The Saturn Ion was equipped with the 4-speed 4T45E and the Aisin Warner AW55-50SN transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Saturn Ion transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Saturn Ion Transmission Models
Saturn Iion: AW55-50SN Transmission
Saturn Iion: 4T45E Transmission
Saturn Ion Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
Replacement Saturn Ion Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 4T45E / 4T40E | 1935 |
What are the DTC codes related to Saturn Ion transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0711 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0712 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input |
| P0713 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input |
| P0714 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715 |
| P0715 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0716 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0717 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
| P0718 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent |
| P0720 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0721 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0723 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent |
| P0729 | Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0730 | Incorrect Gear Ratio |
| P0731 | Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0732 | Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0734 | Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0735 | Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0740 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction |
| P0741 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit |
| P0742 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On |
| P0744 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent |
| P0748 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0750 | Shift Solenoid 'A' |
| P0753 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0755 | Shift Solenoid 'B' |
| P0758 | Shift Solenoid 'B' Electrical |
| P0767 | Shift Solenoid 'D' Stuck On |
| P0850 | Park/Neutral Switch Input Circuit |
| P0897 | Transmission Fluid Deteriorated |
| P0973 | Shift Solenoid A Control Circuit Low |
| P0976 | Shift Solenoid B Control Circuit Low |
| P0977 | Shift Solenoid B Control Circuit High |
| P0979 | Shift Solenoid C Control Circuit Low |
| P0980 | Shift Solenoid C Control Circuit High |
| P0982 | Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit Low |
| P0983 | Shift Solenoid D Control Circuit High |
| P0984 | Shift Solenoid E Control Circuit Range/Performance |
| P1860 | TCC PWM Solenoid Circuit Electrical |
| P1887 | Torque Converter Clutch Release Switch |
Saturn Ion Transmission Recalls
None Found
Saturn Ion Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
None Found
Common Problems with the Saturn Ion Transmission
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Saturn Ion can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Saturn Ion transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Saturn Ion transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Saturn Ion transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Saturn Ion transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Saturn Ion transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Saturn Ion transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Saturn Ion transmission, the car has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be removed.
Recommendations for Saturn Ion transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Saturn Ion transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Saturn Ion Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Saturn Ion Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Saturn Ion Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Saturn Ion Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Saturn Ion Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
2006 Saturn ion won’t go in reverse drives fine no check engine light on I haven’t noticed any transmission problems and no codes pop up
My car goes into drive, drive fine for a while but after a while it takes itself back down to 1st and won’t hold any other gear unless I put it in ‘I’ then it just runs at a higher RPM before it shifts. The code coming up is P1818-00. It’s a 2006 Saturn Ion with a 2.2 liter engine a 4 speed automatic transmission
Delay and bang in drive and reverse when hot
I have 07 saturn ion 2.2 I can pull generic code p0700 check freeze frame data it has code p0741 I can clear the codes drive anywhere from 9 to 15 miles before check engine light comes back on
Whenever I shift my 2006 saturn ion 3 coupe into reverse or drive I can feel and hear my car clunk, I refilled the transmission fluid and even replaced a motor mount and it was gone for a little bit but it’s back again, it’s not leaking anything at all I really don’t know what it could be.
2007 Saturn ion automatic. When I reach 40 mph it shifts and drops rpm to 1500.. lugs til the engine catches up unless I press the gas pedal and make it downshift.
I have a 2007 Saturn Ion. Ive had it going 4 months now. It will drive to 20 maybe 35,then just makes a accelerate noise. It looses speed and goes literally 10 mph. While the rpm is idling to 4 or 5. So I just parked it. Getting another transmission monday. Help? Is it that or a gear thing?
Sounds like transmission. Had the same issue with my 2013 Nissan rogue and had to replace transmission