Hyundai Repair: 1997 Hyundai Sonata Tranny Problem, hyundai sonata, clutch discs

Question
What is the difference between an overhaul and a replacement?
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-----Question-----
Hi...When my Hyundai is in drive, it won't go anywhere but it will move in reverse...Transmission or linkage? And if it IS my transmission, do you know about how much it will cost to fix it?

THANKS!!!
Nancy
-----Answer-----
The 1997 Hyundai Sonata transmissions were much less than reliable.  In most cases, the symptoms you describe are caused by an internal transmission failure that will require an overhaul or replacement.  To be sure, however, you should check the shift cable and the adjustment and operation of the inhibitor switch.  If that's good, you can pretty much draw the conclusion that you're looking at expensive repairs.

Cost will vary greatly by geographic location and the shop where you have the vehicle repaired.  You'd be best served by calling a few places to see what they'd charge to overhaul or replace the transmission with one that's already been remanufactured.  Be sure to call your local Hyundai dealer also.  Hyundai prices their remanufactured transmissions very competetively, so many dealers sell them for less than Hyundai's list price.

Answer
An overhaul is when your transmission is removed from your vehicle and all wearable, worn, and damaged parts are replaced.  You should get new gaskets, seals, o-rings, clutch discs, and anything else that was damaged or worn.

A replacement is when your transmission is removed and another one is installed.  Because of the reliability issues with the transmissions used in 1989-1998 Sonatas, I'd recommend against considering a used transmission as an alternative.  If your car is still worth enough to spend the money for installing a rebuilt transmission (one that's already been taken from another car and overhauled), that would be worth consideration.  Replacing with a brand new transmission won't get you significant additional transmission life, and therefore wouldn't be worth the additional expense.  Additionally, it's probably impossible to find a brand new transmission for your vehicle.  I doubt they're made anymore.