VUE AWD V6-3.5L VIN 4 (2004)
Case: All Technical Service Bulletins
A/T - VT25E Grind Rattle in Park/Neutral On Cold Start
Bulletin No.: 04-07-30-032A
Date: January 05, 2006
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Grind/Rattle Noise from Transaxle in Park and Neutral After an Extended Cold Soak Following Case Cover Replacement or Other Internal Transaxle
Overhaul (Replace Case Cover Assembly, Torque Converter and Filter)
Models:
2003-2005 Saturn ION, VUE Vehicles
with VT25E Transaxle (RPO M16 and M75)
Attention:
Fixed Operations Manager and Technician
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised with updated Correction and Part information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-07-30-032 (Section 07 -
Transmission/Transaxle).
Condition
After a VT25E transaxle overhaul or case cover replacement (performed prior to the release of polyacrylate [PA] sealant, P/N 24233365), some
customers may comment on a prolonged grinding or rattling noise that occurs during the initial start of the vehicle, immediately following an extended
cold soak, or after the vehicle has not been driven or operated for several hours. The grind/rattle noise may be present in Park and Neutral and may last
between one to ten minutes in duration, or until the internal transaxle fluid temperature reaches or nears normal operating temperature of 82°C (180°F).
Cause
Following a VT25E overhaul or case cover replacement using the old anaerobic sealant (P/N 22722716), excessive sealant inside the transaxle may
cause oil pump filter restrictions, resulting in various performance issues and/or a prolonged grind rattle noise during initial start-up.
Correction
Evaluate the vehicle for the grind/rattle noise condition. If noise type and duration match the symptoms for this condition, thoroughly flush the transaxle
oil cooler, replace the case cover assembly, torque converter, filter and transaxle oil cooler lines if necessary.
Service Procedure
1.
Verify the customer concern of prolonged grind/rattle from the VT25E transaxle during initial cold start.
2.
Observe the type and duration of noise experienced.
^
A grind/rattle noise that is only present for 1-3 seconds following initial engine start-up is considered normal, due to a short purge time
necessary to remove any air in the inlet side of the oil pump. No repair is authorized for this type of noise and/or duration of noise following
initial engine start up.
^
Noise not present during initial engine start-up, but is only noticeable during low speed driving maneuvers. For this type of noise condition,
refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 03-07-30-051A.
^
Noise is present between one to ten minutes in duration, in Park and Neutral and will gradually dissipate as the transaxle fluid temperature
reaches or nears normal operating temperature. Proceed with replacement of the Case Cover Assembly, Torque Converter and Filter. Flush the
cooler lines using the flushing procedures in Corporate Bulletin Number 03-07-30-022.
Important:
Vehicles built with previous design transaxle oil cooler lines containing the oil bypass valve will need to have the transaxle oil cooler lines
replaced. For vehicles built with previous design transaxle oil cooler lines, replace with new design transaxle oil cooler line, P/N 22724408. If
no bypass valve is present, the transaxle oil cooler lines can be flushed with cooler and re-used.
