QuestionQUESTION: Hi, I have a 02 Hyundai Accent 2 door hatch back and I bought it used aug of 08. The guy ripped me off because about ten miles down the road my check engine light came on and I took it it get a whole car check up and I was told it was the transmission 3rd gear. My car will shift most of the time but has problems with 3 gear. If I let it slowly get up there then most of the time its fine but it will run with very high RPMS when it doesn't. Also when its cold out side even sometimes when its not it makes a loud squealing noise. Some one told me that it might be a bolt or belt that I could tighten on the transmission to fix both problems. I changed the trasmission fluid and check it all the time changing it did help alot but maybe you have some better advice.
Thanks,
Emily
ANSWER: Hi, Emily. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can adjust on the transmission that will solve this issue.
There are two things of prime interest to me:
-- The diagnostic trouble code(s) set in the transmission control module (TCM) and, if applicable, the engine control module (ECM). This will give me some idea of specifically what sort of problem the TCM thinks your transmission is having. Since there is no one component in this transmission (and most automatics) that would be considered a third gear, it isn't very clear what the check engine lamp indicates. This illustrates the primary reason I tell people to give me code numbers rather than what someone (or some tool) thinks the code indicates. In many cases, it simply isn't clear or the translation of the meaning of the code is just simply wrong.
-- Specifically what the transmission is doing. Do you mean it shifts through 1st and 2nd gears normally, and then when it shifts into third gear, revs up abnormally, and then is okay again as it shifts into fourth? Do you mean it remains in a lower gear (1st or 2nd) and won't shift up to the next gear? The more detail you can provide, the better I'll be able to tell you what the problem may be.
If you can follow up with any of the above information, it'll most likely be helpful.
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QUESTION: Ok it shifts fine into 1st and end and then like stalls once it get around third gear. I have to let off the gas and then slowly apply gas and it usually shifts. But if it dose not shift then it runs high RPM. Also I notice that when the squealing noise is made and I don't let it warm up that it runs worse. All I know is that when I got it checked out the man said it was third gear. As soon as I get past third gear it shifts fine I just have to go slow as first to get on the high way to let it work up to shift and then usually its ok. I hope this was better info. And I will try and get the codes for you. Can I go to auto zone or someone like that to get the codes??? Thank you so much, Emily
ANSWER: "It shifts fine into 1st and end and then like stalls once it get around third gear. I have to let off the gas and then slowly apply gas and it usually shifts. But if it dose not shift then it runs high RPM."
Does this mean that it stays in 2nd gear, or does it act more like it's in neutral?
Whether the Auto Zone can retrieve the codes will depend on their scanner/code reader. If it's able to access the TCM, then yes. If not, then they'll only be able to report to me the codes in the ECM, which won't tell me anything about the cause of a the transmission issue. Based on the information you've given me so far, it'll probably be the codes in the TCM that are key.
"Also I notice that when the squealing noise is made and I don't let it warm up that it runs worse."
I hadn't been aware of any squealing noise. This probably isn't relevant to anything occuring with the transmission, but can you tell me when it occurs, for how long, and under what circumstances? When you refer to running worse, does this refer back to the transmission issue you've been describing or something else?
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QUESTION: Thank you so much for the help so far and I will tey and get the codes asap. It acts more like netural and then either shifts an runs fine or down shifts. If it down shifts it will still increase in speed but riun with high RPMS. And as far as the squealing noise it only started about two months ago and is only made when the car is first started up in the morning or if is has been sitting for a while. Its just a really loud noise tht sounds to me like a belt and gets worse when I turn the wheel all the way. It does not stop untill it warms up. It never did it when it was hot but now since it has gotten cold and then warmed back up it dose it every time.
AnswerIf it's acting like it's in neutral, then you most likely have a serious transmission problem that will require overhaul or replacement. I'm still interested in the codes, though, just in case there's evidence that a simple solution is in order.
The squealing noise, on the other hand, is probably a loose belt. Typically, the alternator belt is loose, causing the exact squealing symptoms you describe.
