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    Issues with 2001 Kia Rio getting stuck in third gear

    Kia Kia Advice Kia Rio Kia Rio Advice Kia Rio 2001
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    The automatic transmission of my 2001 Kia Rio gets stuck in third gear, but only when the headlights, air-conditioning or the heater is on. It runs fine with everything off. Any ideas?

    Answered by CarsGuide
    17 February 2025
    David Morley

    That’s a crazy set of circumstances, but it wouldn’t be the first time an apparently unrelated component has thrown another into disarray. On the surface, there’s no way the climate control or headlights could affect the way a transmission works, but here we are…

    The most likely explanation is that the electrical gear that’s locking the transmission into third gear is somehow affecting the transmission’s speed sensor that tells the computer the vehicle is travelling fast enough to select fourth (top) gear. The body computer could be the culprit, but there could also be a problem with the car’s wiring loom that is creating this havoc. A poor earth could also be causing the problem and is a more common cause of transmission problems than many people imagine.

    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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