Transmission Shifts Hard - Valve Body?

Question

My 93 SL1 with SOC engine began shifting hard recently. I've been told that it is probably the "valve body", which is exterior to the transmission. Has anyone out there had experience in changing one of these? Is it easy to get to and is it a hugh job? Its a $1200 job at local Lee Myles transmission shop. I can get the valve body and actuators for about $550. Any helpful comments will be appreciated. Gary

jdoe · Accepted Answer

It's not a HARD job but not necessarily one to be taken on by someone who isinexperienced either. FWIW I bought the VB for my own at the dealer and itwas only $195 after core charge. It took me about 2.5 hours to do on my SL2but that was because of 2 things 1. I spent alot of time exploring thingsand the VB itself. 2. It was the first time I've ever looked under the hoodof a Saturn. I do have alot of wrenching experience though and am wellequipped for tools because of it. FWIW if I had to do it again I could getit done in 30 to 45 min.Larry

Blah Blah · Answer

One should have a book, a good torque wrench, and the proper tighting sequence. You're lucky its easy to get to. I think those prices they gave you must be a generic quote. It doesnt sound like there's that much labor involved.

riz · Answer

I had a quote from a local trans shop two years ago they wanted about $400for the job.

Gary Compton · Answer

Thanks to all for the good information.  One more question.  About half theprice of $550 I was quoted for the parts was for the actuators.  How can Itell if the actuators need to be changed along with the valve body?  Doesanyone other than the dealer sell these parts?Garytransmission

Blah Blah · Answer

You can check the shift solenoids with an Ohm Meter. You will need to know their values at a given temperature which should be given in a good manual. From my TranX 2000 documentation the resistance of each should be the following.

There is 7 actuators and it list them with all the same values.

TAAT Transmission

91-92 2.5 Ohms Cold / 4.4 Ohms Hot

93-up 4.0 Ohms Cold / 6.0 Ohms Hot

Gary Compton · Answer

Hi Larry:I have a couple of questions about replacing the valve body on a 93? SL1SOHC.  I haven?t been able to find a manual that covers this subject ? doyou have a recommendation?  Haynes doesn?t cover transmissions, nor doesChilton.  Chilton has a tranny manual, but doesn?t cover Saturn.  My locallibrary has ALLDATA, which has a some  transmission information, but doesn?tcover removing the VB.  If I can?t find a manual, is the removal simpleenough to be done without?  I?m hoping that the removal process will beobvious and that if I reverse the process I will be able to get thereplacement on.   I assume the VB is under the plate on top of thetransmission ? is that correct?   Any other advise?Thanks much,Garytransmission.

Blah Blah · Answer

Theres more to it than how easy something is removed. Your valvebody is the heart of that transmission. Improper torque to it and one vain may shoot fluid past the gasket and into another and cause major damage to your entire transmission. You'll need to hunt for a real Saturn service manual. You dont need to find a 93 only manual. I think they're the same upto 95-99? 91-92 is slightly different. Someone ought to make a on car repair webpage for TAAT valve bodies. Theres enough people out their seeking this info.

Gary Compton · Answer

Thanks Larry:I found a Saturn 91-94 factory transmission manual on E-Bay for  $9.50,including shipping.Gary

Transmission Shifts Hard - Valve Body?

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