Here's the procedure if your ION has the VT25-E transmission:

nstall a scan tool.

Start the engine.

Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever from PARK to REVERSE for 10 seconds.

Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever from REVERSE to DRIVE for 10 seconds.

Move the shift lever back to PARK. The engine should remain running.

Remove the plug from the center of the fluid fill lower tube. The fluid fill lower tube is located on the bottom of the unit.

NOTE
Important

Do not use ATF P/N 21005966 or P/N 21019223. These fluids are not compatible with this transmission.

Use Saturn DEX-CVT® Fluid P/N 22688912.

If fluid drains down as a steady stream from the opening, wait for it to stop. If fluid does not drain from the opening, add more fluid until it starts to drain as a steady stream, then stop adding fluid immediately. Allow fluid to drain until the fluid stream stops.

NOTE
Important

The normal use color for DEX-CVT® fluid is green or light brown. Fluid may also turn dark brown from normal use, and does not always indicate contamination. Fluid that is very dark or black and has a burnt odor usually indicates contamination or over heating.

Inspect the fluid color.

Inspect the fluid for metal or other debris which may indicate transaxle damage.

Inspect the fluid for a cloudy or milky appearance which may indicate engine coolant contamination.

Replace the plug.
Tighten the plug to 11 N·m (97 lb in).


On the scan tool, observe the Trans. Fluid Temp. and record the temperature.

If the Trans. Fluid Temp. is 20°C (68°F), add 0.50 qt (0.47 liter) of fluid to the transmission. Do not remove the plug.

If the Trans. Fluid Temp. is 40°C (104°F), add 0.75 qt (0.71 liter) of fluid to the transmission. Do not remove the plug.

If the Trans. Fluid Temp. is 60°C (140°F), add 1 qt (0.95 liter) of fluid to the transmission. Do not remove the plug.

If the Trans. Fluid Temp. is 80°C (176°F), add 1.25 qt (1.18 liters) of fluid to the transmission. Do not remove the plug.

 

It has the Aisin AF-23, looks like the fluid is spot on.


My trans is shifting hard between 2-3 and 3-4. I've had cars do this in the past and its just been a sticky valve, pour in some Lucas tranny fix and problem solved.


Lucas claims there trans fix is compatible with all trans fluids, has anybody ever used this in one of these trans??

 

I sure can, I don't like to disappoint either.

Tell yuh what, keep up with my ion in that l-series, and you can have golden chocolate eggs for life!!

I'll even be nice and use my 03

 

I have no nor do I own an Ion, t, but since Goalie won't answer you, my best guess is that as long as it is NOT the CVT (completely valueless transwannabe), you should be fine.

Nothing terribly exotic about the AF23 that I know of

One of its best points is that it is not the CVT

 

I use Lucas in my 700R4 on my Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon. It allows her to shift a little more smoothly with out the hesitation I was getting between the 2-3 up-shift. I'm trying to prolong the life of her transmission for as long as I can. She currently has 199,120 miles on her. Lockup is gone after she reaches normal operating temperatures. Guess I'll be rebuilding it next year sometime. I wish I could turn her into a Garage Queen but she's my daily driver. She's just to darn comfortable to stop driving.

 

Why not add her to your Sig?

 

Dipstick in front of trans and down low. Held in by 12mm bolt.


Proper place to fill is on top 8mm Allen head.

 

Nice pix.

1 pic = 1K words

 

I have a 2006 saturn ion coupe 2.4L how do I check the transmission fluid

 

cold, do you have a owner's manual? It's in there. Before you add any fluid, you need to understand there is different kinds of Transmission fluid used in the Saturn Ion. The 5 speed automatic CVT2/M75 Takes T-IV Transmission fluid. Different fluids have certain frictions added to it to perform certain ways.