Automatic Transmission

Troubleshooting

~1min read

Troubleshooting

Limp Home Mode

Has a fail-safe function that prevents dangerous situations in the event of a transmission failure. The vehicle will drive in fail-safe mode if the transmission malfunctions. In this mode the transmission operates at minimum function level (fixed gear, limited shifting, reverse, neutral), allowing the vehicle to reach a service center.
Limp Home Mode: Limited Shifting Mechanical Fail-Safe Mode: Fixed Gear (mechanical part failure, solenoid valves, TCM, CAN communication)
Troubleshooting
Symptom of Malfunction Suspected Area Remedy
Shift Delay, Shift Shock, Poor Acceleration Clutch/brake damaged Replace the brake or clutch.
Faulty hydraulic control Inspect the solenoid valve.
Faulty hydraulic supply Check the fluid level.
Check fluid cleanliness.
Replace the oil pump.
TCM learning not performed Perform TCM adaptive learning values.
Mechanical Fail-Safe Mode
(locked in 4th gear, manual shifting disabled)
Faulty solenoid valve Inspect the solenoid valve.
Replace the valve body.
Faulty TCM Replace the TCM.
Faulty CAN communication Inspect the CAN communication line.
Limp Home Mode
(locked in 4th gear, manual shift 2nd to 4th enabled)
Faulty input and output speed sensor Replace the input and output speed sensors.
Limp Home Mode
(1st to 2nd shift disabled, 3rd to 6th shift enabled)
Faulty lock switch Replace the inhibitor switch.
Manual shift disabled Faulty TCM Replace the TCM.
Faulty connector connection Check the connection of the manual mode connector.
Faulty manual mode switch Replace the manual mode switch housing.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Cadenza VG Owner's Manual quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.