Questions and Answers

Hyundai Excel Out With A Bang Q. Hi, My problem is with my automatic transmission. It will not go in to drive, but it will go into reverse. I think the problem could have been caused by me adjusting the throttle cable to adjust the idle speed. I made the idle speed to high and it went into gear with a bang, I new this was not good so I adjusted it back.

This car also has problems with it getting to hot. Over time it had trouble shifting when it hit about 40 and it took some time for it to shift into drive. Now it will not shift into drive at all. It was not that hot before it broke? What is the problem heat? Adjusting the idle speed? Both? And what can I do to fix this; do I need a whole new automatic transmission? How much will this cost?

Can I do any of this work by myself? I checked the automatic transmission fluid it is high but good. For some reason the coolant dropped (one week ago) a lot but it is staying at the same level now. Would there be any signs that coolant mixed with the automatic transmission fluid?

1989 Hyundai Excel
4 cylinder
Automatic transmission
70,000 miles

Thanks for all your help, if you need any more info tell me!
Luke

PS. I tried to use the Auto Repair forum but I can't get registered, the computer will not let me in Explorer or Netscape.

A. I hate to tell you this Luke, but your automatic transmission is history. You will either need to have it rebuilt or replaced. If coolant and automatic transmission fluid you would see it in the radiator or transmission.

You can probably get a decent used automatic transmission from a junkyard for about $300.00 to $350.00, depending on the milage. Probably, off the top of my head, about the same to put it in.

If you write to gethelp@about.com they can help you with the Forum problem.