The Saturn Relay was equipped with the 4T65E transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Saturn Relay transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Saturn Relay Transmission Models
Saturn Relay: 4T65E Transmission
Saturn Relay 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 Relay Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 4T65E | 1935 |
What are the DTC codes related to Saturn Relay transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0717 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
| P0730 | Incorrect Gear Ratio |
| P0753 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0758 | Shift Solenoid 'B' Electrical |
| P1860 | TCC PWM Solenoid Circuit Electrical |
Saturn Relay Transmission Recalls
None Found
Saturn Relay Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
TSB 04-07-30-028 – Transmission fluid leak from reverse servo cover – 4T65E Transmission
Problem – Transmission fluid leaks may be observed under the vehicle, which may be caused by a 4T65E reverse servo seal that can actually shrink in the cold weather below 20°F/-6.7°C
Solution – Replace reverse servo cover seal
Common Problems with the Saturn Relay 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 Relay 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 Relay transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Saturn Relay 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 Relay 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 Relay transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Saturn Relay 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 Relay transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Saturn Relay transmission, the truck 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 lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.
Recommendations for Saturn Relay 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 Relay transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Saturn Relay Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Saturn Relay 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 Relay 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 Relay 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 Relay 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!
It would like stip when starting to accelerate in first gear then it started having a small leak and now it will only go into first gear second gear and reverse
Would jump when first starting to accelerate
Fluid dark brown even after being serviced
Started leaking
Now it only goes in 1st ,2nd and reverse
only slowly takes off in first gear, then can change to 2nd then 3rd and drive if at the right speeds. Reverse works. Won’t make any effort to go if starting in 3rd or drive.
Transmission makes a clunk sound