Unfortunately, I made a grave mistake in taking on this vehicle. I'm pretty sure it's got a bad trans (no big surprise from what I read). Fairly confident I can't really do much about it since I am a 2nd owner and I don't think Saturn themselves would help me. So, just gonna go ahead and fix it since I really don't have many options at this point. I need to have a vehicle running to commute back and forth to work and take care of things related to my special needs son. So my question is somewhat compound:
Are there any interchanges with the transmissions in years? Can I use the same transmission out of a 2003? Or, can I use a 3.0L transmission? The reason I ask is because it seems I can't find the exact transmission I need. I did locate a few that were used with a year warranty. Figure I'll just get the trans in (have a close family friend willing to put it in for next to nothing), and then figure out what I want to do with it afterwards. BTW, please everyone do not be a dummy like me and DO YOUR HOMEWORK. If not, you will be like this

 

IS it a CVT? IF so do NOT replace it with another CVT -- they all self destruct eventually (can't remember what years they were an option)

 

I have the vin # , but I think I have the VTI? It seems like the 2002 4 cylinder FWD transmissions are all that way. And i realize duh, I cannot use 3.0L. So then I guess my real question is what years are compatible with 2002? I found some vague reference on the internet that the 2002-2005 are basically the same application? Just making sure I don't buy a transmission out of a different year, then find out that it doesn't fit.

 

Your local salvage yard should have a Hollanders exchange manual. They can tell you what will interchange, if anything.

 

Thank you Rubehayseed, I think this is the only real option I have. Well thank you all for the help anyway. I just hope I can resolve this issue!

 

In the correct hands it can be converted to a manual trans.

 

The only problem I have is that I am HORRIBLE at driving a manual. I've tried a few times over the years, but I just can't seem to get the flow right. I've never been able to get a car to go forward after reverse. It just stalls LOL that's hard to admit but true.

 

You know, I am sitting here talking to my husband about this, and we're basically are thinking maybe a manual is better. I was reading that replacing the clutch is cheaper then the transmission. My question is this, I remember seeing something a long time ago called a paddle shifter maybe? Basically helps those that are bad like me at this. My husband hasn't driven a manual in a while, but sure that he can brush up.

 

Paddle shift refers to the controls being on the steering wheel. It sounds like the hubby just needs to work on his coordination. Driving a manual shift isn't that difficult. I have a cousin that has down syndrome and she can drive a manual shift car just fine. She's not 100% down, but about 50% or so. Kind of hard to explain.

 

Well hopefully I find an option soon...The bad thing is I have a mechanic I've been using for 10 plus years, and he doesn't want to do a conversion. I feel that he knows it's a lot of work, and would probably feel more comfortable in just switching them out. I called this 800 # I found, and they said that I could have someone inspect the vehicle, and there's a chance I could get something for it. I really only did it because I figured what's the worst that could happen? lol...I tried calling a couple of junk yards for what options are available, and they keep referring me to a dealer. They say that the 2002 transmission is specific to the vehicle, but I'm not sure. I am just getting that heavy dreadful feeling this is not going to work out well for me at all...