-1995/remont/automatic-trans/#servicing-at) .
- Start engine with gear selector lever in Park position and parking brake applied. Engage transaxle in each gear, ending in Park. Check fluid level with engine warm. See «CHECKING FLUID LEVEL»(/saturn/sl/i-1990-1995/remont/automatic-trans/#servicing-at__checking-fluid-level) . Add fluid if necessary. DO NOT overfill.
GEARSHIFT CABLE
- Using a small screwdriver, pry up cable adjuster lock tab. Ensure cable housing moves freely inside adjuster housing. Move cable housing back and forth and note amount of end play.
- Adjust cable by moving cable housing 1/2 the amount of total end play. Press lock tab down and ensure that cable housing is secure. Check park lock cable adjustment. See «PARK LOCK CABLE»(/saturn/sl/i-1990-1995/remont/automatic-trans/#servicing-at__park-lock-cable-adjustment-testing) .
NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH
Place shifter lever in Drive position. Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity across switch terminals. If continuity does not exist, loosen switch retaining bolts and rotate switch to obtain continuity. Tighten switch retaining bolts to 142 INCH lbs. (16 N.m) and recheck continuity.
PARK LOCK CABLE ADJUSTMENT & TESTING
- Lift lock tab on cable end and ensure cable housing slides freely through lock housing. On 1991 models, DO NOT turn ignition on. On 1992 models, turn ignition on. On all models, adjust cable housing so that a 0.05" (1.25 mm) gap exists between cable end and connector.
- With ignition off and shifter in Park position, attempt to shift lever out of Park. Lever should not move. Turn ignition on. Shift lever should be allowed out of Park.
- Place shift lever in any position except Park and turn ignition off. Ignition key should not be removable. Attempt to place shift lever in Park. Lever should go into Park position and ignition key should be able to be removed. If park lock cable fails any test, readjust cable. Check gearshift cable adjustment. See «GEARSHIFT CABLE»(/saturn/sl/i-1990-1995/remont/automatic-trans/#servicing-at__gearshift-cable) .
Removal & Installation
Remove air induction system. Using a strap-type oil filter wrench, remove oil filter. Lubricate NEW oil filter gasket and install NEW filter. Tighten to 62 INCH lbs. (7 N.m). Install air induction system. Check transaxle fluid level and add fluid as required. Operate vehicle and check for leaks.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
| Application | Ft. Lbs. (N.m) |
|---|---|
| Transmission Drain Plug | 40 (55) |
| INCH Lbs. (N.m) | |
| Neutral Safety Switch Retaining Bolts | 142 (16) |
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS