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Kia Spectra/Spectra5 Transmission Questions

47 messages,  Last post on Jan 08, 2013 at 8:17 PM

You are in the Kia Spectra/Spectra5 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Kia Spectra, Transmission, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 2 of 5

#8 of 47 Re: 2004.5 / 2005 Spectra AT issues [natta1] by spectraman

Feb 03, 2006 (1:18 pm)

Replying to: natta1 (Feb 03, 2006 10:16 am)
Natta:
 
I know what you mean about the Spectra not downshifting all the way back down to 1st when doing rolling (or complete but brief) stops. It really makes the Spectra seem doggy.
 
But... use the manual shift method of pulling the gearshift down to 1 and then shift through the gears manually, and the car scoots right along.
 
I suspect that KIA doesn't want the car to always shift down to 1st for some particular reason. Perhaps fuel mileage, emissions, etc.? The Sentra rental I'm driving right now seems to always be in 1st when I stop and take off again. I'm driving the same route, so it's easy to compare the two cars performance-wise.
 
I will say this... the Spectra 2.0 in my car is a much quieter and smoother running engine than the 1.8 in the Sentra. The Sentra has a timing chain instead of a belt, so that adds a bit to the noise factor.
 
-SM

#9 of 47 Re: 2004.5 / 2005 Spectra AT issues [natta1] by avantime

Feb 03, 2006 (7:46 pm)

Replying to: natta1 (Feb 03, 2006 5:35 am)
Thank you for your post. I have also had this 3-4 gear erratic up- and down-shift with RPM surge happen to me often with my 2005 EX automatic. Mine happens mostly under the conditions as you said, going from congested roads on to the highway. I am not a "lead-foot" driver either. I had a similar problem with a VW Eurovan except the opposite where it would act-up on local roads after driving on the highway--brought it back so many times to various VW dealers only to have them tell me they couldn't duplicate it, so therefore it was in my head.
 
My Kia transmission also does not like to down-shift when ascending hills, worry to press the gas to get it to downshift. Other than a bad O2 sensor, I have not had any other problems. I really like this car!

#10 of 47 Re: 2004.5 / 2005 Spectra AT issues [avantime] by natta1

Feb 04, 2006 (10:41 am)

Replying to: avantime (Feb 03, 2006 7:46 pm)
avantime,
 
If you think the issue is worth reporting visit the Kia website and submit a complaint. I believe you can also just call them directly at 1-800-333-4542 and select option number 3 to speak to a representative. They need to get feedback on this issue and they don't always get it from service departments.

#11 of 47 Re: 2004.5 / 2005 Spectra AT issues [avantime] by stuc1964

Feb 04, 2006 (11:02 am)

Replying to: avantime (Feb 03, 2006 7:46 pm)
I also have the shifting problem,when letting up on the throttle,then when i start to give it the gas again,i get like a false neutral(revs up)then engages harshly.
I was thinking of taking it to the dealer,but wasn't sure if it was a warranty item,being that i'am the second owner of the car. mine is a 2004.5 with 9000 miles.

#12 of 47 Re: 2004.5 / 2005 Spectra AT issues [stuc1964] by natta1

Feb 04, 2006 (1:48 pm)

Replying to: stuc1964 (Feb 04, 2006 11:02 am)
I'm starting to see a pattern here. If you take it to the dealer and they don't experience the problem during a test drive they will do nothing. Post the problem with Kia. Whether you're the first or fifth owner of the car, the warranty should still apply. The more people who report the issue directly with Kia the greater chance we have of them actually doing something about it...in theory anyway.

#13 of 47 Re: 2004.5 / 2005 Spectra AT issues [natta1] by geo

Mar 28, 2006 (8:27 pm)

Replying to: natta1 (Feb 03, 2006 5:35 am)
Look at KT2006031404 Kia message from "Technition Times" entitled "resetting transaxle adaptive values". For problems listed as:
TR4000 - impossible shift
 TR5000 - shift delay
 TR6000 - shift shock
 TR7000 - abnormal shift
 TR8000 - slip when shifting
 TRN001 - Noise
 TRN002 - Vibration
 TRN003 - Others
There was another reflash listed as a tsb but was for a light on with no real fault.
 
To see tsbs and info go to kia.com and then to Kia Owners and then to to Service Information. You need an email and password. I established these back when owned 2003 Rio. If you cannot get in write to me. George.

#14 of 47 Re: 2004.5 / 2005 Spectra AT issues [geo] by natta1

Apr 05, 2006 (12:00 pm)

Replying to: geo (Mar 28, 2006 8:27 pm)
George,
 
Thanks a bunch. I checked out the site and signed up so I could view what you described. I'm just glad to see that a TSB is potentially on the way for this issue.

#15 of 47 Automatic Transmission by jmnapp

Apr 26, 2006 (9:29 am)

I had a 2006 Kia Spectra with an automatic transmission. Anytime the temperature was below freezing, the transmission would race for several seconds when changing between 2nd and 3rd gears. AT 1,400 MILES THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED! I was extremely disappointed as I had not even made the first payment on the car! Both Kia and the dealer would not replace the vehicle (my thought was that if the transmission was already having to be replaced on a brand new car, then what the heck else is going to go wrong?!!). The dealer and Kia were absolutely useless.
 
The steering was also making a loud clunking noise when turning the steering wheel. They replaced some part for this. When the dealer called and told me the transmisson had been replaced but the steering was still making the clunking noise and what did I want him to do I TOLD HIM TO PUT THE CAR BACK TOGETHER SO I COULD TAKE AND TRADE IT IN! Upon getting my Kia back, I drove immediately to the Mazda dealer and traded the Kia in for a Mazda3. NO MORE KIA's FOR ME.

#16 of 47 Kia Transmisssion by darcijj

May 21, 2006 (6:34 pm)

A couple weeks back my check engine light came on and I took it to my mechanic right away.. he said it was just a vapor sensor... but they noticed my transmission was slipping when they put it in reverse... it was almost out of transmission fluid.. (I had a full service oil change the week before, so I guess they never checked the transmission fluid). No warning lights on the kia for transmission?
 
The mechanic could not find a leak.. and said to keep watch on it.. well I looked at the engine did not see the ATF dipstick.. where is it located on the Kia sedan? I have a 2002.. It seems to still be hesitating when I put it in reverse.. its only been 2 weeks since they filled it and with no leak how can it be low again.. should I be worried?

#17 of 47 Re: Kia Transmisssion by kwinn

May 31, 2006 (4:52 pm)

Replying to: darcijj (May 21, 2006 6:34 pm)
My 05 Kia spectra has the notorious hunting for gear problem. According to Atlantic Kia of Long Island, NY. They know of no one else with such problem. Of course Atlantic kia told me to buy their 225 dollar maintanence for my 18k spectra as it includes a tune up and fuel and air filter replacement and it is needed. When i told them owners manual says no tune up needed for 60k they said thats not true you should get tune ups every 15k. What a bunch of liers. Anyways mileage on my spectra is 28 on the highway and 24 city driving. Which really sucks. I guess hyundai is not bothered with such problems for their kia brands as they are moving up mainstream.

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