06 ION loss of power and shifts hard

[06SATURNION]

I have an 06 Ion automatic with a 2.2 engine. It has 54000 miles, and I bought it 1k miles ago, so I don't have much history with the car. It's been short on power...primarily in first gear. If you stomp on it, it's slow to accellerate and holds the gear pretty long....and then will eventually shift hard if you keep the gas on it, or if you let up, it will then shift relatively smoothly. It threw a P1818 engine code this morning as I was trying to accellerate out of 1st gear....which appears to be a "MFG Control Transmission" code...which doesn't mean too much to me. I tried putting Lucas fuel injector cleaner in it, and have a fuel filter to put in it...but am wondering if I'm wasting my time with knowing that a P1818 type code doesn't appear to have anything to do with Fuel. This issue has been on and off since I bought the car, but has become more prevalent as of late...and almost always happens with the car is cold. Anyone have any suggestions on how the best way to approach this code? I don't want to go into the dealer with a blank check. The guy at autozone said it might be able to be plugged into a computer and "re-tuned" for $50, but thought I'd get some more viable advice. THANKS IN ADVANCE for anyone advice or experience....

[2006 ion2]

you need a TCM reflash, which is covered by your warranty if you still have one (3 yrs 36000 miles basic, 5 yrs, 100,000 miles if you bought it certified used).

[06SATURNION]

Thanks for the quick advice. Is this something I should have done at the Saturn dealership, or at a transmission place....or where? Any ballpark what a fair price would on this?

[2006 ion2]

as far as I know only the dealership has the proper tool to flash these, they usually charge you 1/2 hour or 1 hour of labor.

[jeepinwi]

The Chevrolet dealership I worked at would charge 1/2 hour to reprogram a computer. That amounted to $53.00 after tax.

[06SATURNION]

Just to close the loop on this....you were exactly on. The TCM reset was the correct fix, and Saturn charged me $109 to do this ($55 for mandatory diagnostic test, $50 for TCM reset). Runs perfect now....really appreciate everyone's help on this!

[d_rock]

06saturnion, I'm really glad that solved it....2006ion2 was right on the nail as usual

Just want to say as an ex-S-Series DIY mechanic...I can't believe that I used to have to dismantle my tranny to do the input shaft nut and install new valve bodies...and now with the Ion all it needs is a reflash...amazing.