Transmission issue

2007 SATURN ION
150,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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HARTJEN
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A few weeks ago it started driving poorly. The transmission was very unresponsive. Engine starts and runs fine. It goes into all shift lever positions. No matter the input you give the car does not accelerate properly. Also, does not shift properly from gear to gear. Shifting requires you to let off the accelerator and then re-apply.

This is my daughters car and she says that nothing popped or sound like it broke while she was driving.

I believe that it is a transmission issue but do not want to start pouring money into the car without a good idea of what the issue is.

There is a CEL code but not transmission related (intake related).
Dec 21, 2017 at 11:46 AM
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STRAILER
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Hello,

It sounds like you could have a plugged catalytic converter but to be sure lets run some tests.
Here is a guide that will show you how to test the catalytic converter:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

We should also see if there are any codes present it could be a shaft speed sensor problem .

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
Dec 22, 2017 at 6:56 PM
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HARTJEN
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Ken,
Thanks for the response. I am working through the weekend and get home after dark. I will have to run the catalytic converter tests next week. I do have a P0411 Code - Secondary Air Injection System Incorrect Flow Detected.
Dec 28, 2017 at 7:30 AM
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STRAILER
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Yep that is a sign the catalytic converter is plugged as well. Let me know what happens, Ken
Dec 28, 2017 at 1:10 PM
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HARTJEN
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Ken,
I finally got around to temperature testing the catalytic converter. Temperature going in was 390 and going it was 270. Did not do any of the other tests you recommended. Wanted to know what you thought of those temperatures.
Mar 30, 2018 at 2:19 PM
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STRAILER
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The temperature going in was 390 and going out was 270? That is a sign of a bad catalytic converter. Should be the other way around.

Here is a guide and diagrams (below) of what it will take to replace it;

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/catalytic-converter-replacement

Check out the diagrams (below).

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Mar 31, 2018 at 11:42 AM
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HARTJEN
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Ken,
Thanks for all of the help up to this point. I pulled the O2 sensor and drove the car with very little change in performance. I am really leaning toward the catalytic converter being bad as you said it was.

California has not approved a catalytic converter for the 2007 Saturn Ion (2.2L). Only option is to buy OEM for $1,700.00.
Jul 18, 2018 at 6:11 PM
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STRAILER
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Try to undo the exhaust at the head pipe, it will be a little loud but you should be able to drive it around to confirm the issue before getting the catalytic converter. Did you check eBay?
Jul 19, 2018 at 10:37 AM
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HARTJEN
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Checked eBay and spoken to the state. Only option is OEM and nothing OEM found on eBay.
Jul 19, 2018 at 10:39 AM
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STRAILER
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Bummer, used maybe? Let me know what happens.
Jul 19, 2018 at 11:05 AM