Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Overhaul - Km175, Km176 & Km177: Operation
Shift lever has 6 positions. When shift lever is moved, manual valve on valve body is moved. Shift lever also changes position of transaxle range switch, mounted on transaxle. Transaxle range switch delivers an input signal to TCM to indicate shift lever position.
The TCM controls transaxle shift points and hydraulic pressure to various friction elements. The TCM calculates proper shift points from input devices and transmits electrical signal to appropriate Shift Control Solenoid Valves (SCSV) and Pressure Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV), mounted on valve body assembly to control transaxle shifting. On KM175 and KM176 models, TCM controls damper clutch (torque converter lock-up) by operating Damper Clutch Control Solenoid Valve (DCCSV), located on valve body assembly.
On all models, an overdrive switch is mounted on shift lever. When overdrive switch is depressed to the ON position, transaxle will automatically upshift to overdrive and overdrive off indicator light on instrument panel will be off.
When overdrive switch is released to the OFF position, transaxle will not upshift to overdrive and overdrive off indicator light on instrument panel will come on.
A range switch is located on console, near shift lever. On 1993 Elantra models and 1993-94 Sonata models, range switch contains a PWR (power) mode and NORM (normal) mode. When range switch is depressed to PWR (power) mode, an input signal is delivered to TCM, and TCM changes shift points to provide maximum performance. When range switch is released to the NORM (normal) mode, an input signal is delivered to TCM, and TCM changes shift points to provide maximum fuel economy. When engine coolant temperature is less than 68°F (20°C), transaxle will remain in NORM (normal) mode even if range switch is in PWR (power) mode. When range switch is in NORM (normal) mode and vehicle speed exceeds 60 MPH, transaxle will not downshift when accelerator pedal is depressed. Range switch must be in PWR (power) mode for transaxle to downshift.
On all other models, range switch contains a ECON (economy) mode and NORM (normal) mode. When range switch is depressed to the NORM (normal) mode, an input signal is delivered to TCM, and TCM changes shift points to provide maximum performance. When range switch is released to the ECON (economy) mode, an input signal is delivered to TCM, and TCM changes shift points to provide maximum fuel economy. When engine coolant temperature is less than 68°F (20°C), transaxle will remain in ECON (economy) mode even if range switch is in NORM (normal) mode. When range switch is in ECON (economy) mode and vehicle speed exceeds 60 MPH, transaxle will not downshift when accelerator pedal is depressed. Range switch must be in NORM (normal) mode for transaxle to downshift.
On all models, TCM contains self-diagnostic system, which stores fault code if failure or problem exists in transaxle electronic control system. Fault codes may be retrieved to determine transaxle problem area. Fault code may be referred to as Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). For information on electronic transaxle components, refer to the AUTO TRANS DIAGNOSIS - KM175, KM176 & KM177 article in the AUTO TRANS DIAGNOSIS section.
Transaxle is equipped with shift and key interlock systems. Shift interlock system prevents shift lever from being moved from Park position unless brake pedal is depressed, ignition is on and release button on side of shift lever is depressed. In case of a malfunction, shift lever can be released by depressing release button.
On Elantra, Excel and Precis models, release button is located on front corner of console, near driver's side of shift lever on 1993 models. On 1994 models, release button is located below small cap on front corner of console, near driver's side of shift lever.
On Sonata models, release button is located on front corner of console, near driver's side of shift lever.
On all models, key interlock system prevents ignition key from being turned to LOCK position unless shift lever is in Park position. For additional information on shift and key interlock systems, see the AUTO TRANS DIAGNOSIS - KM175, KM176 & KM177 article in the AUTO TRANS DIAGNOSIS section.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.