Model: SL1 Automatic
Make: SATURN
Year: 2001

Issues:
Has been going on for about 1.5 years.... no engine light present.
Start the car -- Idle in park @ 800-900 RPMs (not sure if this is high)
Shift to reverse -- HARD SHIFT (loud as hell, makes engine jerk)
Shift to drive -- loud shift, not as severe as going from park to reverse (makes engine jerk)
Shift from 1st to 2nd -- HARD SHIFT
Shift from 2nd to 3rd -- HARD SHIFT
Shift from 3rd to 4th -- Less noticable as the previous 75% of the time, otherwise its a loud clunk + engine jerk
Shift from 4th to 5th -- hardly noticable noise


Me thinks it is trans. I'm a car retard tbh... anything here will be helpful!!!
need to know what i have to get replaced or worked on by my mechanic

what does the transmission fluid level look like?

you need the car running and at normal operating temperature when you check the transmission fluid. it could be low on fluid. have you noticed it slipping any or not wanting to engage reverse or first gear?

i don't really know the definition of slipping if you could explain it

if you mean that there is a delay after i switch from Park to Reverse then yes. Also as I get closer to shifting I feel like it should shift before it actually does because the RPM's get too high.
also, the engine jerks as i am decreasing from 2nd to 1st

not sure about fluid. i personally haven't checked it but my mechanic said there was nothing wrong with it.

This post was edited by Penguins0690 on Sep 12 2013 04:58pm

like when you put it in reverse or drive and hit the gas does it take off like normal or does it rev some like its in neutral. also when you drive down the road does it pull fine or does it seem like it jerks under normal acceleration.

takes off like normal. there is no issue AFTER it switchs gears, only DURING the shift. (best way to put it)
it jerks under normal acceleration when shifting.

only thing i can think of is sticky shift solenoids

Tranny mounts?

Honestly your best bet is to call your dad or uncles and go to a mechanic that they know and is good. Grt him to look at it.
If its been doing this for almost 2 years, i think its safe to say the transmission its self isnt fucked, just something els is out of wack. Buuut it may be too late now, afterr being slammed for that long. Never know.

i think a video is due. your idle is normal. but i agree with IBOT on transmission mounts.

Sounds like tranny and/or engine mounts. 900rpm isnt too high for idling in park.