Transmission problem

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Have you checked the transmission fluid to make sure it is clean and full? Also, does the check engine light stay on when the engine is running?

This vehicle has a transmission dipstick to check the fluid level. Here are the specific directions for your vehicle. Start with this and let me know what you find. Also, let me know the color of the fluid.

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2010 Hyundai Elantra L4-2.0L
Transaxle Fluid Level Inspection
Vehicle Transmission and Drivetrain Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics Transaxle Fluid Level Inspection
TRANSAXLE FLUID LEVEL INSPECTION
Basic Inspection Adjustment

Transaxle Fluid Level

Inspection
1. Drive the vehicle until the fluid reaches normal operating temperature [70 - 80°C(158 - 176°F)].
2. Place the vehicle on a level surface.
3. Move the gear selector lever through all gear positions. This will fill the torque converter with trans fluid. Set the selector lever to the "N" (Neutral) position.
4. Before removing the oil level gauge, wipe all contaminants from around the oil level gauge. Then take out the oil level gauge and check the condition of the fluid.

NOTE:
If the fluid smells as if it is burning, it means that the fluid has been contaminated by fine particles from the bushes and friction materials, a transmission overhaul may be necessary.

5. Check that the fluid level is in the "HOT" mark on the oil level gauge. If fluid level is low, add automatic transaxle fluid until the level reaches the "HOT" mark.

Automatic transaxle fluid :
DIAMOND ATF SP-III, SK ATF SP-III
Automatic transaxle fluid capacity:
6.6liter(6.9 US qt, 5.81lmp. Qt)

NOTE:
Low fluid level can cause a variety of abnormal conditions because it allows the pump to take in air along with fluid. Air trapped in the hydraulic system forms bubbles, which are compressible. Therefore, pressures will be erratic, causing delayed shifting, slipping clutches and brakes, etc. Improper filling can also raise fluid level too high. When the transaxle has too much fluid, gears churn up foam and cause the same conditions which occur with low fluid level, resulting in accelerated deterioration of automatic transaxle fluid. In either case, air bubbles can cause overheating, and fluid oxidation, which can interfere with normal valve, clutch, and brake operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping from the transaxle vent where it may be mistaken for a leak.

6. Insert the oil level gauge securely.

NOTE:
When new, automatic transmission fluid should be red, The red dye is added so the assembly plant can identify it as transmission fluid and distinguish it from engine oil or antifreeze. The red dye, which is not an indicator of fluid quality, is not permanent. As the vehicle is driven the transmission fluid will begin to look darker. The color may eventually appear light brown.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Welcome back:

With the engine warm, just top it off to the full mark. Based on where it is now, it won't take much.

Let me know if you have questions. Also, let me know if the check engine light is staying on when the engine is running.

Take care,
Joe

Welcome back:

If it is in the hot area on the stick, that should be fine. No need to add.

Does it do this every time it is warm? Are there any sounds associated with it? It could be so many different things. Components such as like pressure solenoids, shift solenoids, components in the valve body and so on can all act up. Without having a diagnostic code to point us in the right direction, it becomes a guessing game.

Let me know.

Joe