2009 Kia Sportage not shifting from 3rd to 4th

This is a good news, bad news item. The good news is that one solenoid is usually accessible on the transmission’s valve body. The bad news is that the second on used is on the inside of the valve body. And, yes, getting to the solenoids means that you do have do some partial disassembly to get to the valve body and get the cover off.

Indeed, unless you are skilled at mechanical takedowns, then I would suggest taking the Sportage to an independent shop where a technician can handle the work.

Now, it is possible that you might get lucky and find that the solenoid on the outside of the valve body is the one you need. The reason being is that the solenoids are used together to determine the actual gear setting. For example, it is possible that the solenoid controlling first and third might be on the outside of the valve body while second and fourth may be on the inside of the valve body, but you can’t be sure of that. So, you will have to assume that if the problem is in the solenoids that you will have to do a minimal teardown to reach them.

I would recommend, though, that as I noted, the teardown work be left to a knowledgeable technician as they will make sure it is done quickly and properly unless you feel confident that you can do that work and that you have the tools, as well.