Transmission suddenly stopped working

Tiny
WCARR275
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
  • 2.7L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 269,000 MILES
The transmission just stopped working, without any indication. It was used that day and worked fine or normal. It was parked overnight and when we wanted it the next day it started but when put into gear there was nothing, no reverse or forward.
The transmission fluid is good, shift cable is working, car will not start in gear, only park and neutral. There does not seem to be any oil pressure on the lines though and no codes show up to indicate an electronic issue.
Not sure where to go from here.
Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 AT 7:08 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

The idea that it doesn't shift at all is odd. You indicated the fluid is clean and full. Can you let me know if the shift indicator is working? For example, does it indicate drive when you shift to drive?

I ask because there is what is called a range sensor which is what tells the computer what gear has been selected. If it fails, what you are experiencing could be the result.

I attached a pic below showing the range sensor. The highlighted point is where the connection is made. See if the plug is tight and not damaged.

Also, you indicated there are no codes. Are you using a scan tool that can read codes from the transmission control module?

__________________________

Here are the diagnostics related to the issue. I don't know if it is something you feel confident doing. However, I'm adding them if you can.

2002 Hyundai Truck Santa Fe GLS V6-2.7L
A/T - No Movement In Drive/Reverse
Vehicle Transmission and Drivetrain Technical Service Bulletins A/T - No Movement In Drive/Reverse
A/T - NO MOVEMENT IN DRIVE/REVERSE
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - NO MOVEMENT IN DRIVE OR REVERSE GEAR

MODEL: ALL

DESCRIPTION:

If you are servicing a vehicle with no movement in drive or reverse gear follow the procedure shown below:

REPAIR PROCEDURE:

1. Check for DTC in both the "Engine" and "Automatic Transaxle" menus:

If DTC are found, refer to TSB 05-40-008 or 04-40-020 for repair guidance.

If no DTC are found, go to Step 2.

2. Remove the dipstick and check the ATF for a strong burnt smell. If the smell does not provide conclusive results, remove the oil pan and check for metal particles in the pan:

If a strong burnt smell or metal particles are found, replace the transaxle

If not, go to Step 3

NOTE:
ATF that is a dark brown or black color does not indicate an internal transaxle concern; do not replace the transaxle. SPIII may change color to a dark brown after 10,000 to 25,000 miles in service. This change is normal for this type of ATF.

VERIFY THE RANGE SWITCH ADJUSTMENT:

3. Move the shift lever to "N".

Pic 2

4. Insert a 5 mm drill or MS (5 mm) bolt in the adjustment hole of the range switch. Check that the drill or bolt fits into the adjustment holes.

If not, go to Step 5

If so, go to Step 9

pic 3

5. Loosen the two 10 mm mounting bolts.

Pic 4

6. Disconnect the shift cable at the lever.

7. Insert a 5 mm drill or M5 (5 mm) bolt in the adjustment hole of the range switch. Tighten the two 10 mm mounting bolts to specification.

Specification: 7-8 ft. Lb

(10-12 Nm, 100-120 kg. Cm)

8. Move the shift lever to the "N" position. Attach the

shift cable to the lever and install the nut. Tighten the nut to specification.

Specification: 9-10 ft. Lb

(12-13 Nm, 120-130 kg. Cm)

Remove the 5 mm drill or M5 bolt.

Pic 5

VERIFY THE SIGNAL FROM THE RANGE SWITCH:

9. Attach a Hi-Scan Pro and select:

"Hyundai Vehicle Diagnosis"

Vehicle

Automatic Transaxle" menu

"Current Data" menu

"Select Lever Switch" and "Shift Position:

10. Move the shift lever to Reverse.

Monitor "Select Lever Switch".

If "R" is displayed, the TCM is receiving the correct signal from the range switch. Go to Step 11.

If not, check the connector at the TCM and the range switch for a bent pin or pin not fully inserted.

Check the wiring harness for an open or short circuit. If ok, replace the range switch.

Pic 6

11. Move the shift lever to Drive.

Monitor "Shift Position" and "Select Lever Switch".

If "D" and "GEAR 1" are displayed, the TCM is receiving the correct signal from the range switch. Go to Step 12.

If not, check the connector at the TCM and the range switch for a bent pin or pin not fully inserted.

Check the wiring harness for an open or short circuit. If ok, replace the range switch.

Pic 7

12. Install the A/T Tester, P/N 09450-AT000, to the vehicle:

Shift the transaxle to "D". Move the gear selector switch of the A/T Tester and shift manually in 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 gears (if equipped).

Pic 8

NOTE:
Use the "EF, XG" switch for side-pan transaxles and the "LC" switch for bottompan transaxles.

Disconnect the A/T Tester from the solenoid. Do not reconnect the harness connector to the solenoid. Shift the transaxle to "R".

If no movement replace the transaxle.

If the vehicle moves check the harness connector at the TCM and the solenoid for a bent pin or pin not fully inserted. Check the wiring harness for an open or short circuit.

If no problem is found swap a TCM from a similar vehicle and test for movement in Drive and Reverse. If the vehicle moves in Drive and Reverse replace the TCM.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 AT 6:36 PM
Tiny
WCARR275
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Good morning Joe,

Thanks for your help and comments for guidance.
Well lets start with a; no, I don't have a scan tool that's designated to transmission codes, its just a OBD ll Scan Tool, which I thought picked up all codes. All the other indicators mentioned are okay, oil levels, color, shifter and cable and smell. Since I am unable to use a diagnostic tool or access one, I will have to rely on years of manual troubleshooting. So at this point I will order and replace the range sensor as it appears to be a good chance of one of the problems noted in our conversations, if that is not it I will do the oil check for filter and metal fragments.
Below are some pictures, scanner, fuse box (for trans fuse), range sensor, dip stick with oil level an color. I will keep you posted on the replacement of range sensor.

Regards,
Bill Carr
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Thursday, March 11th, 2021 AT 9:44 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi Bill,

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, March 11th, 2021 AT 2:39 PM

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