FriedhelmMeyerFan

2011 Kia Soul Transmission Issues: Slipping, Odd Shifting, and Grinding Sounds - Seeking Advice on Potential TCU Problems and Repair Recommendations

Hey! I've got a 2011 Kia Soul with a Gasoline engine that's been acting weird lately, particularly with the transmission. It keeps slipping and shifting in an odd way, plus there's this awful grinding sound when I switch gears. I've been thinking the transmission control unit might be on the fritz, but I'm really hoping to hear from anyone who's had a similar problem before. Did you manage to pin down what the exact issue was, and how did your local workshop get it fixed? Any help would be super appreciated, thanks!

4 comment(s)

Hey! I do have some experience with cars and recently had a similar prob with my 2009 Kia Rio. Just like you, I had this weird shifting and noise, and it was the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) that was causing all the ruckus. Took it to my friendly neighborhood garage, they did some diagnostics and bam! the TCU was defective. The mechanics swapped it out for a new one and it set me back 1000€, but it sure did solve the issue. I'd suggest you bring it to a knowledgeable workshop and have them check the TCU, it could be your problem too. Anyway, do you know if any diagnostics have been completed on your Soul? That could help in nailing down the prob. Keep me posted!

Hey, thanks for the tip! No diagnostic test has been done yet on my Soul, though I'll surely bring it in to be checked ASAP. With my mileage at around 153408 KM, I hope it's not something extremely serious and pricey. Good to know swapping the TCU worked for your Rio, definitely gives me a place to start diagnosing. Will let you know how it goes, cheers!

Hey no worries, glad to be of help. Your mileage is a bit on the higher side and these TCUs do get finicky over time. When you get the car to the workshop, ask them to do a full transmission diagnostic. They should be able to pinpoint if it's a TCU issue or something else going on. Don't ignore that grinding noise, it could be an issue with your gears themselves or even the clutch, especially given the mileage on your Soul. In my experience, getting these things checked out sooner rather than later could save you from a bigger headache and potentially a heftier bill. Let me know how you get on and what the workshop says. Fingers crossed it's not a too expensive fix for you!

Hey! I really appreciate the detailed advice! I didn't even consider it could be the gears or clutch, I'll have to mention that when I bring it in. Having a hefty repair bill is the last thing I need right now. I'll make sure to get it to the shop first thing tomorrow morning and will update you when I find out what's up. Thanks again, fingers crossed it's an easy (and cheap) fix!

Join the discussion now: