[TS Rawat]

I have a 2020 Kia SONET Diesel/AT. The car was bought primarily for use in the mountain roads (Uttarakhand). During recent flooding of roads in Delhi NCR, I had to drive through flooded roads. Just before arrival at my destination, we got into a big trench dug up on the side of the road by the municipal corporation. The trench was about 2-3 feet deep.

The front tyres were in the trench but the rear tyres remained on the road. We got out and with the help of some locals and a passing by Mahindra Thar the car was pulled out. As the engine would not restart, it was towed to the nearest Authourised Service Centre (ASC).

At the ASC I was told that there is lot of water in the oil, so the engine may have to be overhauled. I asked them to check the amount of water with water finding paste, but they gave me strange looks. To make things worse, they said my insurance does not have Engine Protection Cover, so I’ll have to bear all the expenses. I was even advised not to put a claim.

However, I decided to put a claim. The Surveyor who came to do the survey the next day also told me that due to no Engine cover, my claim for engine repairs will be rejected. However, he said there isn’t much water in the engine and the ASC must hand crank the engine and clean the self-starter to start the engine.

The Surveyor’s advice was bang on. Next day the engine was able to start. However, during the test drive issues with the gears was noticed. The car would jerk as soon as it was put to R or D and after the initial 1 km or so the gears would not engage. The car had to be pushed to bring it back to the ASC.

The gear oil (ATF) was drained and found it to be contaminated with water. It was pink and looked like strawberry milk shake that we get at McDonalds. The ATF was replaced with new fluid. The next test drive showed no improvement, but the ATF when drained showed less water and it was red in colour. The ATF costs over 2000 Rs per litre (SP-IV).

The ASC now tells me that the gear box may need replacement and quoted 5 lacs. Clearly this is not a reasonable cost for a 4 year of SONET with a market value of just around 8 lacs. I asked them to flush the gearbox with ATF one more time, but, unfortunately even after that the results have not improved. I discussed the issue with the Surveyor who appeared to be an experienced person. He advised me have the Mechatronics of the AT transmission checked. I have conveyed it to the ASC and now hoping for some positive results.

Has anyone experienced similar issues? Do you agree that the whole gear box/AT system needs replacement? I’m considering to sell the car in as is condition.

I look forward to your views.

[Turbanator]

Originally Posted by TS Rawat

The trench was about 2-3 feet deep. The gear oil (ATF) was drained and found it to be contaminated with water.
The ASC now tells me that the gear box may need replacement and quoted 5 lacs.

Lodge an insurance claim since your car went into a trench and wasn't submerged on the road. It’s likely that the gearbox is damaged, which may have allowed water to seep in. Ask your dealership to inspect the gearbox carefully and raise a suitable claim.