Questions and Answers

Hyundai Excel Doesn't Move In Gear Q. Dear Vince, I am currently working on a 1994 Hyundai Excel with approximately 130,000 miles. It is equipped with a 4 speed automatic transmission. On occasion, about once a week, when shifting from PARK to DRIVE, DRIVE does not engage, stays in NEUTRAL. If you put the car back in PARK then back in DRIVE it will engage, with a bit of harshness.

This seems to occur more after the car has been run, then left to sit. The rest of the time the transmission works normally. I have checked the fluid level and it is within spec. I'm going to try changing the fluid. Are there any additives or specific oils, i.e.synthetic, you would recommend? Could this be a case where changing the fluid might only make the problem worse?

Thank you in advance for any assistance or advice you may be able to provide.

Regards,
Jeremy

A. Hyundai had a problem with the transmission fluid in the torque converter draining back through a leaking seal inside the oil pump. As a result, when Drive or Reverse are engaged, several seconds may be required to refill the torque converter.

The two options for repair are replacing the transmission oil pump in your transmission, or installing a remanufactured transmission. With the milage on the vehicle, I think the remanufactured transmission would be the best way to go.