So I was out driving recently (I have a 2014 diesel Soul Shaker auto) and had to pull over to use the phone. Everything was working perfectly up to that point, but when I restarted the engine and put the car into drive there was an heavy clunk, and when I drove off I soon realised it was stuck in fourth gear. Luckily I was only a few miles from home, but initially feared that the gearbox was kaput. However, having looked into it, it seems more likely to be an electrical fault, or a faulty solenoid, and that the gearbox has gone into limp mode. My problem is that local mechanics either don't want to deal with it because it's an auto, or are unable to isolate the specific fault. I was hoping to avoid taking it to the local Kia dealership because of the likely expense, but fear I may have no choice. However, I'd be very grateful if anybody else has experienced this problem or has any advice.

Thanks in advance, S