Saturn Transmission Code Help

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by bajazza, Jul 7, 2008.

  1. bajazza

    bajazza Guest

    Hi, I have a '96 Saturn SL2, great car with no problems except this: I
    have a check engine light on, had it scanned and comes up with code
    P0733 (trans 3rd gear error) Does anyone know the procedure to fix
    this? The tranny does shift funny out of 3rd sometimes so its a real
    code. I just know where to start..thanks in advance!
    Jay
     
    bajazza, Jul 7, 2008
    #1
    2abuela2 likes this.
  2. bajazza

    Bob Shuman Guest

    This error probably indicts a defective 3rd gear shift solenoid. The
    solenoids can be checked by measuring the resistance at the top after
    removing the connector. This is easy to access right under the air breather
    tube. As I recall, resistance should be between 4 and 6 ohms on all of the
    solenoids. If you find a bad one it will measure differently. There are
    only 2 connections per solenoid and each pair are adjacent to each other on
    the connector. For what it is worth, solenoids are replaceable parts and
    are sold at the dealer parts counter. If you open up the trans cover (not
    needed to make the resistance measurement) then you will also need to
    replace the cover gasket at that time too.

    By the way, the worst part of this job is scraping the old gasket off and
    keeping the debris from falling into the transmission... this is the only
    drawback I have found to having the cover access on the top side of the TAAT
    transmission. Good luck and hope this info helps. If all solenoids are
    good, then clean the connector or wait for whatever is intermittent (speed
    sensor, solenoid, CPU, etc.) to fail permanently to make it easier to
    diagnose.

    Bob
     
    Bob Shuman, Jul 7, 2008
    #2
  3. bajazza

    2abuela2

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    I have a 2002 saturn sl2 I have p 0733 I did change trans. Filter oil ,New valve body ,speed sensor , car works just fine on lower gage , going to the next gear , when change next gear the third does a big stump noise and the p0733 shows up again , Google also research tell me , that PCM and TCM are together , something is wrong with the signal on the TCM so ; I'm have to change the PCM ,is that right . That is my Question ??
     
    2abuela2, May 4, 2025
    #3
  4. bajazza

    Derf Moderator

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    Wouldn't be so sure yet.

    Did you confirm the solenoids are all close in resistance? Did you use sonnax solenoids?

    Have someone monitor the transmission line pressure as you are shifting through the gears. Should be possible through the obdII diag connection.

    There also may be wiring issues at the valve body.

    Always leave the PCM/TCM till last.
     
    Derf, May 4, 2025
    #4
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