2004 Hyundai Accent Trans or wiring problem?

I bought a 2004 Hyundai Accent GT about 2 months ago. I bought it used “As is”. It ran beautiful, motor was clean etc..


2 weeks ago the check engine light came on and the car was no longer shifting correctly. It gave my mechanic a C3 Solenoid problem. He decided to start checking my connections etc.. and found some corrosion and dirt. He cleaned it all off and reset the light. It stayed off and started running and shifting great again. 2 days later, light is back on and once again the car is stuck in 3rd gear.


Into the trans shop it goes. The solenoids get changed, there is still a problem and there. Trans shop decides that the trans needs to be rebuilt after pulling out the valve (I am having brain fart and can NOT think of which valve) and seeing debris in there. However once they began to drop the trans they saw that my wiring is very corroded and there were some bad looking connections. They ceased all trans operations and started focusing on the wiring harness.

I did come across these problems online:


Transmission problems: If transmission sticks in 3rd, shifts poorly, or has harsh 1-2 shift, the pulse generator may need to be replaced. (2000-2002)


Transmission slippage: Poor shifting, slippage or a transmission that will not shift out of third gear can often be traced to corroded connectors or other problems in the wiring, which may require replacement of the wiring harness. Other shifting problems may be caused by a problem with the transmission-fluid temperature sensor or pulse generator. (2000-01)


But didn’t think they pertained to my 2004. All of you that know and love Accents, do you have any further info for me? Do you think it is the wiring now instead of the trans?

Turned out to be the Valve Body and Solenoids.