Canadian stranded in Florida with transmission issue

[PMCErnie]

So, if the car were to catch fire driving home to Canada who would be at fault? Hyundai, or the guy who got impatient and returned the rental car?

 

[jimmy buoy]

So, if the car were to catch fire driving home to Canada who would be at fault? Hyundai, or the guy who got impatient and returned the rental car?

According to Hyundai Canada's warranty people, there is no issue for me to drive the car even though the dealer's tech says the transmission needs to be replaced. If it fails on the road the warranty will continue to be valid according to Hyundai Canada.

Your question regarding fire seems odd since I've never heard of a car catching fire due to a transmission issue, but who knows - it might happen. If it did the car would probably be a total loss on the side of the road and would therefore be a claim for my auto insurance under comprehensive coverage with a zero deductible. Fault would not be an issue in either case.

My situation changed when it was found that there was actual physical evidence that the internals were experiencing some kind of heat/friction (the dark and burnt smelling trans fluid). Up until that point there was nothing concrete as evidence presented to me other than an assumption that the issue was the tranny based on the "lumpy" drive train upon acceleration. We've all heard of, or experienced a dealer replacing a part only to find that the problem continues to exist.

As far as me being the "guy who got impatient", it wasn't so much being impatient as it was me trying to avoid making another 1400 mile trip back down to Florida to return the rental followed by another 1400 mile trip back to Canada with all the associated costs (fuel/hotel/meals) since the dealer was unable to deliver on their promise to have the replacement tranny within a week or so and then another 2 days to install. I was more than willing to be patient with the time frame promised. Unfortunately, the part did not arrive when promised. Instead, I was told it was suddenly "backordered" with "no expected delivery date possible". I'm not retired and still run a business as well as having other commitments at home. Would you just hang around indefinitely in another country far from home and be patient???

Doubtful.

 

[jimmy buoy]

UPDATE:

I returned to the dealer and spoke with the tech to verify the information about the fluid being dark and burnt smelling. He confirmed dropping the shield, removing the drain plug for a second to see the condition of the fluid being dark and smelling burnt. He was wondering how I made out on the drive home, assuming that I already left and was concerned that the car might not make it. Quite a nice guy.

To make a long story short, the dealer was good enough to take the car back and continue the warranty job and provide me with another rental with the understanding that it needs to be returned shortly after the work is complete. Otherwise, I will be on the hook for the additional rental charges until I return. I agreed with that position.

So, I'm not anticipating problems driving home or back to pick up the car when done. I will provide updates along the way regarding the anticipated arrival of the tranny at the dealership and when it's installed as well as if the problem is solved!

Thanks for your comments on the issue guys!

 

[TurtleBoy]

While that means quite a bit of extra driving for you it seems like it will work out fine and be the best/safest course of action. Good luck and keep us informed as to how everything turns out.

 

[EdP]

As far as me being the "guy who got impatient", it wasn't so much being impatient as it was me trying to avoid making another 1400 mile trip back down to Florida to return the rental followed by another 1400 mile trip back to Canada with all the associated costs (fuel/hotel/meals) since the dealer was unable to deliver

With a little planning, you can reduce the costs. The seats are comfy and recline, so you only need a blanket to eliminate the cost of a motel.

Next is the food cost. Yes, restaurants can be expensive so pack some food and a copy of Manifold Destiny. Not only will you save a bunch of money, you will eat well along the way Manifold Destiny (cookbook) - Wikipedia

You can also reduce the need for rest stops if you do what an old guy I know did to his car. Drilled a hole in the floorboard, ran a hose with a funnel. Big time saver on a trip like yours.

Its not just a trip, its an adventure! Glad I could help.

 

[jimmy buoy]

With a little planning, you can reduce the costs. The seats are comfy and recline, so you only need a blanket to eliminate the cost of a motel.

Next is the food cost. Yes, restaurants can be expensive so pack some food and a copy of Manifold Destiny. Not only will you save a bunch of money, you will eat well along the way Manifold Destiny (cookbook) - Wikipedia

You can also reduce the need for rest stops if you do what an old guy I know did to his car. Drilled a hole in the floorboard, ran a hose with a funnel. Big time saver on a trip like yours.

Its not just a trip, its an adventure! Glad I could help.

Hahaha - Ed, I think we'd get along just fine! I actually already have a copy of Manifold Destiny that I got 20yrs ago. It was something that my Dad said was quite common in his day. Never actually followed the recipes, but found it an entertaining read. People here think we're nuts for driving "all the way" from Canada. When I tell them that we just left home yesterday and arrived today at 5:30 they're shocked since they thought it would be a 3-4 day trip. We usually find driving enjoyable. Always some interesting characters out there.

Thanks for the tips

 

[BillZ]

Hey Guys,

Sorry for the long winded post, but I'm looking for some advice on possible options...

Drove down to our Ft Myers condo from Canada and arrived on Nov 5th. It was a uneventful 2 day drive, just me, the wife and our cat. Later the first day, I noticed the car surging upon acceleration - kind of a lumpy feel. My wife asked if the road was slippery thinking the tires were losing traction, but no such issue. Acceleration was a bit jerky, almost like a misfire and only noticeable while accelerating. We continued on our way and I was thinking it might have been some bad gas running through the car.

After arriving at the condo and continuing to feel the jerking whenever accelerating in city traffic, I decided to ask Hyundai Canada if a USA dealer would provide warranty service if I chose to take it in to be checked. They responded, YES.

I took it to the local dealer who responded very quickly and had their shop's senior tech go for a ride with me taking his tablet along to diagnose any issues (no trouble light had ever shown). At first he thought it was an engine mis-fire, ruled out. Then possibly a driveshaft issue, ruled out. Then checked for transmission issues, nothing wildly out of the ordinary, but there were some unusual readings. Upon returning to the shop, he had two other techs join him for their opinion. When he came back he said they all agree - the transmission is the problem and needs to be replaced.

Ok, what now? Well, since it was a Canadian car they had to call Hyundai Canada (being a separate company) and get the in-service date and confirmation that the car is under power train warranty. They confirmed this and told me that Canada was great to deal with and told them "whatever it needs - do it". Great. They arranged a rental initially for 2 weeks in house stating that they didn't want the car leaving me stranded somewhere with a complete failure, found the only transmission available in North America in Ontario California and said it would take a week or so to get is shipped here and another 2 days to install.

Sounds good, since I'm here till the 27th when I MUST return home for various commitments. Lots of time to spare... Right??

Well, yesterday I got an email from my service rep at the dealership who said,

"Hi Jim, this is nick from XXX hyundai. the transmission that we are waiting for has not come in as of yet. i am told the part is now in a back order status and time of delivery is unavailable. when you are able, please call me"

Instead of calling, I make a short drive to the dealer and am told that there is some issue with getting the transmission from California needs to be cleared through Canada first and am directed to the Parts Manager for further clarification. The parts manager says because it's a Canadian car Hyundai Canada must approve the part and complete the order to send it to their dealership for installation. It's in the process of being approved. For a week. Without an answer.

I have emailed Hyundai Canada regarding this to see if there is any way to expedite this, but my question in the meantime is...

How do I get back to Canada? I plan on returning to Florida for part of the winter, but not till the end of Jan for 2-3 months.

1. Just give them back the rental vehicle and ask for my car keys to take my Genesis home and hope it doesn't crap out?
2. Take the rental vehicle back to the closest point on the border to my home (only a couple of miles from the border), park it and get a ride home?
3. Fly home and risk using up all 9 of our cat's lives?

I'm considering option 1, but if the transmission totally lets go on the way home will Hyundai still pay for the tow and rental car considering I removed it from the dealer here that suggested I don't drive it?

Option 2 could work, however at some time in the future I'm sure the new transmission will be in and they'll want the rental back. I'll have to drive it back to Florida which is a real pita. Also, would the rental people be ok with me putting an extra 4500 miles on their car (don't think there are any mileage restrictions).

Option 3 is not too palatable due to our pet.

Your thoughts/suggestions are welcome.

(By the way, the parts guy is definitely NOT a salesman. He says "Wow, that's a long way to drive... all the way from Canada. You should just get a cheap little car and leave it here to use and just fly down. Canadian cars quite often have a problem with the Florida heat anyway." Really? I didn't get that vibe from any of the Genesis commercials on TV. Oh, nice car, but don't try to drive it 2200 miles plus the resulting changes in temps will kill it - these cars just can't take it... I told him that part of the reason my last three cars were Genesis sedans was that they are so comfortable and competent for long highway journeys. Ridiculous.)

 

[BillZ]

When I had issues with a Hyundai dealer in Sarasota, I called Genesis (not Hyundai) in Canada and got tremendous support. Try emailing genesisequus@hyundaicanada.com.

 

[EdP]

Hahaha - Ed, I think we'd get along just fine! I actually already have a copy of Manifold Destiny that I got 20yrs ago. It was something that my Dad said was quite common in his day. Never actually followed the recipes, but found it an entertaining read. People here think we're nuts for driving "all the way" from Canada. When I tell them that we just left home yesterday and arrived today at 5:30 they're shocked since they thought it would be a 3-4 day trip. We usually find driving enjoyable. Always some interesting characters out there.

Thanks for the tips

I have the book too. Would have been a lot easier with the manifold of a Chevy in-line 6. I used to cook or heat up lunch on the boilers at work too.

 

[jimmy buoy]

When I had issues with a Hyundai dealer in Sarasota, I called Genesis (not Hyundai) in Canada and got tremendous support. Try emailing genesisequus@hyundaicanada.com.

Hmmm, do you own a 2017 or 2018 Genesis Motors Vehicle (g80/90) or a Hyundai Motors Genesis Model?

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Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[BillZ]

Hmmm, do you own a 2017 or 2018 Genesis Motors Vehicle (g80/90) or a Hyundai Motors Genesis Model?

I own a 2015 Hyundai Genesis.

 

[jimmy buoy]

I own a 2015 Hyundai Genesis.

Interesting, and good to know - thanks!

The only issues I've been having is the misinformation about securing a new transmission. Other than that, they seem to be experienced with Genesis, capable, and committed to get the tranny replaced. I just keep getting conflicting stories about the procedure involved for obtaining the tranny.

Would you share what type of issues you were having and how Genesis Canada were able to make a difference?

 

[BillZ]

The following is a copy of an earlier post I did back in May:

I had the windshield replaced on my 2015 Genesis with the tech package. The experience with the dealer in Florida (Gettel Hyundai of Sarasota) was a nightmare. They screwed up the lane-keeping assist and tried to suggest I brought it in like that and then managed to punch a hole in the driver's door inside panel by slamming the door with the seatbelt buckle not retracted. Again they suggest "it was probably like that when you brought it in." Eventually they took care of the repairs, but the whole process took a couple of weeks, multiple trips and a great deal of argument. The cost was about $2400 with tax of which $1950 was the windshield. At least everything is back to normal now. I would comment that the markup on the parts is horrendous. I priced the same windshield on line through Delray Hyundai (hyundaioemparts.com) at $1350. As my insurance company was paying everything but my $300 deductible, it didn't affect my bottom line. It's possible that dealers in Florida take advantage of the insurance laws there that require insurers to pay 100% for windshield repairs. My insurer is in Canada.

Genesis Canada paid for the replacement LKA module and generally made sure that the dealer did not have the excuse that the fact that the car was purchased in Canada was not an issue regarding the repair or replacement of parts.

 

[jimmy buoy]

The following is a copy of an earlier post I did back in May:

I had the windshield replaced on my 2015 Genesis with the tech package. The experience with the dealer in Florida (Gettel Hyundai of Sarasota) was a nightmare. They screwed up the lane-keeping assist and tried to suggest I brought it in like that and then managed to punch a hole in the driver's door inside panel by slamming the door with the seatbelt buckle not retracted. Again they suggest "it was probably like that when you brought it in." Eventually they took care of the repairs, but the whole process took a couple of weeks, multiple trips and a great deal of argument. The cost was about $2400 with tax of which $1950 was the windshield. At least everything is back to normal now. I would comment that the markup on the parts is horrendous. I priced the same windshield on line through Delray Hyundai (hyundaioemparts.com) at $1350. As my insurance company was paying everything but my $300 deductible, it didn't affect my bottom line. It's possible that dealers in Florida take advantage of the insurance laws there that require insurers to pay 100% for windshield repairs. My insurer is in Canada.

Genesis Canada paid for the replacement LKA module and generally made sure that the dealer did not have the excuse that the fact that the car was purchased in Canada was not an issue regarding the repair or replacement of parts.

Thanks for the additional info. Hopefully there is no collateral damage done to my car during the tranny swap job, but I'll be sure to check before accepting the issue as closed.

 

[jimmy buoy]

UPDATE: Transmission arrived at the dealership this morning!

Well on our 2nd of our 2 day trip back home with the rental car, an email was received by our Service Advisor Nick that surprised me to no end. The tranny had arrived at the dealership and they should have the car ready later tomorrow if all goes well.

We would have turned around and headed back right then, but there's an important family event this Sunday, and we wouldn't be able to get back in time if we didn't leave Florida until Saturday morning (I'm not a drive all night kind-a-guy). Also, there was no guarantee that the car would be done by the end of tomorrow anyway. So we continued home without issue.

I find this rather unbelievable considering that they didn't even know if there was a tranny to be had at all. Nick said that the original order for the California unit was already in process and obviously didn't get cancelled.

What I can't fathom is that HyundaI can't determine the whereabouts of a major item like a tranny, but I can find an item on ebay, confirm it's in stock, order it, and track it all the way from beginning to end. You know what day it's going to arrive, and that's for a $6 item. How does that happen??

Once they email me to say the car is ready, I think it would be wise for me to actually speak to the tech that did the work and confirm that all is nominal with the car again and there is nothing else that needs work before I take the 2 day trip back. No more surprises needed! If it gets done Friday looks like I'll be making another trip to Fl and back starting Monday. They'll want their rental car back. Hope I don't get "trucker's butt".

That's it for today...

 

[TurtleBoy]

Thanks for the update, sounds like good progress. Drive safely.

 

[jimmy buoy]

UPDATE: Job not as simple as a simple tranny swap.

The car was to have been ready to go Friday afternoon (Nov 30th). No email received Friday. I called at noon today and did get to speak with Nick my service advisor and here's what he said after apologizing for not emailing me updated info - too busy at the dealership today...

Lou, the master tech called Hyundai Canada warranty reps to confirm that the transmission had arrived and he was about to swap with the existing one, but HC said they also suspect the transfer case to be causing issues (this is an all wheel drive 5.0). They had Lou disconnect the drive train to the front wheels and then road test again. With the front wheels disconnected, the jerking/surging was suddenly gone. Therefore, this may confirm theres something in the transfer case causing problems with the drive train. HC says replace the transfer case and see if that solves the issue. They also said to drain/flush the tranny. If the problem persists, replace the tranny too.

New transfer case ordered and should be at the dealer by end of next week Dec 7th.

I'm trying to see more info on my car's awd system. If the tranny had dark/burnt smelling fluid could a bad transfer case corrupt the tranny's fluid?

I sure am glad that I didn't turn around in Ohio and head back to Florida thinking the car would be ready Friday afternoon.

 

[TurtleBoy]

Yes, good thing you kept going. Since the transmission is already onsite they might as well replace that right away. Thanks for the update.

 

[EdP]

Lou, the master tech called Hyundai Canada warranty reps to confirm that the transmission had arrived and he was about to swap with the existing one, but HC said they also suspect the transfer case to be causing issues (this is an all wheel drive 5.0). They had Lou disconnect the drive train to the front wheels and then road test again. With the front wheels disconnected, the jerking/surging was suddenly gone. Therefore, this may confirm theres something in the transfer case causing problems with the drive train. HC says replace the transfer case and see if that solves the issue. They also said to drain/flush the tranny. If the problem persists, replace the tranny too.

New transfer case ordered and should be at the dealer by end of next week Dec 7th.

I'm trying to see more info on my car's awd system. If the tranny had dark/burnt smelling fluid could a bad transfer case corrupt the tranny's fluid?
.

I wonder if a defective transfer case can cause the tranny to work harder and cause the problems and burnt fluid. I also wonder if they decide not to replace the tranny if there would be problems long term from damage caused.
Had you turned around you really would be BS when you got there to find a delay.

 

[jimmy buoy]

I've done a bit of research on the web regarding the Genesis HTRAC system.

Here's the transfer case which seems to be connected to the aft end of the transmission. I'm thinking that this part of the system shares fluid with the transmission. If that's the case and the unit was malfunctioning the resulting friction and heat may have contaminated the fluid which would have then gone through the rest of the tranny and torque converter.

Magna AWD System Helps Hyundai Genesis Achieve New Levels of Driving Performance

Here's a better look at the system where you can actually see the main drive shaft heading to the back wheels but also a second drive shaft off to the RH side of the transmission heading towards the engine to power the front wheels.

genesis awd system

If anyone here knows more about the HTRAC design please add comments. My concern is the possibility that the "dark/burnt" fluid found in the tranny possibly damaged items and a simple flush/refill may only mask a problem that would show at a later date.

It's a little early for me to be demanding the replacement of the tranny since they may come to that conclusion anyway. Things have already changed from the original plan to simply replace the tranny so it appears that Hyundai wants to make sure they nail down the problem before providing a fix.

The other thing that I'm a bit puzzled with is when I was told that Hyundai instructed the tech to disconnect the front wheel drive part of the system and the problem disappeared. The transfer case provides the rear drive shaft connection as well as the front. Disconnecting the front drive shaft still leaves the transfer case connected. If the problem is in the transfer case, would not the problem still remain? Could this indicate an issue further forward as in a differential for the front drive?