This procedure performs a complete transmission fluid exchange on the 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L AWD, replacing old ATF with fresh Hyundai SP-IV-M fluid to maintain transmission health and performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission filter (internal) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Hyundai SP-IV-M ATF — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Start engine and allow transmission to reach normal operating temperature (approximately 10 minutes of driving or idling in gear)
4. Turn off engine and wait 2-3 hours for fluid to cool to safe handling temperature
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands under manufacturer-designated lift points
6. Remove plastic underbody panels to access transmission pan and drain plug using 10mm socket
7. Verify you have correct Hyundai SP-IV-M ATF specification fluid before beginning

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid via drain plug
   Locate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the transmission pan. Position drain pan directly beneath the plug. Using a 10mm socket, slowly loosen the drain plug. Once loose, quickly remove by hand and allow fluid to drain completely. This will take 5-10 minutes. Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or burnt smell indicating potential transmission issues.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove transmission pan bolts
   Once fluid stops draining from drain plug, locate all transmission pan bolts around the perimeter (typically 17-19 bolts). Loosen bolts in a criss-cross pattern, working from center outward. Leave two bolts at opposite corners partially threaded. Be prepared for additional fluid to spill when pan is lowered. Residual fluid capacity is approximately 2-3 quarts.
   ⚠Pan will contain residual fluid. Tilt pan carefully toward drain pan when removing to avoid spills.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove transmission pan and inspect
   Remove final two pan bolts and carefully lower the transmission pan, tilting to drain remaining fluid into drain pan. Inspect inside of pan for excessive metal debris, clutch material, or sludge buildup. Small amounts of fine metallic residue are normal. Clean pan thoroughly with brake cleaner and allow to dry completely.
4. 4

   Replace internal transmission filter
   Locate the internal transmission filter (typically visible once pan is removed). Remove filter mounting bolts using appropriate socket. Pull filter straight down to remove. Some additional fluid will drain from filter cavity. Install new filter, ensuring O-ring is properly seated. Torque filter mounting bolts to specification.
   ℹ️Some model years may use a metal mesh filter that can be cleaned and reused. Verify filter type before discarding.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Clean mating surfaces and install new gasket
   Using a plastic scraper, carefully remove all old gasket material from both the transmission pan and transmission housing mating surfaces. Do not gouge or scratch the aluminum surfaces. Clean both surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner and lint-free rags. Verify surfaces are completely dry. Position new gasket on transmission pan, aligning all bolt holes.
6. 6

   Reinstall transmission pan
   Carefully lift transmission pan with new gasket into position, aligning all bolt holes. Start all pan bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Once all bolts are started, tighten in a criss-cross pattern from center outward to ensure even gasket compression. Use torque wrench to achieve final specification.
   ⚠Over-tightening pan bolts can warp the pan or crack the transmission housing. Use torque wrench and follow pattern.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install drain plug with new crush washer
   Remove old crush washer from drain plug and discard. Install new crush washer on drain plug. Thread drain plug into transmission pan by hand until seated, then torque to specification. Verify plug is fully seated and not cross-threaded.
   ℹ️Always replace crush washer to prevent leaks. Reusing old washer will likely result in seepage.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Refill transmission with new ATF
   Locate transmission fill port (typically accessed via dipstick tube or fill plug on side of transmission). Insert funnel with long flexible tube. Add approximately 4-5 quarts of Hyundai SP-IV-M ATF initially. Start engine and allow to idle. With engine running and transmission in Park, check fluid level using dipstick or level check procedure. Add additional fluid in 0.5 quart increments until proper level is reached on dipstick at operating temperature.
   ⚠Overfilling transmission can cause foaming, erratic shifting, and fluid expulsion through vent. Check level carefully.
9. 9

   Cycle through all gear positions
   With engine running and foot on brake, slowly shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-S and manual positions if equipped), pausing 3-5 seconds in each position. This circulates new fluid through valve body and torque converter. Return to Park position. Check fluid level again and add if necessary to reach proper level.
10. 10

    Check for leaks and reinstall underbody panels
    With engine running, inspect transmission pan, drain plug, and all areas around transmission for leaks. Wipe areas clean and observe for 2-3 minutes. If no leaks are observed, turn off engine. Reinstall plastic underbody panels using original fasteners. Lower vehicle from jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all underbody panels are securely fastened
2. Remove wheel chocks and verify parking brake is released
3. Record mileage and date of service for maintenance tracking

Verification

• Start engine and verify transmission fluid level is within HOT range on dipstick with engine at operating temperature
• Test drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes, ensuring smooth shifting in all gears and all transmission functions operate normally
• Re-check fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Inspect under vehicle for any fluid leaks from pan or drain plug after test drive
• Monitor transmission operation for next 100 miles and re-check fluid level at 50 miles

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