Transmission issue, jerks when put in reverse, will not change gears

Tiny
SANDY555
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 KIA OPTIMA
  • 0.7L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 195,724 MILES
I had code read all that's showing is a vacuum leak.
Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 AT 9:01 AM

17 Replies

Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

Can you provide us with the code so we can properly diagnose the problem? This will help. Thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 AT 6:09 PM
Tiny
SANDY555
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  • 10 POSTS
The shop I took it to didn't give me the code. Just told me is was showing a vacuum leak.
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Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 AT 6:47 PM
Tiny
SANDY555
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
We fixed what we hoped was causing the vacuum leak. Car still not shifting.
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Thursday, November 7th, 2019 AT 9:38 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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We will need the code number to help you fix the problem. here is a guide to help you get the codes:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 12:59 PM
Tiny
SANDY555
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I was finally able to get the code; it is p1602.
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Friday, November 15th, 2019 AT 3:28 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again,

It sounds like you are having a problem with the TCU (transmission control unit). I've attached a diagnostic chart below to help test. Hope this helps and thanks for again for using 2CarPros.
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Friday, November 15th, 2019 AT 4:52 PM
Tiny
SANDY555
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
My hot battery cable was extremely loose is there a way to reset the TCM.
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 6:32 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,526 POSTS
You can just clear the codes and it should reset. here is a video to show you how:

https://youtu.be/ahK_eucFi-k

Please run down this guide and report back.

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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 11:00 AM
Tiny
SANDY555
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Had the code cleared. Shifted good. But when I started the car back up again had the problem again
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Saturday, November 16th, 2019 AT 11:15 AM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

By just clearing the code if there is a fault the condition will keep showing up as in the case here until the repair is completed. It sounds like you are having an issue with the TCM (transmission control module) I will re-attach the diagnostic procedure again below. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 4:18 AM
Tiny
SANDY555
  • MEMBER
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Okay, thanks for your help. Trying to fix it myself as my husband is disabled and don't have the money to put it in the shop.
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 5:01 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,526 POSTS
Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 10:50 AM
Tiny
SANDY555
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Okay, will sure let you know.
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 11:17 AM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again,

Hoping it just could be a wiring issue. However, just to prepare you a new transmission control module from a Kia dealership is $940.00. Let us know what you find out. Thanks again for using 2CarPros.
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 3:10 PM
Tiny
SANDY555
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Thank you for all your help. It will be a while before I can afford one of those.
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 3:12 PM
Tiny
SANDY555
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
We found the hot battery cable end was loose on the battery yesterday.
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 3:14 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again,

After you tighten the cable let us know if the symptom returns. If so, please use the transmission control module diagnostic chart I've attached previously. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.
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Sunday, November 17th, 2019 AT 7:46 PM

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