QuestionI just bought a '93 Elantra with automatic trans, 1.8 engine and 136,000 miles on it. I was driving at nite, stopped and restarted the car with overdrive off, and noticed the headlights and electric windows werent working- although the marker lights and dashboard lights were working. Put the car back in park with o/d off still, and a terrible grinding noise started in park only. Husband came along, took car off overdrive, and it worked fine. Next day, went to start it, did the same thing, no power windows, no headlights, grinding noise in park even with overdrive on this time. The ignition is hard to turn, and the transmission seem to slip sometimes at at about 50 miles per hour. The car shakes a lot when running too. Does that year have a smog pump in it? Appreciate any input! Nicky
AnswerI hate to say it Nicky, but the repairs on this car will probably cost more than the car is worth. This vehicle is notorious for having transmission problems.
We'll start with the electrical issue and the grinding. Since you say the ignition is difficult to turn, I suspect that the ignition lock may remain in the "start" position and not return to the "on" position. This will make the starter stay engaged (the grinding noise) and will prevent some items from receiving power. You should figure out whether the problem can be fixed with a new key or whether you'll require a new lock cylinder. In the mean time, monitor the key and turn it back to the "on" position if it doesn't return there on its own. It's doubful that the overdrive had anything to do with these issues. I'd suspect that your husband may have simply turned the key back when he started the vehicle.
As for the transmission slipping, it's likely an internal transmission issue, but there are other possibilities. To find out the cause, you'll need to invest some money in a professional diagnosis.
This car does not have a smog pump.
