97 Accent A/T issues

Alright, I will try to make this quick. I have a 1997 Hyundai Accent
GL with an automatic tranny. First off, just as a reference, (because
I have no owner's manual), should the tranny fluid be checked with the
car running in park or what? And, is it bad for the tranny if the
fluid is too high (too much?).
But just wondering, because I am having a problem shifting out of
park. When I start the car, whether it is cold, or had been running
for a long time, at least half the time, it WILL NOT shift out of
park. It is just locked in, and you can rev the engine, hold the
brake, put on the E-brake or anything, but it won't come out, you just
have to give it a minute. Anybody know what this could be?

But, before this started happening, I had a different problem with
park. I would pull into a parking spot or my garage, and put the car
into park. Then I would take my foot off the brake, and like above,
about half the time, it would pop right out of park (or being locked),
and want to roll in a direction as if it was in neutral.

So if anybody has any ideas of what could fix it, email me or respond,
and if you have had this issue, then definately let me know.
Thank you
John

 

From HyundaiUSA.com
__________________________

SERVICE MANUAL
Applies to: Accent 1997
GROUP
Transaxle/Transmission Automatic Transaxle System


?
DIAGNOSIS AND TEST FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION
Park the vehicle on a level surface.

Before removing the dipstick, wipe all dirt from the area around the
dipstick.

With the selector lever in "P" (Park) and the parking brake applied,
start the engine.

The engine should be running at idle speed and the fluid should be at
normal operating temperature [80-90°C (176-194°F)].

Move the selector lever to every position to fill the torque converter
and hydraulic circuit with fluid, then place the lever in the "N"
(Neutral) position. This operation checks that fluid level check is
accurate.

Check if the fluid level is in the "HOT" range shown on the dipstick.
If the fluid is low, add automatic transaxle fluid until the level
reaches the "HOT" range.


Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions because it allows
the pump to take in air along with the fluid. Air trapped in the
hydraulic circuit forms bubbles which will aerate the fluid, causing
pressures to be erratic. Improper filling can also cause the fluid
level to be too high. When the transaxle has too much fluid, the gears
churn up foam and cause the same conditions which occur with a low
fluid level, resulting in accelerated deterioration of automatic
transaxle fluid. In either case, air bubbles can cause overheating,
fluid oxidation, and varnishing, which can interfere with normal
valve, clutch, and servo operation. Foaming can also result in fluid
escaping from the transaxle vent where it may be mistaken for a leak.
Along with fluid level, it is important to check the condition of the
fluid. When fluid smells burned, and is contaminated with metal
bushing or friction material particles, a complete transaxle overhaul
is needed. Be sure to examine the fluid on the dipstick closely. If
there is any doubt about its condition, drain out a sample to verify.
After the fluid has been checked, seat dipstick fully to seal out
water and dirt.

 

possibly a semi-seized shifter cable?

 

Take it to the dealer. But try re-seating the connectors under the
battery tray first, one of them is the tranny command line. Hyundai
trannys tend to go a lot.