8th Apr 2008, 09:37
For everyone experiencing hard shifting and the SES light: do a little research before venting. Most of the time, the problem lies with a faulty MAF sensor. The part is around $100 and can be replaced from under the hood with a screwdriver. You can tear apart your tranny if you really want, but if you just want to fix the actual problem, replace the MAF sensor.
30th Apr 2008, 18:40
I bought my 2000 Saturn LS in 2003 when it had 30k miles on it. Except for a new alternator, I haven't replaced anything. Of course, the ignition key won't turn every so often (I either leave the key in it or beat on it with my wallet), the driver's heated seat pops the fuses, and now I have the wrench light and the slamming transmission. Turning it off for about 15 sec. DOES reset it. But it's danged annoying! My mechanic said it needed a new coil pack. After $400, I found that wasn't the problem, and my mileage is dropping (from 27-28 mpg to 22-24 mpg). Now he says that it's throwing an error code of 032 (I think), which means the EGR valve. These things are expensive! Any idea where I can get a used or aftermarket one? According to a really nice guy at Saturn, the 3.0 cyl. engine in the 2000 LS is the same as the 2001 & 2002 L300 and he suggested an aftermarket part. I can't seem to find one. I can't afford a new car, even though I have 123,000 miles on it now. Can anyone help me out?
1st May 2008, 08:58
Illumination of the SES light and hard shifting could also be the result of a bad MAF sensor. It's not expensive and easy to replace--check some other LS2/L300 posts for this repair. It's fairly common.
It might be worth taking it to the dealer for diagnosis as this isn't a very common engine, and they might have a better idea to help you out. Good luck.
28th May 2008, 20:39
I own a 2000 LS2 V6 with 37,000 miles - I've had the same problem with slamming shifting with SES light. Shut it off for a few minutes and restart it fixes the problem for awhile. Seems to be only when running the A/C.
Also sloppy shifting during the slightest of heavy acceleration. The Saturn dealer (in West Dundee IL) wanted $650 to replace the pressure control solenoid in the transmission.
I read that the MAF (mass airflow sensor) could be the culprit so I bought a $5 can of MAF cleaner from the local NAPA store and cleaned the sensor.
Problem solved!
Just to follow-up - the MAF cleaner really did the trick, I haven't experienced any problem with the transmission shifting since I cleaned the MAF.
Just replace both front stabilizer links at the dealer for $328.00. This car drives like new again...
20th Aug 2008, 17:27
I have a 2000 LS2 and had a check engine light, got it fixed and it was fine until a month later when it came back on. Had it coded and they said it was an O2 sensor, had me call the mechanic and hear stated that he fixed the MAF, but that this new one wasn't something he worked on. Needless to say I will never take another car back to this guy. Am I wrong or are they basically the same thing?
22nd Aug 2008, 15:14
He was right. The MAF sensor and 02 sensor are different parts. The MAF sensor is problematic in the car and was the right repair to make. You actually have several O2 sensors in the car.
2nd Nov 2008, 07:33
I also have a 2000 Saturn LS2, and have had to replace the MAF sensor twice already. I'm assuming they come out faulty.
Just recently another code came up and says it runs lean, and it almost has hard shifting and hesitation on the road. This shop I took it to cleaned out the fuel injectors and fuel filter, and then suggested me and wife to take it to a dealer. And it still didn't fix the problem. I believe it's either the MAF sensor again or BANK 1 O2 sensor. What do ya'll suggest?
26th Nov 2008, 15:42
I also have a 2000 LS2 Saturn and have trouble starting car after I put gas in it!!!
It just turns over and over and won't start, then it starts.
This is only when I put gas in it.
Please help!!!
27th Nov 2008, 13:44
My wife has a 2000 LS2 which began experiencing the same wrench light and rough running problem mentioned on this site. The car had approx 120k miles. The Saturn service department wanted to charge her 1k to repair something in her transmission, solenoid, I believe. I read comments on this site and cleaned the MAF, drove the car for an hour, and no wrench light or rough running.
I am shocked that service departments these days will only check the engine code and perform the repair specified by the code. When I mentioned the MAF cleaning or replacement as an option, they did not look into it. Naturally, they are making more money by completing unnecessary repairs. Do any of them know what the internet is?
9th Jan 2009, 00:30
I have a question and also need help! When I bought my 2000 LS2, I didn't think about taking it out on the highway since I bought the car off eBay, but when I floor the gas the rpms just kick up and my car's mph doesn't go anywhere. Now could the MAF be causing this, or are you guys just talking about the hard shifting because I don't have that problem. Any suggestions?
21st Mar 2009, 11:03
I have just taken my 2000 Saturn LS2, 70000 miles, in to have a slow drip of coolant investigated and repaired. Thought a simply hose or at worst the radiator might need replacing. Just got the call that not only the water pump, oil coolant pump, head gaskets, a bunch of seals and on and on! A total cost of about $4500 parts and labor! More than this POS is worth. I just had tie rod fixed for about $300.00. AND I'm told that the occasional hard-shifting of the automatic trans is due to a solenoid on the transmission needing replacement! For a 9yr old car this is just absurd! About 2 months ago I purchased an after-market warranty... now we shall see if that too was a mistake. As far as the transmission goes, I noticed a lot of posts with this problem... check the solenoid..it's about a $1000 repair job too! Right now, I think I have no choice but to buy another car or ride the bus. I too will never buy another Saturn.. their problems are 'astronomical'.
7th Apr 2008, 21:14
I have a 2000 LS2 that has the same problem. Wrench light comes on with Hard shifting, and turning off the car seems to reset it. This is the SECOND time replacing this Pressure Control Valve in the transmission. The first time it was under warranty 2 years ago. This time I have to pay a grand to get it fixed. The mechanic says Saturn knows about the problem and sent out a service bulletin about it, but no recall, so I'm stuck replacing it again. Also had the ignition freeze up, and had to replace that also. Same story, they know it's faulty but won't do a recall on that either. 2 expensive known problems with this model, that they won't do anything about. I'll never buy another one again.