[angusdawg1]

I purchased a preowned 2001 Kia Optima last week. Of course, the next day, the (automatic) transmission starts acting up. Has anyone else had this problem or have any idea what's going on? I'd appreciate any help/suggestions!

Here's what its doing:
Everything seems fine the first 10-15 minutes of driving. Then, there's a slight jerk, it pops out of 4th gear and into 3rd. If switched over to the manual shifter at this time, it will go into 2nd, but not back to 4th or even down to 1st. It stays this way until I stop the car and restart it. Then the same thing happens again.
I should also mention that there are times that this doesn't happen. I drive along like nothing's wrong. It's kinda hit and miss.

Is this a sensor issue? Or something bigger? Again, any ideas will be appreciated!

Thanks,
Lisa M.

 

[NYRANG]

yup

it is a sensor issue... I had the same problem with my 2001 SONATA. The trans was acting up so i got rid of it. listen to me... IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE.

 

[ekubec]

transmission problems

Have the fluid professionally changed. And make sure you use synthetic tranny fluid or the KIA OEM fluid.

A shop can actually suck out all the fluid that remains in the torque converter.

Just pulling the drain plug will only cause some of the fluid to drain.

This will cost you about $135

 

[baller06]

there is no check engine light cause i know optimas are known for input/output sensor going bad

 

[sawzall]

Yep, my input sensor went first at about 61K miles, then the output went less than a year later. Both replaced and both fixed the same exact symptoms. Do it yourself, these sensors are right on top and easy to replace, don't pay the 2.5 hours the mech will charge when its a 15 minute job. I paid about $120 for each sensor from a KIA dealer.

 

[jalexa12]

Having the same problem and planning to have the tranny fluid flushed and the sensors replaced.

Do I replace both the input and output sensors? (as i've seen posted in outher threads)

If so, where are they located for an 01 Optima? I have someone that can do it, but needs to know where they are.

Also, I went to Kiaparts.com and noticed that they have "Vehicle Speed Sensors, automatic trans" for $60.15. Is this the part i'm looking for?

 

[baller06]

You need input and output speed sensor or sometimes called pulse generators not vehicle speed sensor that is for your spedo. they are located on top of the tranny good luck

 

[ahfrederick]

Don't dish out any more money that you have already. Take the car back to where you bought it and tell THEM to deal with it. OR BUY IT BACK!

 

[jalexa12]

Baller06 - where do i get the parts from?

ahfrederick - My vehicle is an 01. It's a little to late for that.

 

[atomicwaist]

I am also having a similar problem. Does anyone know where I can find a diagram to replace the sensors and where I can purchase the sensors, preferably NOT from Kia directly. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[baller06]

Honestly if you want to do it yourself go to kia and buy the part because oem is always the best. it is really not hard to do.
Remove air box and look right on top of the tranny there will be i think only two sensor with 10mm bolts holding them in place those are the sensors you need un hook your battery to reset you trans control module and good luck let me know if i can help more

 

[jalexa12]

baller06 - Excellent. Thanks!

 

[joebunda]

Does anyone know where I can find a diagram to replace the sensors

This might help Global Service Way

 

[Brian Lewis]

I to am having the exact same problem on my 2001 Optima V6! Are these sensors designed to go out? I had a sensor replaced a couple of years ago and now the same problem again.

 

[Brian Lewis]

Can Someone provide a link to the exact part so I know what I need to buy thanks!

 

[benh088]

Hey guys!

I'm having the same problem with my 2001 Kia Optima SE V6.

I called up my Kia dealership (Auburn Valley Mazda in Auburn, Washington; GREAT people) and here's what I learned:

The part numbers for the items are as follows, as well as prices quoted from the parts department:

4262039051 SENSOR - INPUT SPEED - $120.12

4262139052 SENSOR - OUTPUT SPEED - $120.12

Now from "Kia Parts" - Kia accessories below wholesale I was quoted $77.13 each.

I have yet to find out if this is a good fix, but I'm fairly confident it is.

Also, I purchased my vehicle 3/12/08 and didn't have a problem for 2 1/2 weeks. Found out that a preowned Kia has only a 50,000 mile 5 year warranty contrary to the 100,000 mile 10 year warranty they advertise.

Just thought that would help everyone!

 

[Fluffy Chops]

Has anyone tried Lucas Transmission Fix? I have 2002 Magentis that is slipping in reverse gear when hot, but all forward gears are perfect. I am tempted to try the Lucas stuff, but wondered if any of you had tried it with any success???

Charlotte

 

[ahfrederick]

Has anyone tried Lucas Transmission Fix? I have 2002 Magentis that is slipping in reverse gear when hot, but all forward gears are perfect. I am tempted to try the Lucas stuff, but wondered if any of you had tried it with any success???

Charlotte

I personally have not. But if you end up using it then please let us know how it turned out.

 

[dreamaw]

OMG,

I bought this car thinking it will run for ever the same day I bought it it slammed from 4th to 3rd when I was on the hwy on the way home I called the dealership right after it did it they were closed. My luck... I wanted to take it back and get a different car.

Two days later I took it in they said it was the speed sensor I replaced it. It still does it they said it must be the wrong one and called kia, kia said the optimas sensors can only be bought through kia not auto zone I had to wait 2weeks to get one in. I did replaced it and the same thing is happening. I took it in to a transmission place they said I need to rebuild the trans.

After reading this form I'm seing 2 sensors a in & outputs on here is there 2 sensors that I should have been replacing? or 1? I just want to avoid doing the tran.'s if possible. single mom w/ 3 kids and funds are tight.

here are the results from the testing...
p0442 evap leak
p0720 output shaft speed sensor
p1529 manufactor controlled vehicle sensor speed idol control

condition of fluid in transmission speed sensor & tcm may not fix the promblem he says recommends a rebuild. I'm aware that the guy will say whatever to try to get as much money from me. So i'm asking for a honest oppion. He also told me that the only way to change this is to take out the trans. its a internal promblem not external.

Dreama
st louis, mo

 

[dreamaw]

yes, this did not work for my car.