2000 Kia Retona: Check Engine Light Issues and Erratic Transmission Behavior

Hey. Had a 1997 Kia Sportage with quite a similar situation as you. The transmission was acting all sorts of weird and that annoying check engine light was constantly on. Turned out, you guessed it, the cable connection on the selector lever was damaged. At the garage, the mechanics checked the transmission and diagnosed the problem correctly the first time. Getting the whole work done involved replacing the damaged cable, checking connections and ensuring the selector lever itself was okay. Took a bit of time but that sorted the issue out nicely. Wouldn't exactly call it a light matter 'cause it does mess up how your car runs, but it wasn't a complicated fix at least with my Kia. You want to address it sooner than later though since it'll prevent potential further damage. Just make sure your mechanic understands the task at hand and you should be back on track in no time. All the best with it!

Hey there! So glad to hear that you sorted out a similar issue with your '97 Sportage! Certainly gave me some confidence to deal with this. The cable malfunction does sound like a possible culprit in my case as well. Just out of curiosity, how much did the repair set you back? And since the fix, have you come across any other related issues popping up? Thanks for sharing your experience. It's been super helpful!

Hello! Happy to know my previous ordeal is providing some solace! So yeah, to get that cable on the selector lever fixed, it cost me around 365€. Not exactly pocket change, but worth every penny considering I got my old beast running smoothly again. Since having the mechanic look at it and sort out the problem, I've been in the clear. No other issues related to the selector lever. Hats off to the mechanic, he did a fine job. I reckon you'll find relief with this fix as well. Do remember, it’s a significant but not a complex fix. Got my fingers crossed for you. Let us know how it pans out! Cheers!

Hey! Can't express how relieving it is to hear that! Grateful for sharing your saga through this same ordeal. That price tag is a bummer, but if it gets my Retona back on its wheels smoothly, it's worth spending every penny. As much as I am keen on DIY car repairs, I reckon this does need expert hands to tackle it. I, too, hope to stumble upon a capable mechanic similar to yours who can put all this hassle to rest. Fingers crossed, and do stay in the loop. Will share how things roll out once sorted. Cheers, and thanks again!