I don't know if this helps but, I ran into the same problem this year. Failed inspection due to that problem. Mine was intermittant though and I knew exactly how to make the light come on. I also have an OBDII scanner that I would simply clear off the codes. I assume your check engine light is on. Does it every go off or does it stay on all the time. Weeks on end. I live in a very cold area and found this to be the main catalyst for running into this problem. I would go out in the morning, hop in my car and leave for work without warming it up. I would also pull into my driveway instead of back in. If I pulled in and went to leave in the morning, I would of course put the car in reverse to leave, back out, than switch to drive. The car would not go forward and acted as if it wasn't in gear for a few moments, it would finally engage but kick the light at the same time. My remedy has been to back my car into the driveway. I usually warm my car up in the morning but if I only have to put the car into drive when it's really cold, I have no problems. I know this is lengthy and may not solve your problem.
only in California
The speed sensor on a 1999 Saturn SL1 is under the transmission. It is below the fittings for the transmission cooler lines.
how do i replace a transmission sensor switch on a 2001 l-series saturn
IT IS MOST LIKELY THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPATURE SENSOR
Check
It has none.
Vehicle speed sensor malfunction. Most likely you have a failed output speed sensor on the transmission.Vehicle speed sensor malfunction. Most likely you have a failed output speed sensor on the transmission.
The vehicle speed sensor is located on the side of the transmission. The sensor will be on the right hand side of the transmission, and should be labeled as such.
Automatic: It is located above the transmission fluid filter on the front of the transmission. Manual: There is no Transmission fluid trmperature sensor for the Manual transaxle
The speed sensor is located on the far backside of the transmission. the unit accually threads into the transmission case itself. the unit is very simple to replace once you get under the vehicle. please view my BIO for access to my Saturn help site. under the transmission folder is a picture of the speed sensor in relation to the transmission.
The sensor is on the transmission above the right drive axle two wires to it
The camshaft sensor on a 2000 Saturn is located on the firewall side behind the lower engine assembly. The camshaft sensor is the last one with a connector facing the transmission.