2000 saturn idle

Why did you replace the mass air flow sensor?What code's do you have now?

had hard shift problem and a lot of blogs said it's not the shift pressure solinoid but a MAF problem/ I was getting a MAF low voltage DTC and a Shift Press. solenoid DTC so decided to try the MAF route first as it's cheaper and easier. Both warning lights stopped and the codes went away. the shift problem has gone away(mostly)but now and then the idle drops so I have to hold the gas pedal a bit to start it. Runs fine once it starts.

Most the hard shift's on the L model saturn i have seen at least 95 percent of them has been caused by a bad line pressure actuator.I would check for code's even though the light isn't on.Also check for vacuum leak's.

No codes now. Vacuum check is where I'm at now because I hear a faint whistleing sound but wanted to ask if the line pressure actuator was bad wouldn't it do it all the time instead of just once every other week or so? Thanks

No i have seen a bad actuator act up every 2 week's even every month i have seen them not bad enough to set a code.When they set a code they will set a code P1811 usually in the transmission computer.I would check that hard plastic line that run's from the intake tube to brake booster all the other vacuum line's intake boot's etc.

OK thanks. one last ques. Ifit comes down to it, is changing the actuator really as time consuming as the dealer service dept claims. I found that changing out the A/C compresor took a whole lot less time than they wanted.

For me it would be pretty easy but i have done a lot of them.It will be a little more difficult without a lift screw jack air tool's etc.It's not too bad of a job you will also need a long thin screwdriver and a retractable magnet that help's to put the retaining clip in and out of the actuator.

thanks so much. Have a good New Year.

Your welcome