1998 Elantra Tranny Problems, etc.

Howdy,

Car seems to be having transmission problems as it seems to be
slipping/racing between the low gears 1-2 2-3. Runs fine on the
highway when up at speed.

I just had the tranny fluid flushed & replaced at my local "quicky"
oil change place, but that didn't seem to help any.

I dread taking this back to the Hyundai dealer in Brooklyn, because
their rates are ridiculous, but before I attempt that solution does
anyone have any idea what may be wrong and the costs involved to fix?
Are transmission specialist places, i.e. AAMCO a better way to go?

I also have a few other things wrong with the car:

1) Broken inside door handle on the driver's side. This may be easy to
replace but I'm afraid that I may mess this up and totally break the
doors ability to be opened.

2) Gas gauge doesn't read correctly ~ below 1/2 full. We keep track of
when to fill using trip odometer.

3) Light out over the A/C-Heat controls. Hard to get at bulb to
replace?

Repair costs estimates on these would also be appreciated.

IMHO, the quality of this car leaves a lot to be desired and I don't
think I will be buying or recommending any Hyundai car in the future.

TIA,
Kevin

 

You'll have to get the transmission issue diagnosed, but I suspect a
transmission rebuild/replacement is in order. Hyundai factory
remanufactured transmissions are relatively inexpensive, so dealer prices
are often better than transmission chains on this repair. Price at my
employer: about $1875.

The door handle screws onto the door with one screw. Remove the screw,
slide the handle forward just a bit, and it should come loose. You'll
need to remove the lock and latch rods from the handle. Installation is
reverse of disassembly. Price at my employer: about $75.

I suspect you'll need a new fuel sender. You may wish to have this
diagnosed as well. Price to replace sender at my employer: about $175.

To get the heater control out, you'll need to remove the center dash trim.
There are two screws behind the ashtray and one behind the dash lamp
dimmer switch. You'll need to disconnect the heater control cables from
the heater box under the dash. The heater control is (I believe) attached
to the dash trim and it won't come off unless the cables are disconnected.
Once apart, replacing the bulbs should be easy. Price at my employer:
about $150.

Keep in mind that since I'm in the DC area, prices in your area are
probably a little bit higher, but these should ball park you pretty good.

 

Yikes! But thanks for the feedback.

Re: the above about replacing the door latch; the rub for me is
removing the lock & latch rods from the handle. Are they easy to
remove & re-attach?

Will need to talk to the boss about whether we go ahead with the other
repairs or just cut our losses and sell the car at a discount.

I knew I should have sold the car the last time it came out of the
shop & I was $900 poorer! :-(

Thanks again for the very detailed & informative feedback. If I could
I would nominated you for Hyundai "Tech of the Year".

Regards,
Kevin

 

There are two clips holding the rods onto the handle. Removal shouldn't be
a problem. You may need to use some needlenose vise grips or something to
get enough leverage to pull them out enough to clip onto the new handle.