I have a 2000 Kia Sephia that is having a automatic transmission issue. When accelerating, the engine revs high before shifting into the next gear. It doesn't happen from 1st to 2nd, but from 2nd to 3rd and so on. It revs to about 4000-5000 rpms before finally shifting gears. Any ideas?
You know that KIA stands for keep it away!, dont you? I have one too, its probably in need of a service, as the others said. but I have done so much other stuff to mine, its not funny, luckily I am able to do my own repairs, but the parts are priced way high. Trade it in while you can.
The transmission has either a detent cable, vacuum modulator or computer sensor that tells the transmission when to shift. I am not sure which system your model uses but in addition to the obvious check of fluid level I would determine which style of shift control you have and look there. Late shifting is almost always a vacuum leak, or faulty adjusted detent cable. If your car controls this via the computer then your check engine light is probably on. Good Luck!
Check the fluid level NOW. If you don't know how, get the owner's manual out, or ask someone who knows how to do it. You might be lucky, and be low on fluid. Then take it in for a fluid change if it's never been done. Ask if they see any signs of leaks. If you're not lucky, get your wallet out. You may be looking at a repair/rebuild job. That might start at $500, and go to $2000 or more.
