New valve body part number ($$) for infamous transaxle problems

[JohnHupp]

NEWS FLASH! For 1990's Saturns (certainly '95 plus or minus a couple years) that shift into reverse slowly or slam when they do, or for Saturns that may not shift into upper gears when warm (often setting a diagnostic trouble code and lighting the Service Engine Soon indicator), a common solution has been to replace the upper valve body. The old upper valve body part number was 21005813 and commonly cost close to $200, but some dealerships that offered their parts around cost once sold them for about $100.

A couple months ago Saturn withdrew the old part number and is now offering a successor, part number 21009428, but it is the entire valve body, upper and lower, complete with actuators. But hold onto your hats--the new solution costs $500-600!! Individual actuators are still available at around $60 apiece, and the bus plate at around $120.

It seems that Saturn is still wrestling with the infamous transaxle problems and, except where actuator or bus plate problems can be cleanly diagnosed, will now force a replacement of the whole valve body to help assure that all possible causes are covered.

Anyone have more information on this development, or have any alternatives to offer in light of it?

[Low Saturn]

I believe $500-$600 is the price of installation at the dealer. The same as it's always been. At least thats what it was in 1995 when my 1994's and in 1998 when my 1993's and in 1999 when my brothers 1993 was replaced. All under warrenty.

[JohnHupp]

Originally Posted by Low Saturn

I believe $500-$600 is the price of installation at the dealer. The same as it's always been. At least thats what it was in 1995 when my 1994's and in 1998 when my 1993's and in 1999 when my brothers 1993 was replaced. All under warrenty.

These prices are from Parts departments, not Service. So no, the $500-600 is just for the new part number. I have read some posts that indicate that having the dealer do the installation results in a total bill of around $900 now, depending on your region.

[Low Saturn]

$500-$600 is still pretty steep. I just called my local parts dept. and got quoted $341.88. I'll have to remember that if I decide to put the automatic back into my SW.

[elvinrodr]

I just ran into one ot these today. The new part # is 21009428 ant it runs 511.00.