Traction Motor replacement

Mine was the Reduction Gear ... There is a long thread of that issue that's going on - due to build up of metal shavings in the gear. It started with a dull thump-thump-thump that was noticeable to me - at acceleration - but the shop couldn't hear. It got louder to the point they could finally diagnose it & replace it. So just a thought - if the traction motor replacement doesn't fix it, have them take a look into the Reduction Gear. good luck !

 

There's now a long history of parts replacement due to drivetrain noise. Hyundai started out replacing parts progressively, hoping to eliminate the noise. Motor then gearbox or gearbox then motor - and officially this is STILL the procedure - however, anecdotally, the dealers have abandoned this and are just going ahead with a full drivetrain replacement (as in my case). It's probably fair to say that they are doing this because the sequential approach was long, incredibly labour intensive and ultimately not worth it. The reason? It's debatable but it appears they don't really know the exact cause of the noise and are hoping that replacement will eliminate the unknown cause in most cases. Let's not forget that, despite appearances in places like these owner forums where faults are highlighted and discussed ad nauseum, the vast majority of the Kona drivetrains are just fine. It simply appears to be the luck of the draw and Hyundai is playing the odds.

Edit. I think you should challenge your dealers' approach if only because this forum probably gives you a more global understanding of the issue, and solutions, than many dealers would have. It could save you both some time.

 

They may or may not be aware of the TSB on this subject. Ideally they replace the gearbox at the same time to save you having to return, as @Wildeyed mentions.

Unfortunately we don't have any evidence yet that this is the root cause of the tapping, despite that it certainly could be.

 

Good luck with the swap. I hope it does the trick for you.

I believe the motor does both jobs, driving and regenerating. With regard to the noise: mine started out being noisy under regeneration but progressed over time to be noisy all the time - except when coasting in neutral, when it was always quiet. It's a puzzle to be sure. Keep us updated. Fingers crossed for you.

 

Yeah, it's almost certain they're wasting everybody's time and their money but have to follow the steps in the TSB.

 

This is unfortunate. If you continue to encounter difficulties I would recommend changing dealerships for this service. I did and it transformed my experience. I moved from Belleville Hyundai (Ontario) to Lauria Hyundai in Port Hope. They did my (complete) drivetrain swap and it was a dream and they have done other swaps too. Experience made all the difference.. It might be worth a 2 hour drive for you. Just a suggestion should you encounter continued inconvenience.

 

How long is your drivetrain warranty in Canada?

Add about 9 hours of labor to these costs below:

 

Are you sure about this? The reason I ask is that I have a Canadian 2019 too and my warranty is longer.

 

I'm currently having my traction motor replaced (2019 SEL, with 57,000mi).
I've noticed the clicking noise since about 10 or 20,000 miles, and have brought it up occasionally when in for service. First couple times I was told they couldn't reproduce the problem, but they'd make a note. Last year they said they heard it, and they replaced a CV axle (after which I could still hear the motor ticking sound). Then this winter I went up specifically to address this with more conviction, as we were approaching 60k miles, where at least some warranty coverages end.

Last month (1st visit of this cycle), they said they couldn't hear it, but they seemed much more engaged with fixing it (and following the TSB that I pointed them to). They ordered the new bolt and brackets, and scheduled me to come back in 2 weeks. Last week, I dropped it off again, this time for 36 hours, and they gave me a loaner. They did the 6 hour job of remounting the motor (or whatever TSB step 1 is) and when I went back in I could immediately hear the clicking, so I took the shop foreman for a ride, and he could hear what I was talking about. He ordered a new traction motor, and they're keeping the car for 2 weeks until that comes in. (We still have the loaner)

They've told me that another Kona has been going through this same list of steps in their shop, and I suspect that's what has made them so much more accommodating this time around. I don't envy the owner who had to be the pioneer on this issue at Quirk Hyundai (or any dealership). It's always easier to be the second guy!

Nate

 

This illustrates the problem with Hyundai/Kia/Genesis EVs.

Each step in the TSB - FOR A KNOWN DESIGN FLAW - takes 3 months. For my bargain Niro EV this was deeply irritating.

For a much more expensive e-GMP vehicle it's a deal breaker. 6 months for a front bumper while paying finance charges? No thanks.

The Hyundai "family" of vehicles has a warranty that is little more than a marketing gimmick.

Park a thousand blown Theta II motors in front of any work order and this backlog was inevitable.

Great little cars-Terrible manufacturing suport (low or no parts)-Horrible dealership experience = another Tesla buyer.