A/T - Engine Flare During 2nd to 3rd Gear Shift
Bulletin No.: 03-07-30-052BDate: September 14, 2004
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Engine Flare During 2-3 Shift, Most Noticeable During Light to Moderate Acceleration (Reprogram TCM)
Models:
2002 Saturn VUE Vehicles with AF33-5 Automatic Transaxle (RPO M45)
2003 Saturn VUE Vehicles with AF33-5 Automatic Transaxle (RPO M09 or M45)
2003-2004 Saturn ION Vehicles with AF23-5 Automatic Transaxle (RPO M43)
Built Prior to VIN Breakpoint 4Z113056
Attention:
Technician
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised due to updated information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Numbers 03-07-30-052A and 02-07-30-018A (Saturn Bulletin 02-T-31A) (Section 07 - Transmission/Transaxle).
Condition
Some owners may comment on an engine flare during a 2-3 shift. This condition may be intermittent and may be most noticeable on shifts that occur during light to moderate acceleration.
Cause
The condition may be caused by aeration of transaxle fluid, resulting in a delayed apply of 3rd clutch.
Correction
To correct this condition, reprogram the transaxle control module (TCM), reset the transmission adaptive, relearn the TCM, and re-evaluate the vehicle following the procedures in this bulletin.
Service Procedure
1. Verify the customer concern. Evaluate the vehicle for engine flare during the 2-3 shift under light to moderate acceleration using the Tech 2 Scan Tool.
2. Locate metal transaxle identification tag (1), and identify the transaxle part number (4). The transaxle part number will be needed when referencing the calibration information table shown in this bulletin for the correct calibration identification.
Important:
For reprogramming procedures, refer to the Service Programming System (SPS) in SSS Users Guide.
3. Reprogram the TCM with updated calibration established from the calibration information table shown in this bulletin. Use Saturn Service Stall (SSS) software release TIS 7.0/2004 or higher data CD.
Important:
Failure to relearn the TCM may cause intermittent erratic shifts, customer dissatisfaction, and a return visit to the store.
Important:
Perform all steps of the adaptive learn procedure. Engine flare during shifting or harsh shifts will occur if not done correctly. When performing the 2-3 and 3-4 up-shifts, a small shift flare may occur the first or second time depending on transaxle internal tolerances.
4. Drive the vehicle until the transaxle fluid temperature reaches 65°C-110°C (150°-230°F). The adaptive learn procedure will only work when the transaxle fluid temperature is correct.
5. Reset the transaxle adaptive learns using the Tech 2 Scan Tool. Go to the Transmission Special Functions, then Trans. Output Controls menu and select Reset Transmission Adapts.
6. Perform the following steps for the garage shifts adaptive learn.
6.1. Apply the parking brake and the foot brake.
6.2. Shift from NEUTRAL to REVERSE and keep in REVERSE for 3 seconds.
6.3. Shift from REVERSE to NEUTRAL.
6.4. Repeat Steps 6.2 and 6.3 five times.
6.5. Shift from NEUTRAL to DRIVE and keep in DRIVE for 3 seconds.
6.6. Shift from DRIVE to NEUTRAL.
6.7. Repeat Steps 6.5 and 6.6 five times.
7. Perform the following steps for the up/down shifting adaptive learn.
7.1. Drive the vehicle in DRIVE with light (15-20%) throttle until above 50 km/h (31 mph) in 4th gear.
7.2. Decelerate and apply the brakes until vehicle comes to a stop. Brake the vehicle so that it takes at least 14 seconds to stop.
7.3. Repeat Steps 7.1 and 7.2 five times.
7.4. Drive the vehicle in DRIVE with medium (50-55%) throttle until vehicle shifts into 5th gear.
7.5. Decelerate and apply the brakes until vehicle comes to a stop. Brake the vehicle slowly so that each downshift occurs.
7.6. Repeat Steps 7.4 and 7.5 five times.
8. Perform the following steps for 2-1 manual down shift adaptive learn.
8.1. Drive the vehicle in Intermediate range until over 25 km/h (16 mph) in 2nd with any throttle position.
8.2. Decelerate, shift from Intermediate range to Low range manually and stop the vehicle.
8.3. Repeat Steps 8.1 and 8.2 ten times.
Important:
If shift quality does not improve, ensure the TCM has the correct transmission calibration.
9. Confirm shift quality.
Calibration Information
Important:
Before installing new TCM calibration, make sure the Saturn Service Stall (SSS) system version is TIS 7.0 2004 or later.
Claim Information
To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System for K5364 (TCM-Reprogramming). An add time, condition is provided to verify condition and repair.
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