Back to 2021 Hyundai Tucson

2021 HYUNDAI TUCSON

2.5L I4AWDAUTOMATICgas
1 active safety recall on this vehicle — view recalls
Founding sponsor spot is openYour name on every procedure for this vehicle, permanently.Sponsor — $30 →
Repairs438Labor564Torque3745Fluid9DTC923Battery0Maintenance0Recalls1
transmission

Shift Solenoids - All

for 2021 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
7.8 h
Tools
12
Steps
13

Replace all shift solenoids in the 8-speed automatic transmission by removing the transmission pan, valve body, and solenoid assembly.

Warnings

⚠️Transmission fluid will be hot if vehicle has been recently operated. Allow minimum 2 hours cooling time to avoid severe burns.
Work in a well-ventilated area. ATF vapors can cause respiratory irritation.
The valve body contains multiple small springs and check balls that can fall out during disassembly. Work in a clean area and track all components.
Do not use aftermarket or non-SP-IV-M transmission fluid. Incorrect fluid will cause transmission failure.
ℹ️This procedure requires the transmission to remain in the vehicle. Ensure adequate working clearance underneath.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)Essential
10mm, 12mm, 14mm socketsEssential
Transmission fluid drain pan (minimum 12 quart capacity)Essential
Plastic trim removal tools
Transmission jack or equivalent supportEssential
Fluid pump or funnel with extensionEssential
Flathead screwdriver
Clean lint-free ragsEssential
Brake cleaner or parts cleanerEssential
Gasket scraper (plastic)Essential
Oil filter pliers or strap wrench

Parts

  • Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Transmission oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Valve body gasket set × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Shift solenoid A (1-2, 3-4) × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Shift solenoid B (2-3, 5-6) × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Shift solenoid C (4-5, 7-8) × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Pressure control solenoid × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Damper clutch control solenoid × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

  • Hyundai SP-IV-M ATF — 10 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Allow transmission to cool completely if recently operated (minimum 2 hours)
  3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
  4. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
  5. Remove front skid plate or undertray if equipped (multiple 10mm bolts)
  6. Place transmission drain pan underneath transmission oil pan
  7. Have all replacement parts, fluids, and gaskets ready before beginning disassembly

Procedure

  1. 1
    Drain transmission fluid
    Locate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the transmission pan. Using a 24mm socket, slowly loosen the drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely into the drain pan. This will take 10-15 minutes. Once drained, remove and inspect the drain plug and crush washer. Discard the old crush washer and clean the drain plug threads.
  2. 2
    Remove transmission pan
    Locate all transmission pan bolts (approximately 20 bolts around the perimeter). Using a 10mm socket, loosen all pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern, working from the outside toward the center. Leave two bolts on opposite corners partially threaded to support the pan. Carefully break the pan seal with a plastic scraper, then remove the final two bolts while supporting the pan. Lower the pan carefully as residual fluid will remain. Clean the pan thoroughly and inspect for metal debris or clutch material.
  3. 3
    Remove transmission oil filter
    Locate the internal transmission oil filter (cartridge-style) mounted to the valve body. Using oil filter pliers if necessary, rotate the filter counterclockwise to remove. Some additional fluid will drain when the filter is removed. Inspect the filter for excessive debris. Clean the filter mounting surface on the valve body with a lint-free rag.
  4. 4
    Remove valve body bolts
    Identify all valve body mounting bolts. There are approximately 16-20 bolts of varying lengths securing the valve body to the transmission case. Take photos or label bolt locations as they are different lengths. Using a 10mm socket, remove all valve body bolts in a gradual criss-cross pattern to prevent warping. Keep bolts organized by position for reassembly.
  5. 5
    Lower valve body assembly
    Carefully lower the valve body assembly. Multiple electrical connectors attach to solenoids on top of the valve body. Gently disconnect each solenoid connector by pressing the release tab and pulling straight up. Note the routing and position of all wiring harnesses. Support the valve body weight as you separate it from the transmission case. Be aware that small check balls or springs may be positioned between the valve body and case - carefully inspect and document their positions before removing them.
    Check balls and springs between the valve body and case must be reinstalled in exact positions. Take detailed photos before removal.
  6. 6
    Remove old solenoids from valve body
    With the valve body on a clean workbench, identify all shift solenoids. Each solenoid is secured by one or two bolts. Using an 8mm or 10mm socket, remove the solenoid mounting bolts. Carefully pull each solenoid straight out from the valve body. Note that some solenoids may have O-rings or seals that should be removed with the solenoid. Label each solenoid position to ensure correct replacement installation. Clean the solenoid mounting bores in the valve body with brake cleaner and compressed air.
    Torque spec
    Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  7. 7
    Install new solenoids
    Lubricate new solenoid O-rings with clean ATF. Install each new solenoid into its correct position in the valve body, ensuring the solenoid seats fully and the electrical connector orientation matches the original. Install solenoid mounting bolts and torque to specification. Verify each solenoid is secure and seated properly before proceeding.
    Torque spec
    Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Install new valve body gasket
    Remove all old gasket material from both the valve body mating surface and the transmission case using a plastic gasket scraper. Clean both surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner and wipe with lint-free rags. Position the new valve body gasket on the transmission case, aligning all bolt holes and fluid passages. If check balls or springs were present, reinstall them in their exact original positions according to your photos.
  9. 9
    Reinstall valve body assembly
    Carefully lift the valve body assembly into position, guiding solenoid electrical connectors through the case opening. Align the valve body with the gasket and transmission case. Hand-start all valve body mounting bolts, ensuring correct bolt lengths in their original positions. Once all bolts are hand-started, torque them in a criss-cross pattern from the center outward to the specified torque. Reconnect all solenoid electrical connectors, ensuring each clicks securely into place.
    ℹ️Valve body bolts are different lengths. Ensure each bolt returns to its original position based on your documentation.
    Torque spec
    Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Install new transmission filter
    Lubricate the new transmission filter O-ring with clean ATF. Thread the new filter into the valve body by hand, rotating clockwise. Once hand-tight, give an additional 3/4 turn using filter pliers if necessary. Do not overtighten as this will damage the O-ring seal.
  11. 11
    Reinstall transmission pan
    Clean the transmission pan mating surface on the case thoroughly. Position the new transmission pan gasket. Lift the clean transmission pan into position and hand-start all pan bolts. Torque pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern starting from the center and working outward to ensure even gasket compression.
    Torque spec
    Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
  12. 12
    Install drain plug and fill transmission
    Install a new crush washer on the drain plug. Thread the drain plug into the transmission pan by hand, then torque to specification. Locate the transmission fill plug on the side of the transmission case (may require removing a plastic access plug). Using a fluid pump with extension tube, fill the transmission with the specified quantity of Hyundai SP-IV-M ATF through the fill hole. Fill slowly to avoid overflow. The transmission holds approximately 10 quarts total, but verify level using the proper procedure.
    Torque spec
    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
  13. 13
    Check and set fluid level
    With the transmission filled, reinstall the fill plug temporarily. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature (approximately 160-180°F). With the engine running and the transmission in Park on level ground, remove the fill plug. Fluid should drip slowly from the fill hole at operating temperature. Add fluid as needed until a slow drip is achieved, then reinstall the fill plug. The transmission fluid level must be checked at operating temperature for accuracy.

Reassembly

  1. Reinstall front skid plate or undertray using original fasteners
  2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
  3. Reconnect negative battery terminal
  4. Clear any diagnostic trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner if equipped
  5. Test drive vehicle through all gear ranges to verify proper shift operation

Verification

  • Start engine and verify no transmission fluid leaks from pan, drain plug, or fill plug
  • Check transmission fluid level at operating temperature using fill plug method - should have slow drip at correct level
  • Test drive vehicle and verify smooth shifting through all gears without slipping or harsh engagement
  • Verify no check engine light or transmission warning lights on dash
  • Re-check fluid level and pan area for leaks after first 50 miles of operation
  • Use OBD-II scanner to verify all shift solenoids are responding correctly and no DTCs are present

More procedures for this vehicle

Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included.
Try ShopBase →