My 1998 Sonata shifts and goes into reverse but will not move when put into any forward gears. I can hear it shift into reverse but nothing when put into drive. How do I trouble shoot this problem?

:beer: :beer:

Hello there "jaek707";

Could you inform us on the latest maintenance on this tranny?
Fluid changed when?, filter changed when? Milleage on the tranny?

Sometimes a very low fluid level will cause this!
Also; is the "Check Engine Light" on?
Have you tryed going forward in 1st gear instead of "D" (drive)?

Let us know more on this.

I am studying front wheel drive automatic transmission at a local independant training facility, and would like to help you as best as I can.

TheIceAge05

:beer: :beer:

I just purchased the car at auction and the tranny fluid is ok, red and no burnt smell. The car has 173,000miles on it. I have tried all the gears, the shifter is moving on the transaxle but not engaging in forward gears. I am not sure if it is electrical, sensor (input or output) or internal (gearbox) in nature and not sure on this vechile how to attempt to troubleshoot it. With scrap prices down it looks like I will have time to try some things. Any guidance is greatly appreciated.

Hello again "jaek707";

Is the "check engine" light on?

Some cars will light up the "CEL" even if the code is only for tranny.

If the CEL is on, and the code is related to the tranny, then you've got your answer as to being electrical/electronic.

If the CEL is not on, then the hydraulic valve body in the tranny migh need a flush/rebuild of the seals.

If it was the gears, it would of been showing signs for a little while before it decides to stop working.

If I was you, I would check the price for a "valve body flush/rebuild" and compare it to a new to you (scrap-yard used) tranny price.
Clean fluid in a just bough used car does not nessecarly means well kept maintenance.
The cheap thing you could try is one of those ATF flush in a bottle which you use in the tranny for about 10 minutes at idle in neutral, than drop the ATF and change the filter. Refill with the proper new ATF and also add a tranny fluid conditionner.
That is all I have for now, until I get more info from you.

TheIceAge05

This post has been edited by theiceage05: Oct 8 2008, 04:23 PM