GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2003 🢒 ION 🢒 General Information 🢒 General Information 🢒 Transmission Fluid Replacement
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Place a drain pan under the transmission.

    3. Object Number: 866176 Size: SH
  3. Remove the lower tube assembly drain plug .

    4. Object Number: 866174 Size: SH
  4. Remove the lower tube assembly from the transmission. Allow the fluid to completely drain.

    5. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  5. Install the lower tube assembly into the transmission.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the assembly to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).


    Object Number: 866176 Size: SH
  6. Temporarily install the original lower tube plug. Do not tighten
  7. Lower the vehicle.

    8. Important: Do not use ATF (P/N 21005966 or P/N 21019223), these fluids are not compatible with this transmission.

  8. Add approximately 6.0-6.5 liters (6-7 quarts) of Saturn DEX-CVT® Fluid P/N 22688912 to the transmission.
  9. Install a scan tool.
  10. With the vehicle on a flat and level surface, start the vehicle.
  11. Circulate the fluid through the transmission using the following procedure:
    12. 11.1. With the brake applied, shift the transmission from the park (P) position to the reverse (R) position for 10 seconds.
    11.2. Shift the transmission to the drive (D) position for 10 seconds.
    11.3. Shift the transmission to the park (DP) position, allowing the engine to remain running.
  12. Raise the vehicle.
  13. Remove the lower tube assembly drain plug and discard.
  14. Follow the following procedure to assure proper fluid level:
    15. • If the fluid drains down at a steady stream from the opening, allow the fluid to drain until it stops.
    • If no fluid or a very small amount of fluid drains, add fluid to the transmission until a steady stream starts to drain. Stop adding fluid immediately. Allow the fluid to drain until it stops.
  15. Install a new lower tube assembly plug and clean any excess fluid from the transmission.

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

  16. Lower the vehicle

    17. Important: Do not remove the lower tube assembly drain plug.

  17. With the scan tool, record the TRANS FLUID TEMP.
    18. • If the TRANS FLUID TEMP is 20°C (68°F) or less, add 0.47 liter (0.5 quart) of fluid to the transmission.
    • If the TRANS FLUID TEMP is 40°C (104°F), add 0.71 liter (0.75 quart) of fluid to the transmission.
    • If the TRANS FLUID TEMP is 60°C (140°F), add 0.95 liter (1.0 quart) of fluid to the transmission.
    • If the TRANS FLUID TEMP is 80°C (176°F), add 1.2 liter (1.25 quart) of fluid to the transmission.
  18. Turn OFF the ignition.
  19. Add Saturn DEX-CVT® additive P/N 22697447 to the transmission using the provided applicator. Inject the entire contents into the transmission.