2001 Saturn L-Series Logo
Anonymous Posted on Oct 03, 2009

The manual transmission seems noisy so I wanted to replace the fluids or at least add some Z-Max to try and quiet the noise. I cannot find the add and drain plugs anywhere. There must be a way to do this!

1 Answer

Anonymous

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 500 times.

  • Master 2,049 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 03, 2009
Anonymous
Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 500 times.

Joined: Jul 27, 2009
Answers
2049
Questions
0
Helped
1489859
Points
8420

Condition: Some customers may comment on a grinding or rattle type noise coming from the transmission. The noise usually occurs with the transmission in first or second gear at low RPMs and can be intermittent.
Cause: This condition may be originated by the natural harmonics of the engine that leads to a vibration in the transmission.
Correction: There are two separate noises. Follow the diagnostic procedures listed below to determine which noise the vehicle has and perform the outlined repair. If you are comparing like vehicles, you must compare vehicles with the same motor and similar mileage.

Diagnosis for Noise #1
This is a very distinct noise that is usually much louder than the second noise that can be associated with this transmission. If the vehicle is not making any noise when trying to verify the condition, it can be induced by making several tight left hand circles with the vehicle at normal operating temperature.
Making a sharp right hand turn will usually stop the noise. While the noise is occurring, in order to
distinguish between the two noises, you can press lightly on the clutch pedal without releasing the clutch and the noise will NOT go away or change. As a second diagnostic aid, while the vehicle is making the noise, shift to third gear and the noise will stop. If the noise is determined to be this type, perform the repair for noise #1.

Repair for Noise #1.. Replace the transmission fluid with Saturn Manual Transmission Lubricant, P/N 21018899. Overfill to a capacity of 2.4L (2.6 qts). A possible side effect of this repair may be a higher shift effort.
Solution #2 Capacity of 2.4L (2.6 qts). A possible side effect of this repair may be a higher shift effort.
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in the General Information
sub-section of the appropriate Service Manual.
2. Place a suitable container under the transmission assembly.
3. Remove the drain plug located on the bottom of the transmission and completely drain the fluid.
4. Re-install the drain plug. Tighten the drain plug to 38N·m (28 lb ft).
5. Lower the vehicle.
6. Remove the fill plug located on the top/middle of transmission on the driver side, near the red
vent cap. If you use the check level plug on the side of the transmission, you will not be able to
overfill the transmission.
Important: Fill the transmission to the amount specified. Too much lubricant will cause the fluid
to leak from the vent. Not enough fluid will defeat the purpose of this bulletin.
7. Fill the transmission with 2.4L (2.6 qts) of Saturn Manual Transmission Lubricant P/N 21018899.
DO NOT USE THE RED VENT CAP TO FILL.
8. Re-install the fill plug. Tighten the fill plug to 38 N·m(28 lb ft).
Diagnosis for Noise #2
This noise, commonly referred to as gear rattle, can be induced by lugging the engine in any gear, but is
usually most noticeable in first or second gear. While the noise is occurring, if you press lightly on the clutch pedal without releasing the clutch, the noise will be reduced or eliminated.
Repair for Noise #2
Do not attempt to repair this noise. This is a characteristic of the vehicle and any vehicle equipped with a manual transmission can be made to make a similar noise. Driving at slightly higher engine RPM levels will reduce this noise.

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
2answers

Is there somthing i can add to oil to stop noise from lifters

Lots of oil additives available, some claiming to quieten noise from hydraulic lifters - mostly with highly variable results...
1helpful
2answers

What type of power steering fluid does a 2002 buick lesabre take

I've found that SeaFoam TransTune works wonders and often quiets pumps that are a bit noisy. If the fluid in it is particularly dark you will want to suck out as much as you can with a turkey baster before refilling it.
0helpful
2answers

My power steering pump is noisy is there any common problems

First off, 99 percent of the fluids out there red, very similar to transmission fluid. ( They are inter-changeable in a pinch) If it's grey or black, could be small or big trouble. Change fluid and drive around a bit. Check to see if the new fluids color changed, and see if the noises have changed. Hope I helped. Grimm
0helpful
1answer

I need to put more transmission oil in my car but I'm not sure where I need to put it in

the fluid is generaly placed or refilled through the transmission dipstick,so remove the dipstick and with a funnel slowly replace the fluid and check often the level of transmission fluid you want to add till you have reached the max level. i hope this helps
1helpful
2answers

Where does one dump in transmission fluid on this vehicle?

On most cars you put the transmission fluid down the same tube where you check the level. You want to ad just enough fluid, putting too much fluid in will do as much or more damage than running it a little low. On your dip stick there is an area usually mark min and max you want your fluid in between these lines. On most vehicles the difference between min and max is about 1/2 pint. There should also be printing on your dip stick telling you what type of transmission fluid to use.
0helpful
1answer

Noisy Transmission on my 2009 Honda CRV

If you have an automatic transmission, locate and check the transmission fluid dipstick to ensure you have enough fluid.

If manual transmission, usually you can only check it by unscrewing a bolt. (the fluid lasts a long time and shouldn't leak -look for fluid on the bottom of the transmission or under the car..)

I have not worked on these, so I am just guessing.

The noise could also be not in the transmission perhaps..
2helpful
1answer

4x4 whining noise

First, Check the transmission fluid level. Add more if it is low! If the noise continues, change your transmission fluid and assure that your transmission fluid level is correct. When changing transmission fluid you must drop the pan on the bottom of the transmission(You will know it immediately upon climing under transmission) it usually has10-15 small bolts holding it in. CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION FILTER WHEN CHANGING THE FLUID! If this doesn't quiet or fix the problem, then it sounds like your synchronizers or the bands in your transmission are worn(Thus the reason the whine goes away when it hits second gear) but check the cheaper of the two problems first. The synchronizers or bands are unfortunately a repair shop problem. I ran one of my vehicles for about 25,000 miles before having it serviced but I can't guarantee you the same amount of luck. Good Luck
1helpful
1answer

Transmission oil goes?

I'm assuming you mean the 5-speed manual transmission. You've got to pull the carpet back around the shifter, remove the bezel that holds down the rubber boot, then remove the 10mm (I think) bolts that hold down the shifter ... lift the shifter out and add the transmission oil.
1helpful
1answer

Can the transmission makes noise if fluid is low

Depending on how long you drove it low and how low it is (was), You can severely damage trans. Oil keeps it cool and lubricated. Parts in there are very sensitive to both. If you think it's got a noisy bearing, try to isolate which side. drive with windows open, have someone help you by listening on passenger side as well. If it's that noisy should not be too hard to find.
Not finding what you are looking for?

1,101 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Saturn Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins

Level 3 Expert

15088 Answers

john h

Level 3 Expert

29494 Answers

Are you a Saturn Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...