The thought of transmission repair will often cause one's heart to sink automatically--unfortunately, repairs to a vehicle's transmission are usually expensive, or if you decide to try and make the fix yourself, daunting due to the level of skill required. However, if your Hyundai transmission decides to go out, there are several options before taking her to the junk heap or diving in all alone. When the transmission in a Hyundai vehicle goes out, follow these steps before anything else to ensure that you've done all you can do on your own.
You may have owned your Hyundai for a long time before encountering transmission problems, or the transmission might seem to be faulty on a brand new vehicle. Before you do anything else, check out the Kelly Bluebook value of your vehicle and find the transmission model. Finding your Bluebook value will prevent you from making costly mistakes when performing repairs on your own, or looking for a shop that will repair your transmission for you--after all, there's no sense in paying more than the car is worth on a transmission fix. Many online resources will allow you to look up the transmission control type, manufacturer's code, and OEM manufacturer so you can begin researching fixes.
A "bad transmission" may mean any number of things. Do a point-by-point check on your Hyundai's transmission once you've determined what kind of transmission you have. Look for fluid leakage, an overheated unit, strange noises such as buzzing or humming, or problems shifting between gears. Each of these signifies something very different. For example, fluid leakage might be due only to gaskets that are broken or loose or missing pan bolts. These can be replaced easily on your own. Overheating might be the result of clogged lines, which must be fixed or replaced, either on your own or by a professional. If you diagnose the problem and can't fix it yourself, you'll at least be educated when you take it in for a fix.
Although rebuilding or replacing a transmission on one's own might be too tall and order for some, for you it might be a fun project that will save you time and money on a fix. Repair manuals for Hyundai transmissions can be purchased fairly inexpensively online or at the auto shop, and if you can attempt a fix on your own, you'll save plenty of money. If factory rebuild instructions aren't your cup of tea, and you've exhausted all the other options, contact a mechanic you trust. If he is honest, he'll tell you whether you can attempt a fix or whether you should bring it in for work--and he won't break the bank doing so, if at all possible.
