I have an early 08 (build Aug 07), I assume I don't have the new programming and sure enough I think the car shifts a bit awkward, especially when cruise is engaged.
What should I do to obtain the latest (May programming - do I talk to the dealer, what is the right way to request it? I don't like the idea of playing smart to the service advisor as this tends to turn them against you. The phones in ccaats post seem to be for the tech to call (not end user), no?

Thanks!

Has anyone gotten this flash and noticed a gas milage change?

Just got home from the dealer. They did the flush and I really, really like the way the vehicle behaves. Way better shifting and I feel the power now, really. Tried to rapidly accelerate on the highway a few times, very responsive and no lag or hesitation.

Mileage wise it is hard to say but I did notice an increase on the highway - mind you it was only a 35 mile trip and I also changed engine oil (Mobile 1 Synt) so too early to draw any conclusion but I got 24.5 mpg ! My average, if I don't go much over 75 mpg is between 21 - 22.5 mpg so far.

PS If you go to acadiaforum.net there is plenty of feedback from folks who applied the May08 flush

Good to hear. I think I plan on sticking with the stock programming for at least a little while. See if its really needed, and to be able to have a decent "before" gas mileage average.

With the drive by wire or whatever - throttle, it definitely leaves some points in the transmission and throttle where nothing happens when you press the pedal (unless you floor it for a second or two). But then again, it was setup that way to help with gas mileage i'm sure. So you really have to tell the car, I don't care about mileage....GO! Definitely one of those cases where i wish they had a ECONOMIZER/RACE Knob or button to adjust shiftpoints of aggressivness! haha

Yes, the phone number is for the service tech to call to get the download. The best thing to do is give the service dept at your Saturn dealership the tsb campaign #08-07-30-022 and tell them you have a hesitation or flat spot between 35-50 mph. Good Luck!

I am totally agreeing with disgruntled and lem6611. I noticed the shift problem immediately after purchasing my 08 XE. Took it to the dealer twice and they said there was no problem. It is extremely aggravating to be going up a slight incline and having this problem, but going up steeper inclines makes me angry. I drove a ford explorer and traded it in for this vehicle and am very sorry I did. My explorer ran beautifully....lemon might be the correct term for this vehicle. Not to mention the oil problem after each oil change.

I have an appointment on Tuesday to get the trans flash. Service chick was a little hesitant, I had to say I was experiencing the condition, not I want my peddle to react to my foot. I don't get GM's thinking on this one. We were driving to Pittsburgh a few weeks ago, in non stop rain. I was going up an incline around a turn at 45MPH and had to accelerate because of the car next to me drifting into us. I kept putting my foot closer to the floor until the Outlook responded. It responded by dropping 2 gears and breaking the tires loose, and we slid for the guardrail. I recovered, but if this caused an accident I would have sued GM for knowingly causing this issue for bogus gas mileage.

I've been driving for about 10 days now after the May 08 flash and the difference is very pleasant. We just spent a week on Cape Cod week driving 45-50 mph every day and the tranny holds the 5th gear nicely instead of shifting back and forth. It was a nightmare before.

Too bad it looks like my sunroof started leaking

just spoke with a service technician at the dealership I purchased my fruit of yellow color and he said if I get the transmission flush upgrade I will lose MPH. I said MPH and he said, oh I meant MPG. so it's either unpleasant shifting or unpleasant gas mileage....what will be next on this wonderful purchase

Well, everything in life comes at some cost. It is not different with the cars.

It is up to you to decide. This is why May 8 update is optional

The car is quite heavy and I'm still surprised it can do as well on fuel consumption as it does. Cpmpared to a (boring) van of any brand it does as well if not even better.

I opted to get the update and I am pleased with the results. Update delivers what promises at the stated cost.