96 sl problems

oostevie · 05-28-2009, 11:54 PM

hi i have 96 sl 4cly soon as i start it the exhaust manifold gets very hot and smoke comes from it also trans runs ok in all gears but reverse soon as i put it in reverse gear it will only move if i rev the engine up then it moves very slow please help a backyard mechanic

RC1488 · 05-30-2009, 02:43 AM

You need to change the fluid and filter more often. Your in the begging stages or reverse slam syndrome.

Replace the ECTS.

Oil or coolant is leaking onto the manifold Most likely oil leaking from the valve cover gasket. Replace with a pre-formed one, torqued to spec in the correct pattery

oostevie · 05-31-2009, 01:26 AM

will do all that you say thank you so much will let you know how i mack out when i change the trans fluid and filter is there a cleaner i can put in and should i cange it again in how long thanks again

RC1488 · 05-31-2009, 08:59 PM

You can try the following if the reverse issues do not get better:

"NOTE: This proceedure "can" often cure a delayed engagement or reverse (reverse slam) in Saturn autotransaxles PROVIDED you have not waited "too long"

DO NOT MAKE UP YOUR "OWN VERSION" follow the instructions exactly...

The "works nearly everytime" cure for the reverse "slam"

1. Change the transaxle fluid and filter (use "conventional" not synthetic fluid)
2. Add your choice of automatic transmission fluid additive (transmedic, Lucas etc...personal choice, Prolong auto transmission additive)
3. Start the car firmly set the parking brake, chock the wheels and or back it up against a firm immovable object (A brick wall works well)
4. Put the car in REVERSE and LEAVE IT THERE, RUNNING, IN REVERSE, for about 20-30 mins at idle.

What this does is use the clean transaxle fluid and additive to flush out the reverse passage in the valve body by simulating driving in reverse for about 10 miles. IT WILL NOT HARM THE TRANSAXLE OR ENGINE IN ANY WAY. After completing this proceedure, (99 times out of 100) your reverse slam will vanish for at least several months and maybe forever (actually usually forever is a better description) Maintain the transaxle correctly from that point forward. If it initially does not work for long, you can REPEAT the proceedure without changing the clean fluid and sometimes net good results BUT if after 2 tries things have not improved you are probably looking at valve body replacement. YOU MUST CHANGE THE FLUID FIRST! Doing this with "dirty" fluid still in the transaxle may actually make it WORSE. Also "normal" transmissiopn "flushes" WILL NOT cure this problem, as they don't feed enough "warm" clean fluid through the valve body for long enough." - Wolfman-

Also note that tranny flushes are quite bad and stir up alot of dirt inside that gets stuck in the valve body

oostevie · 06-01-2009, 11:08 PM

will try ahat you said to do it just started to give problem in reverse so it sounds like you have the answer thanks agin for the help

oostevie · 06-06-2009, 02:40 PM

hi again where is the etcs and how do you change it what does etcs stand for thanks again for help going to thr auto parts store

**Ssicarman** · 06-06-2009, 11:40 PM

ECT=engine coolant temp sensor.

It is the sensor on the back of the head. Has a two wire connector to it. Replace the connector if you can see any corrosion in the terminals in it.

Remove the connector by squeezing the wider sides together and then pull it off. 13mm deep socket to turn the sensor out. Do this on a cold engine or relief the presure in the coolant system first. Leave the rad cop on and be ready to install the new sensor into the hole quickly so that you don't let much coolant drain out.

oostevie · 06-07-2009, 12:41 AM

thanks again for reply ssicarman will look for the sensor tomorrow tried the new flter and fluid and let it idei in reverse up against a tree not working yet will try again tomorrow hope it works out but looks like im going to local junk yard for trans never replced one before looks fun thanks again

RC1488 · 06-07-2009, 04:06 PM

There is no reason to replace the entire transmission. Its your valve body that has the issue. There is a fellow saturn enthusiasts who rebuilds them and is well known for his products in the saturn community. PM for his info

oostevie · 06-07-2009, 04:20 PM

hi thanks for reply is it hard to change valuve body and how do i get one from the saturn person who rebulids them thanks again