A few months ago I lost the ability to downshift my '06 Sonata GL using manual mode. All that would happen was that the instument panel would flash the number 4 (if I was trying to downshift out of 4th), and no downshifting would take place. Now when I move the shifter over to manual mode, it doesn't even show what gear I'm in or anything and I can't downshift or upshift with it anymore. I never realized how much I used manual mode until I found myself without it. I suspect the culprit is a sensor someplace, but before I drop some cash at the Hyundai garage I thought I'd see if anybody on the forum has any ideas. For what it's worth, the car is a 2.4L with 156,000+ miles on it and I've always had it serviced at regular intervals.

 

Likely lost the Sport Mode Switch mounted to right side of shifter..

Has there been any liquid spiil on the shifter in the past ?

Not very hard to replace, you might even place a few "select" words when replacing, but it not real difficult..

 

No spills. Do I just remove the trim to access the sport mode switch? Are there any tips or tricks to doing that?

 

Basically work around this, more so at the shifter end... you may need to remove center of dash, but it been a long time.. You want to get at the shifter, and get the assembly to where you can work on it.. the switch if I recall is buried in the right side of the shift tower... at it was on a Santa Fe I did a long time ago.