Team-BHP - Hyundai Grand i10: Transmission Control Module problem

Hi everyone. I have a strange problem that I am seeking some information and inputs on. My wife's i10 Grand (2015 model) was sent for its annual service at an authorized Hyundai service center 4 weeks ago. Post delivery of the vehicle the same day I immediately noticed that the Check Engine light stayed on and that the car was giving jerks while shifting gears. I noticed this within 5 mins of driving the car so immediately turned back to the service center to get it rectified.

Their first response to the problem was that the car wash may have resulted in some water making its way to the spark plugs which were first dried and clean and then later replaced, but the problem continued to persist. After more head scratching they finally said they needed to keep the car overnight to investigate properly (it was almost closing time for them) which I agreed to. Since then it's been 4 weeks of constant follow-ups and multiple causes of the problem given to me stating they are checking something only to turn around and say that this wasn't the issue, as the Check Engine light kept coming back on. Finally earlier this week they've come back (after a lot of trial and error apparently) stating that they've identified the problem to be a faulty Transmission Control Module in the car. This they say will have to be replaced which costs Rs.23,000! I am understandably balking at the sudden and high cost, especially since the car was running fine when I dropped it off for servicing.

My questions for anyone knowledgeable on this matter and willing to help is:
1. Is it common for the Transmission Control Module to be damaged? Should I be suspecting foul play/technician error at the service center? They are telling me that it's a normal wear and tear electronic part which can fail anytime, but from what I read online the part failing doesn't seem to be common.
2. Their earlier claim of water seeping into the Spark Plugs is still bothering me. Is it possible for water from the high pressure car wash to enter the TCM and damage it? I believe it is located near the engine bay, so location wise it's certainly a possibility. Online material states water to be the most common causes of failure of the TCM, so that is what I am worried about.
3. Should I be getting a second opinion? I am worried if I take the car out of the service center they will wash their hands of any responsibility that they might have caused since the car was no longer under their roof.

I'd highly appreciate anyone's opinion and help here. Thanks.

The transmission ECM might have been damaged while washing the car? ie if it is placed inside the engine bay. Then again if it is inside the bay, it usually would be protected against the elements. Another issue can be an accidental shorting, then again for a regular service they would not really fiddle with such units.

Is the diagnosis based on error they collected from the diagnostic unit? Usually a check engine light will have a corresponding error code registered and can be diagnosed with the scanning tools.

Having said all of the above, electronics components do conk off randomly.

HI King

Please share the PICs of TCM and car main ECM ( ask ASS persons where are both located ).

Would like to see what type of Rubber Gaskets or Seals are in its housing, particularly at place where Wire Buses enter in Casing.

ASS technicians these days are measly educated ( particularly those deployed in Car wash, AC and Body repair and Paint shops. Most of these subsections are further Outsourced to THIRD party by Authorized Dealers.
So, there are high chances these days that after Servicing at these ASS some other Function of car getting faulty.

Quote:

Originally Posted by king999 (Post 4687966)

Finally earlier this week they've come back (after a lot of trial and error apparently) stating that they've identified the problem to be a faulty Transmission Control Module in the car. This they say will have to be replaced which costs Rs.23,000!
1. Is it common for the Transmission Control Module to be damaged? Should I be suspecting foul play/technician error at the service center? They are telling me that it's a normal wear and tear electronic part which can fail anytime,
2. Their earlier claim of water seeping into the Spark Plugs is still bothering me. Is it possible for water from the high pressure car wash to enter the TCM and damage it? I believe it is located near the engine bay, so location wise it's certainly a possibility.

Quote:

Originally Posted by king999 (Post 4687966)

Sorry no clue about your issue but feel your pain.

This is what most frustrating about service centers here in India, we give it expecting all niggles to sorted out but end up with more issues or even new issues. This is always in back of my mind, they will try to fleece customers knowing that we do not know in and out about the vehicle and we dont/cant take time off running behind the issues.

Hope your issue gets resolved soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lightning2 (Post 4689115)

Thanks for your response. I will try and get pictures but the car is in the ASS, so will have to drop by post work and I'm currently out of town on work.

They told me that they temporarily replaced my TCM with that of another showroom vehicle as part of their trail and error to check for the root cause of the problem. I don't know how that action would have impacted the gasket and seals of mine. But let me see.