My transmission on 01 sport seems to be stuck in 3rd gear. Hold button is flashing and has a P1624 Code . I think I need to chage Trans shift solenoids . Anyone have same problem and advice for repair ?

Try this here .

KIA says:
"P1624 MIL request signal from TCM to ECM
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This is only a request from TCM to ECM to turn the MIL on. The fault code is stored in the TCM. The Freeze Frame Data is stored in the ECM under the P1624 request code. Be sure to retrieve freeze frame data before clearing code P1624 from ECM."

..meaning "tranmission control module has stored a code and send a signal to turn the check engine light ON. DO you have the check engine light(CEL, or MIL) ON ?

IN some cases....improperly seated gas cap or loss of fuel tank vacuum (hoses, sensor) have been linked to that flashing HOLD ...weird..but simple things first....

As soon as vehicle is started Hold button starts flashing then check engine light comes on few seconds later . Kinda hope it is something simple as kia dealer says trans control module is $983.00 . About $64 at a wrecker if I can find one . The kia tech thinks that is the problem.

CEL tells a real code can be read....on top of P1624. This other code would..could...point to the actual trouble. I'd really like to se that code first. IN fact...in my interpretation, the transmission module works....since it can send the code to light up the CEL....
Look or ask for the actual transmission code...have Autozone read it for you is you cannot get your hands on a code reader...or buy a code reader..a 70$ to 100$ investment that pays for itself.

Got my code reader back . 2 stored codes it says 1. kia code P1624 request signal from TCM to ECM and 1 generic code P0123 TPS sensor high circut fault.

P0123 Throttle position sensor circuit high input
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� Open or short to battery between Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) C144-3 and (ECM) C211-73.
� Open between (TPS) C144-1 and (ECM) C211-71.
� Faulty TPS.

OK. Kia is not clear about the consequences of that code on general operation but on my other car, a throttle position sensor error code inhibits 4th gear, TCC and cruise control...so this might look like a transmisison trouble (does not go past 3rd gear) but it is not. I cannot say if KIA has programmed the same but I would surely investigate, repair and clear the TPS code before anything else. Keep in mind that sensor connectors are a common reported cause of problems .

Problem solved It was a Bad TPS . I was lucky enough to find one on the only sportage at Pick and pull tody.