Automatic transmission fluid change?

Tiny
JOE1953
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 127,000 MILES
Transmission doesn't shift smoothly at low speed, and at 0 MPH the transmission makes a noise.
Friday, January 3rd, 2025 AT 12:39 AM

13 Replies

Tiny
BORIS K
  • MECHANIC
  • 817 POSTS
Hello,

A noisy transmission and shifting issues can be caused by dirty or low transmission fluid.
Suggest checking transmission fluid level, also check for possible transmission oil leaks.

How to:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-and-add-transmission-fluid

How to service:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

A video how to replace transmission oil, on a diesel but will also apply:
https://youtu.be/DN2Zv8RK22g?si=z4ULP1RrjJfdXL6E

Hope this helps.

Cheers, Boris
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Friday, January 3rd, 2025 AT 1:53 AM
Tiny
JOE1953
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  • 669 POSTS
How do I check the fluid level? I don't see a dipstick. How much fluid does it hold after changing it and what type?
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Friday, January 3rd, 2025 AT 4:58 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 49,440 POSTS
There should be a drain plug on the side of the case, or a drain plug on the pan that needs to be removed and then pumped in and then it will run out until it stops, which will be the fluid level. Please go over the guides Boris posted.

Fluid Types

Updated by TSB 13-AT-011

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type

Type. SP4-M
Capacities

Automatic Transaxle Fluid

Capacity. 8.24 qt (7.8L)

Let us know if you need anything else.
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Sunday, January 5th, 2025 AT 11:49 AM
Tiny
JOE1953
  • MEMBER
  • 669 POSTS
Do I have to add anything else to the fluid when I change it? Where is the best and cheaper place to buy fluid? I priced some Valvaline Import full synthetic at O'Reilly and it was $13.00 a quart.
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Sunday, January 5th, 2025 AT 1:38 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I would try Amazon.
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Monday, January 6th, 2025 AT 9:42 AM
Tiny
JOE1953
  • MEMBER
  • 669 POSTS
Which one of the plug on the pan is the fluid level and drain plug? One is at the front, and one is on the side like. I tried to check the fluid level by removing the plug at the front of the pan with the vehicle on jack stands and engine Idling in park and I remove the plug at the front of the pan, but nothing didn't come out is this the way I check fluid level? There is also a plug on top, is that a fill plug too?
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Friday, January 10th, 2025 AT 7:04 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 49,440 POSTS
Can you upload an image of the fill plug you think is the fill? The fact that no fluid came out is telling me that is probably the way they fill and obtain the fluid level as well, that is common on newer cars.
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Friday, January 10th, 2025 AT 9:41 AM
Tiny
JOE1953
  • MEMBER
  • 669 POSTS
Is the 8.24 qt just for the pan fill and converter too or just the pan fill?
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Saturday, January 11th, 2025 AT 8:21 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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That should be a complete fill with the converter.
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Saturday, January 11th, 2025 AT 9:15 AM
Tiny
JOE1953
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  • 669 POSTS
When I drain the pan the converter drain also?
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Saturday, January 11th, 2025 AT 9:46 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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I don't think this transmission has a drainable converter.
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Monday, January 13th, 2025 AT 12:38 PM
Tiny
JOE1953
  • MEMBER
  • 669 POSTS
How do I upload an Image?
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Monday, January 13th, 2025 AT 4:34 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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There is a link at the bottom of the text box that says " Add image or video " then use you phone to take an image and upload it with your response.
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Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 AT 10:17 AM

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