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-   -   Transmission Problems 98' Saturn SL Manual (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=411353)

  • Oct 31, 2009, 01:36 AM
    Alllizon
    Transmission Problems 98' Saturn SL Manual
    It is either my transmission or my clutch. I have problems shifting, its like the transmission has resistance, not grinding. When I start and try to put it in 1st I have to be rolling forward or it is really hard and I have to try a couple of times. Plus shifting through the rest of the gears is sometimes hard, but not always, sometimes they go through the gears with no problem. Just started, but my clutch doesn't seem to be fully engaging. Like when I am at a complete stop, and have it in 1st, it sometimes wants to inch forward like I'm letting off the clutch, but I have it all the way down to the floor. But it doesn't do it all the time. Someone Please Help Me!! :eek: :D
  • Oct 31, 2009, 06:41 AM
    TxGreaseMonkey

    Hydraulic clutches are filled with brake fluid. Check the level of the fluid in the clutch master cylinder reservoir. Ensure it's filled to the MAX Line, but not overfilled. Overfilling is one of the prime reasons for hydraulic clutch failure. Better yet, have the system bled and all of the fluid changed. I do this every 2 years.

    Saturn usually recommends changing the manual transmission fluid at 6,000 miles, if I remember correctly. Then, they say it never needs to be done again. I recommend Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF for Saturn transmissions, which I would change every 50,000 miles.

    The trouble you describe getting into 1st is common for most manual transmissions--it's best to ease it into 1st, just before you stop. Then, after you're stopped, ease it back into Neutral. This makes it much easier on the synchros, when you shift into 1st and take off again. If you forget to do this, try shifting into 2nd and then into 1st--this usually makes it easier getting into 1st. Just don't force things--it's not good for the synchros.

    If the problem persists, the slave unit may need replacing.
  • Nov 1, 2009, 11:13 PM
    Alllizon
    Sweet Thank You very much grease monkey. Ya I never force it in, but ty for throwing in that little bit of advise, u never know what people might do.:D
  • Nov 23, 2009, 12:03 AM
    Alllizon

    I was told that the synchros are going out could that be the problem?
  • Nov 23, 2009, 07:38 AM
    TxGreaseMonkey

    Absolutely.
  • Dec 8, 2009, 07:21 PM
    Alllizon

    So do I have to replace my whole transmission or can I rebuild it or replace the synchros?
  • Dec 8, 2009, 07:25 PM
    TxGreaseMonkey

    They should be able to replace the synchros. Give Saturn a call first and scope it out.
  • Dec 9, 2009, 04:24 AM
    Alllizon

    Isn't Saturn no more. And thank you for your time and advise.
  • Jul 12, 2013, 09:20 AM
    chrisbrisson
    Really getting hard to shift gears first gear is the worst most from a stand still, second and third gears work fine for the most part. Does anyone know what could be the problems and what may need to be replaced? I checked the fluid level and it was full.

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