After reading the "Problems" forum for quite some time now, I see one re-occurring theme.
And, that is, that most all of the transmission problems with the Kia Soul are related to the Manual Transmission.
I'm sure I'll get flamed for saying that, by the "dyed in the wool" MT owners/drivers. I'm not throwing rocks, but just recounting what I've been reading here in this forum for quite some time.
For me, an MT is just out of the question. With my last MT car, 26 years ago, I remember how tired my left leg would get when driving through a large metropolitan area, like Orlando. It would be even worse today, so when I went to look at Kia Souls, I told the salesman that I wanted an AT, CC and cloth seats. The car I drove home later that day, filled all my requirements. At that time I didn't even know that the Soul came with two different engines, but now I'm so glad that I came home with the spunky little 1.6L. It's all the engine I could ever want.
The six speed AT in the Soul is, and I quote, "a real work of art". It even seems to have ESP, because it's always in the right gear for what I want to do. If I just slam the gas pedal to the floor, the AT will find the right gear for the operation. If I'm already doing 80mph, it will shift down to 4th gear and the car will take off like a shot!
I guess you all can tell I'm a very happy AT owner/driver. Eh wot?
Oh yes, if I start off from a standing start and just hold the gas pedal DOWN, with the AT in manual mode, it will automatically shift gears at 6000rpm+, just short of the Rev. limiter and be doing 80 mph in about 10 sec's.
I heard this mentioned on this forum, by another member, and I though I'd try it out for myself, and IT WORKED!
I've learned a lot from this forum, about my Kia Soul, and I want to thank the guys who know what's going on, and give a "Bronx Cheer" to those who don't know sh**, but just like to antagonize. (you know who you are. :tongue-new: )
Motor ON!