Kia Sorento: Troubleshooting

Kia Sorento (MQ4, 2021-2026) Service Manual / Automatic Transaxle System / Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Limp Home Mode

Features a fail-safe function that prevents dangerous situations in the event of a transaxle failure. The vehicle will be driven in limp home mode if the transaxle malfunctions. In this mode, the transaxle operates at a minimal functionality level (fixed shifting, limited shifting, reverse, neutral), making it possible for the vehicle to reach a service center.

Limp Home Mode : Limited shifting

Mechanical limp home mode : Fixed shifting (failure of mechanical parts, solenoid valves, TCM, CAN communication)

Delayed shifting / shift shock while driving

symptoms	Suspected areas	Remedy
1st → 2nd or 2nd → 1st	1. 28, OD&LR solenoid valve fault (If shifting 4th to 5th operates as normal, replace 28 solenoid valve) 2. 28, LR brake fault	1. Replace the faulty solenoid valve 2. Check for the clutch/brake abnormality - Disc damage - Piston D-ring damage - Clutch sealing damage ※ Replace the transaxle assembly when the clutch/brake damaged ※When a shift shock occurs, check the shift position in manual mode and reproduce the symptoms.
2nd → 3rd or 3rd → 2nd	1. 37R, 28 solenoid valve fault (If shifting 1st to 2nd operates as normal, replace 37R solenoid valve) 2. 37R, 28 clutch fault
3rd → 4th or 4th → 3rd	1. 46, 37R solenoid valve fault (If shifting 2nd to 3rd operates as normal, replace 46 solenoid valve) 2. 46, 37R clutch fault
4th → 5th or 5th → 4th	1. OD&LR, 46 solenoid valve fault (If shifting 3rd to 4th operates as normal, replace OD solenoid valve) 2. OD, 46 clutch fault
5th → 6th or 6th → 5th	1. 46, OD&LR solenoid valve fault (If shifting 4th to 5th operates as normal, replace 46 solenoid valve) 2. 46, OD clutch fault
6th → 7th or 7th → 6th	1. 37R, 46 solenoid valve fault (If shifting 4th to 5th operates as normal, replace 37R solenoid valve) 2. 37R, 46 clutch fault
7th → 8th or 8th → 7th	1. 28, 37R solenoid valve fault (If shifting 3rd to 4th operates as normal, replace 28 solenoid valve) 2. 28, 37R clutch fault

Shifting shock while stopped

symptoms	Suspected areas	Remedy
N → D / N → R	1. D position : UD solenoid valve fault 2. R position : 37R solenoid valve fault 3. UD/37R clutch fault	1. Replace UD solenoid valve 2. Replace 37R solenoid valve 3. Inspect UD/37R clutch

P → D thumping noise (slope)

Suspected areas	Remedy
Sound occurs when the parking sprague is released	Normal

Vibrating while stopped (in the N position)

Suspected areas	Remedy
UD solenoid valve fault	Replace the UD solenoid valve

Delay/jerks when the damper is engaged

Suspected areas	Remedy
1. ECM / TCM mapping 2. The damper clutch solenoid valve fault 3. Torque converter oil flow path pressure leakage 4. The Oil Level Low	Check the current state using the dirogger 1. The ECM / TCM update 2. Replace the valve body assembly 3. Replace the torque converter and the inspect oil level

Mechanical limp home mode (locked into 5th)

Suspected areas	Remedy
The solenoid valve fault	Replace the faulty solenoid valve
TCM fault	Replace the TCM
CAN communication fault	Inspect the CAN communication line
The position switch fault	Replace the position switch
The position switch fault	Inspect the position switch connector connection

Limp home mode (locked into 5th, 2nd - 5th manual shift enabled)

Suspected areas	Remedy
Input & output speed sensor fault	Replace the speed sensor
The connector connection fault	Inspect the main connector connection
The connector connection fault	Replace the main harness

Manual shift disabled

Suspected areas	Remedy
TCM fault	Replace the TCM
The Connector connection fault	Check shift lever connector connection
The manual mode switch fault	Replace the shift lever

Special Service Tools

Special Service Tool Tool Name / Number Illustration Description Engine support fixture (bar)09200 - 3N000...

Automatic Transaxle Control System

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Kia Sorento: Troubleshooting

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Manuals list