Automatic Transmission Control Module Problems of Saturn Outlook

3-5-r waveplate in transmission is known defective. Transmission first went out at ~4 years old and 50,000 miles leaving us stranded. About 1 year later tcm (valve body) in transmission failed (likely debris from waveplate failure). Forcing you to pull over and turn car and off hope it would begin shifting again. Fortunately, made it to dealer under its own power for that one. Gm did not cover this, $1000 out of my pocket. 8 years old and 99,000 miles waveplate out again stranding us on highway. . . Again. 2 weeks later the transmission went out again, this time shaft that holds gears was scarred up (likely debris from waveplate failures) stranded again and $3200 to fix with some help from gm. 2008 to 2013 acadia, Outlooks, traverse, enclave all having this issue stranding people on roads.

See all problems of the 2008 Saturn Outlook 🔎.

I was driving my new 2007 Saturn Outlook, and going to pick-up my children, on a highway, it wouldn't go into 2nd gear. Also, it was making a clunking/grinding noise. Luckily no one was behind me because I couldn't drive the speed limit as required by law. I feel as if it put my life as well as my children's life in danger. This isn't all, my rpm meter was going all over the place. Then my check engine light came on, and of course I had to take it to see what codes it pulls up. My certified mechanic reviewed and tested the transmission control module which is bad. Yes, this could've been worse but gm has put more than myself in danger but also anyone who's driving these vehicles and they either won't go or just shut off.

See all problems of the 2007 Saturn Outlook 🔎.

Transmission control module tcm is bad.

The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Outlook. While driving approximately 35 mph, the check engine light and the transmission hot message illuminated on the instrument panel. The accelerator pedal failed to respond when depressed and there was a sudden increase in engine rpms. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

Transmission would not upshift from 2nd gear. Engine was warm and had been driving for 6 miles. I was accelerating to reach highway speeds in the left lane in heavy traffic. As it tried to go from second to third gear, the check engine light came on and it would not shift. I limped the car off the highway (much slower than the traffic honking and trying to avoid hitting me) and could only get the gears to reengage after completely powering down the car and cutting all auxiliary power. Then after restart, the gears worked properly again. After transmission teardown, we have identified that the wave plate has broken lose and additionally damaged the transmission control module, and clutch assembly.

Power train warranty expired 11/1/13 and now my Outlook won't go reverse, 3rd or 5th, check engine light illuminated, I'll take it tomorrow to the dealer and find out if it's the same problem everyone has been having with the tcm or if it's the reverse clutch plate (waved). I also have the other common problem with the leaky sunroof, water comes down the driver floor board by the parking brake. This is my first gm and it looks to me like it's going to be my last. I'm going back to Toyota! I wish I had known all of these problems, I would had never bought this SUV if I knew this info exist online, live and learn! I can't believe gm knowingly allows these problems go on and won't do anything to correct it.

Driving on highway, transmission would not shift properly. Fortunately traffic was light, and I was able to exit the highway without an accident. Dealer advised fluid pressure switch/transmission control module needed to be replaced. One year previous, transmission wave plates needed to be replaced.

April 2012 was the first transmission failure incident. Under warranty at this point 63000 miles. Check engine light comes on transmission not shifting properly, pressure plates had disintegrated in transmission metal in transmission fluid. GMC honored warranty and took care of problem. 22000 miles later, 2 years pass, check engine light comes on and transmission not shifting changing gears properly. Car was used for 20 minute round trip commute to work, local shopping. Occasionally a 4 hour round trip recreational get away. No towing or hauling. Less than average driving. Took vehicle to my mechanic, informed that transmission codes 0752, 0700. My mechanic refers me to a transmission specialty shop, as he didn't have the ability to perform necessary repairs diagnostics. At the transmission specialty shop, scan code 0989 transmission fluid pressure switch, shift solenoids stuck on. Advised we need a new tranny, as he also found metal particles in transmission fluid. Advised 4 thousand dollars is what it would cost to replace transmission. Here we go again same problem that gm fixed 2 years ago 22000 miles ago. The dealer who originally did repairs 2 years ago said out of warranty now you have to pay out of pocket. Called gm head quarters. They had car picked up by tow truck from tranny specialist shop, and towed 30 miles away to chase Chevrolet 30 minutes away. They have had my car almost 2 weeks now. They finally call me day number 12 to tell me they found code 0989 and would have to replace the transmission control module, at a cost of 800 dollars to me and gm would pick up the other 400 dollars, a 1200 dollar repair. I asked about the metal in the transmission fluid, service guy tells me if I want them to check on that issue, as reported by tranny specialist it would cost me and additional 24 hundred dollars to tear engine apart!.

9/20/2010 - mileage - 77,245 - engine was straining; requested checkout by dealership, however, dealership could not duplicate the issue; dealership indicated a bulletin for hesitation in transmission, so they reprogrammed the transmission control module (tcm); repaired under owner's extended warranty. 06/02/2011 - mileage - 86,232 -- check engine light came on; transmission was not shifting gears properly; vehicle towed to dealership. Dealership indicated code p0776 was detected. Dealership found fluid was burnt and contaminated with metal; removed transmission and tear down; found 3/5/r wave plate broke and damaged several hard parts. Replaced reaction sun shell ad end cover. 3/5/r wave plate clutch housing; removed debris and replaced filter. Reassembled with new parts, reset taps, set toe flushed cooler lines; vehicle was repaired under owner's extended warranty. Dealer indicated repair would have been around $4,000 if costs were out-of-pocket. 09/04/2013 - mileage - 134,349 - check engine light came on; when taking off from stop light onto main road, engine jolted; transmission was not shifting properly into appropriate gears. Scheduled vehicle for appointment and had vehicle towed to dealership. Dealership indicated codes p0989, p0877, p0752, and p0700 were set on vehicle. In short, transmission control module issues. Cost of repair $1,250. Gm provided assistance of $450. Cost to owner is $800 for repair. Vehicle is currently at dealership being repaired as of 09/11/2013. Vehicle has lost power while driving causing vehicle to be unsafe. There are too many transmission issues on this vehicle for a recall not to have occurred. It is not "just" for the consumer to come out of pocket every two years to band-aid a faulty transmission design.