Q: Transmission lost all fluid I refilled it and now you step on gas and car wont go. 2003 Saturn Vue

asked by on March 05, 2017

This transmission is a closed unit as I was told...you couldn't even check the fluid with a dip stick when it seemed to be acting funny...I was told to put in a new transmission and it would cost $5000...

My car has 100000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Gears slipping when accelerating Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello - if the vehicle was driven any distance with low fluid, major damage could have occurred. If the transmission now has a proper, clean fluid level, and won’t move in any gear, there is likely serious damage. I would recommend a transmission inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

When Should I Change My Transmission Fluid?
Great question! I’m going to assume you’re asking about an automatic transmission. The answer is: it depends! I suggest starting by looking at the manufacturer’s schedule of maintenance recommended for your particular vehicle in the owner’s manual. Between 30,000-60,000 miles...
How do you set your headlights to auto?
Not all Altimas have auto headlights, but if your car is equipped with this feature, it’s simple to use. Turning your headlights to auto will allow your headlights, parking lights and other interior lights to turn on when the level...
Steering wheel making funny noise
Is this noise coming from inside as if from the column itself? Or is the noise coming from under your hood in the engine area? Do you hear it under the car? When you turn your steering wheel it is...
Lack of power and idling in 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2.0.
Those cars have a limited life span. First thing you want to do on the one that's has 205,000 miles is to get a mechanic and do a wet and dry compression test of the engine. That will tell you...
My brakes are not working very well
A hard brake pedal indicates a lack of power assist, so you're on the right track with the brake booster. Lack of power assist may be due to low engine vacuum, a leaky vacuum hose (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/vacuum-hose-s-replacement) to the brake booster,...
Ball joints replacement, dash lights came on
The code that you are describing goes to the right front speed sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-speed-sensor). I cannot assume that the last repair you've done damaged the sensor or it just went bad. I would have the front right sensor inspected to...
Is it normal for the crankshaft pulley to be stuck if the car is off. The serpentine belt is removed.
The only pulleys you should be able to turn by hand when the serpentine belt is not in place are: the water pump, alternator, and power steering pump pulleys. The air conditioning compressor has a clutch on it that should...
Car has problem starting
If you suspect battery then I guess you're saying that the car has problems cranking; in that the starter motor seems to be turning more slowly when you turn the key. A car made in 2002 should probably be on...
Used wrong oil, then installed new radiator 3 days later now car won't move forward when put in drive
Hello, thank you for writing in. Unfortunately you are in a situation where multiple variables are not helping the problem. To start, having the car weighted down does add extra load to the engine and can cause overheating. Secondly the...

Related articles

2007 Nissan Versa vs. 2007 Saturn Ion: Which One Should I Buy?
Compact cars as a class are generally meant to be commuter vehicles: with excellent gas mileage, an entry-level price point, and decent safety ratings for those who are on the road the majority of their time. These cars also make...
What Does the DSG Transmission Too Hot Light Mean?
When the DSG transmission too hot light is on, your engine needs to shut off and cool down before serious damage occurs.
How to Check and Add Fluid to an Automatic Transmission Car
Checking and keeping your transmission filled with a good level of fluid will help give you a seamless experience when driving.