Hyundai Repair: Hyundai Accent Transmission, hyundai accent, humid weather


Question
QUESTION: Hyundai Accent GL, 2001. 1.5, 4 cyl. Auto. Canada. I have searched for answers to my questions and found some related answers, however, every situation is unique and I will try to explain everything in detail.

I bought this car a little over a year ago, it seemed to have transmission problems (slipping, gears not shifting), I took the car to my dealer and they had flushed the transmission and cleared out the codes in the computer. Or so I have been told. The car has been running fine for about a year.  I also took it to 2 different mechanics at that time and they found 5-6 codes (which have been cleared). Unfortunately, I do not have the codes anymore, since the transmission was working fine.
Lately the car has had the followong symptoms: transmission would switch to the third gear and stay. Would not switch to second or fourth. Obviously, there was barely any acceleration after a stop. This seemed to be happening only in humid weather at first, but maybe that's just a coincidence. I had to turn off the engine and the problem would go away.  Now the transmission also jumps and takes a long time to switch from first to second. I had those problems about once a month, and now it happens everytime I drive.
Things I used to do before that made the transmission work properly - changed or added the oil to the engine to the proper level (because my engline oil is leaking, but not on the ground, and I am getting that fixed right this moment). By the way that does not help for too long anymore.
I do understand that the problem is electrical, because it goes away and comes back.
Now, I am planning on scanning the car for error codes again, and I was wondering if the problem is with the pulse generator? Or is it because of the leak in the engine? Wiring problems? Sensors?
The milege on the car is 114000, I drive it carefully all the time, never even going faster than 100 km/h.

Sorry if this is too long, if You need any more clarifications, please ask.

I appreciate your time.
ANSWER: The key to figuring out what is occurring will be the stored diagnostic trouble codes.  The pulse generators are a reasonable likelihood.  

On U.S. models, a false P0722 code was induced by electromagnetic interference in the vehicle speed sensor circuit.  There's a reprogram available to correct the TCM's sensitivity to this interference.  Unfortunately, I do not know whether you have the same issue in Canada.  If you have code P0722, you should probably take the car to the dealer for diagnosis and possible reprogramming prior to replacing the pulse generators.

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QUESTION: Hello, I did go to the dealer and had my car scanned. 4 codes came up. Is there a point to ask you what should be done next since the system is different?
ANSWER: I believe the code system is the same, so if you report the code numbers I can at least tell you what they mean.  In most cases, I can also give you some guidelines as to how to proceed.  If P0722 is one of the codes, however, you'll need the dealer to tell you whether there is a possible reprogramming fix for that issue.

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QUESTION: Hi, thank you for the fast reply.
The codes are:
P0442 - EVAP CODE (?)
P1586 - 1-4 GEAR RATIO PROBLEM
P0501 - VSS (VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR NO SIGNAL)
I was asked if my speedometer was working properly. It always does. Maybe the computer doesn't get a reading and that affects the transmission?
The code you mentioned did not come up. The fourth code that came up has to deal with the exhaust in the front. (has a little whole, I am fixing that right now).
Hope this clears things up.
Another thing I wanted to tell you is that if I accelerate fast (after a startup) the transmission switches like new! It is only after a few minutes it goes out (usually when it has to switch back).
I have also asked the dealership to clear out the codes and they came back.
I also did some research on hyundai. I found this: (its for my model.

Transmission problems: If transmission sticks in 3rd, shifts poorly, or has harsh 1-2 shift, the pulse generator may need to be replaced. (2000-2002)
Transmission slippage: Poor shifting, slippage or a transmission that will not shift out of third gear can often be traced to corroded connectors or other problems in the wiring, which may require replacement of the wiring harness. Other shifting problems may be caused by a problem with the transmission-fluid temperature sensor or pulse generator. (2000-01).

Sorry if it's too long again.
ANSWER: P0442 has nothing to do with the transmission problem.  It indicates a small leak in the fuel vapor management system.

P0501 indicates that the transmission control module is either not receiving the vehicle speed signal or is receiving an incorrect signal.  On your car, the speedometer is cable driven, and the signal originates with the speedometer.  It's possible the speedometer isn't sending the signal or that there's some problem in the wiring, or, in light of the P1586 code, with the TCM itself.

P1586 is a code I cannot recall seeing before.  The best description I can find is "mt/at encoding error."  The fact that this is an engine management code suggests that the engine control module is having difficulty communnicating properly with the transmission control module on one of the communication lines.  

Based on the trouble codes and your symptoms, it's pretty safe to say the following:
1.  Your problem is electrical in nature.
2.  The issue is neither due to pulse generators nor the fluid temperature sensor.
3.  You should definitely have this diagnosed by the dealer.  Due to the lack of clarity regarding the code, you'll want the car with someone that can contact Hyundai directly to find out more information if necessary.  
4.  The diagnosis will likely involve significant time and expense.

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QUESTION: Hmm... intresting. I am hoping the problem is just with the wiring, because the problem went away before and it wasn't as bad as it is now. Should I just got to my local Hyundai dealer and ask them about the code? Would it be simple to check the wiring with a good mechanic I know, or does the car need to be practically taken apart?  

Answer
Hi.  I just wanted to follow-up with you because I had another questioner ask me about the P1586 code, and while researching his question, I stumbled across a TSB which may well discuss your problem with this code.  

Go to www.hmaservice.com and register for a free account-- site requires Internet Explorer.  Enter 2001 Accent and view technical service bulletin 03-40-001.  The bulletin describes possible corrosion in the transmission control diode, gives a diagram of its location, and provides a procedure for checking and repairing.