Heater blowing cold air, transmission not shifting

2002 KIA SPECTRA
177,000 MILES • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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[email protected]
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Okay, so i noticed my transmission had been changing gears a little rough last couple days. Well this morning it stopped changing all together and i had to drive home in first gear. Also, my heater started blowing cold air this morning and i had smoke coming from under the hood. when i stopped the car and looked under the hood I saw the antifreeze was all over my battery and other stuff in that right corner. so the smoke was actually my hot antifreeze blowing out from the radiator or something.
Jan 7, 2019 at 6:34 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

If you lost coolant, that explains why the heater stopped working. First, locate the leak, repair it, and refill the coolant.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

Now, have any of the lights come on indicating the engine was overheating? If it was hot enough, that may be related with the transmission issue. If the check engine light was staying on when the engine was running, there should be trouble codes stored in the computer identifying where the problem was coming from. With that in mind, you should scan the computer. Here is a quick video showing how it is done:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

I realize most people don't own a scanner, but often times a parts store will lend or rent one for you to use. They will also scan it for free, but it doesn't sound safe to drive.

Let me know if this helps and what you find.

Joe
Jan 7, 2019 at 6:59 PM
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My husband ended up changing a belt of some kind. Everything is good now.
Jan 7, 2019 at 10:30 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Welcome back:

Glad you got it fixed. Could you let me know what belt it was? I'm interested in knowing.

Thanks,
Joe
Jan 8, 2019 at 7:35 PM
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I honestly don't know, but i will ask my husband.
Jan 9, 2019 at 12:41 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If you could, I would appreciate it. It may help another person with the same problem.

Take care,
Joe
Jan 9, 2019 at 7:36 PM
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It was the belt that goes on the alternator and water pump.
Jan 9, 2019 at 7:54 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Now that makes sense. The water pump not turning explains the heating issues, shifting issues (because of engine temperatures) and the smoke.

Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.

Take care,
Joe
Jan 9, 2019 at 9:14 PM