QuestionMy Accent is having 2 issues:
1) Random episodes of not starting. It cranks just fine (not slow or anything), but won't start. I had the spark plug & cables checked out, but that didn't help much. Also, the engine light does come on when starting. The battery passed the cold crank test. It will eventually start, after several turns of the key and waiting...
2)It also shifts roughly, and seems to stick in third gear when it should upshift to fourth. I've had all of the reprogramming updates input by Hyundai, with some improvement. Please help! I've taken it into several shops, all of whom say that everything checks out and to bring it back in when it is acting up.
Answer1. For the not starting issue, I'd recommend checking the fuel pressure first. The symptoms you describe are consistent with a fuel pressure regulator allowing the fuel pressure to bleed off.
It'll also be useful to know whether the check engine lamp illuminates during the bulb check and whether you have spark at the spark plugs.
All your checks will need to be done while the condition is occurring to know whether the item being checked it causing the problem. If you check while the condition isn't occurring, the results of all checks are likely to be normal. Your best hope for finding the cause of the problem while it's not occurring is to find a diagnostic trouble code in the engine computer.
2. For the rough shifting and sticking in third, you should start with checking the fluid level. Make sure it's correct. If low, check for leaks and add enough to bring to the proper level. If high, drain enough to bring to the proper level.
Then check for diagnostic trouble codes in the transmission computer. If there are any codes stored, they should be resolved.
Beyond that, it'll probably be necessary to be viewing the data from the transmission computer when the problem is occurring in order to understand why the transmission is doing what it's doing. It's possible that it's nothing more serious than a defective fluid temperature sensor or overdrive switch.
Based on your comments, it sounds likely that the dealer has already checked for diagnostic trouble codes and found none. It also sounds likely that the problems are intermittent. Without diagnostic trouble codes, the next most instructive item for a mechanic is to actually experience the problem. First, he'll often be able to gather information solely based on the behavior of the car. Second, he'll be able to run some tests while the condition is occurring. If you can demonstrate the issues, you should request the technician ride with you so you can show him what the issue is. If the problems occur once every few days or more frequently, I'd recommend requesting the shop to have a technician drive the car overnight as necessary for a few days in an effort to duplicate the issues.
