1994 Saturn SL2 - Automatic Transmission

Try starting from a stop with the lever engaging the lower gears

There is a good chance your transmission is controlled by a computer. So the shifter really only engages the parking prawl and a sensor, usually mounted on the trans, tells the computer what position the driver has selected. Check your fuses and then replace that switch and you will be good as new.

The transmission in your car has a computer controlled transmission. If you are having problems like you have written about, the only practical way to analyze the problem is to use a scan tool that will access the transmission information. The only tool that I know of that will do this is the Tech2 scan tool, which is the factory tool for GM & Saturn. Any shop that does much work with Saturn vehicles should have this tool in their arsenal of diagnostic equipment.

The nearest Saturn dealer is about 100 miles away. I called their service department and ended talking to one of their tech reps who has worked there for 19 years. I described the problem to him and he whistled and said that he's never heard of that particular symptom before. He had no recommendations for me....

I wouldn't put much stock in that answer. You need research the Technical Service Bulletins, google

Automotive Recall and Technical Service Bulletin Titles for 1994 Saturn Coupe L4-1.9L DOHC VIN 7.

04-07-30-013B FEB 07 Engine, A/T - Shift/Driveability Concerns/MIL ON 04-07-30-013B FEB 07 Engine, A/T - Shift/Driveability Concerns/MIL ON 01-T-09 MAR 01 A/T - Harsh Shifts/No Shift/No TCC Operation 97-T-41A DEC 98 A/T Control Solenoid Valve - Design Changes 96-T-42B NOV 96 A/T - Design Changes, Valve Body and Case ATRATB214A JAN 95 A/T - Manual Control Valve Positioning 94-I-05 MAY 94 A/T - Sluggish Upshifts Or No 4TH Gear When Cold 93-T-22A MAR 94 A/T - Harsh/Erratic Shifts/No Gear, Multiple Codes 94-T-08 MAR 94 Automatic Transmission - Design Changes

Where I live, our closest Saturn dealer is 150 miles. That is why my independent shop has the factory tooling to take care of problems such as this. Problems like this need to be analyzed to come up with what the real problem is. Yes, there are lots of bullitens written about things like this, but most times, the bullitens will give clues to what the real problem is at best. Find a shop that is interested in finding problems. Most of the guys that do this have gray hair and love researching out problems.