My check engine light is on with a code for the.

BRANDY8232

MEMBER
2004 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
245,600 MILES

My check engine light is on with a code for the catalytic converters. I cannot afford that repair right now, but am wondering if it could be causing my more serious problem. When I put my car in drive it jumps into 3rd gear. It never up or downshifts, and it doesn't do it everytime I drive.
One friend said the clogged converters could be bogging down my engine. Another friend says there maybe a relay gone bad.
Is there a relay I can check?

7 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

A plugged cat can effect shifting when it won't up shift of you let up on the gas pedal a little will it up shift then?It can also cause a lack of power.A simply back pressure test will tell you if the cats plugged.

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Thursday, December 27th, 2012 AT 12:30 AM

FREEMBA

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1,152 POSTS

Are you saying that the vehicle jerks as it goes into DRIVE? (That's what I get from the post)

Also, please post the actualy code number your car has. It'll look something like this: P0145
This will help in our abiity to aid in the diagnosis of the problem.

Meanwhile, check your automatic transmission fluid.

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Thursday, December 27th, 2012 AT 12:32 AM

BRANDY8232

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3 POSTS

Thanks to you guys for the info.

To saturntech9: no, the car will not shift no matter how much or little gas I give it nor does it matter which gear I put it in (1st, 2nd, 3rd or OD). I will check into the back pressure test.

To freemba: the car does jerk a little when it jumps into gear, kinda like if I was driving a manual. I can back out of my drive way fine, but when I put it in OD and start to accelerate I hear a "click" under my dash, the car jerks/jumps into 3rd and then I'm bogged down on power with high rpm, sucking up my gas. Here's the kicker, it may do it 3 out of 5 times. 2 times it will run like a champ.

I did a quick scan at O'Reillys and I don't have the code off hand. I can get it.
Also, my fluid, if anything, maybe over filled. Would that cause a problem? I added a fraction of a quart of ATF 2-3 weeks ago, because I thought the dipstick showed low. The shifting problem started about 5 days ago.

Anybody know a dealer with overstock of 2012 Elantra GLS desperate for a sale?

Thanks for all your help!

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Thursday, December 27th, 2012 AT 1:24 AM

FREEMBA

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1,152 POSTS

Another thing, you could have a transmission code pending. However, most of the autp parts stores can't read the transmission codes, you'll have to go to a transmission shop to have those codes read (but don't agree to allow them to do any service until you post the codes here for further assistance)

By the way, nearly all of the Hyundai dealers here sound as if they are desperate to sell the 2012's (according to their radio ads).

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Thursday, December 27th, 2012 AT 4:02 AM

SATURNTECH9