1995 Hyundai Accent Tranny won't engage

SUPER8

MEMBER
1995 HYUNDAI ACCENT
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
92,000 MILES

My 95 Accent has always ran and shifted well. Never has it slipped or felt odd. Fluid is at the right level and is not discolored or burnt. But. All of a sudden when I shifted into drive it does not seem to engage. There is a clicking or buzzing sound for several seconds when placed in reverse but then it engages in the reverse gear. When I shift into drive there is the same clicking for the same amount of time and then a brief silence before the clicking continues without end. It feels more like an electrical problem to me, but I'm having trouble find good info. Help!

UPDATE! I dropped the trans pan and found no sign of any problems. The BUZZING noise comes from the underside of the trans, but I have not located it. This buzzing is the normal sound right before the gear is engaged. I think? The noise should stop after a second. I have also changed the under dash transmission computer- NO LUCK!

1 Reply

FLEXY5

MECHANIC
512 POSTS

It sounds like a shift solenoid inside the trans. I'm not familiar with this vehicle, but I do think you are correct about it being electrical. Typically, electric shift transmissions will have between 3 and 5 solenoids. They should have an ohm rating that can be checked with an ohm meter. If you can see them, you may be able to test them and find an inconsistency in one of them. I would suggest contacting a local dealer and see if they will give you the info you need an maybe even a diagram. Trans repair shops are also a good source for info if you can pry the info out of them. I'm glad to be of what little help I can be, so if you have any other questions feel free to ask. I'll do what I can.
Dave