Back to 2021 Hyundai Tucson

2021 HYUNDAI TUCSON

2.5L I4AWDAUTOMATICgas
1 active safety recall on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs449Labor595Torque3779Fluid9DTC923Battery0Maintenance0Recalls1
transmission

Transmission Speed Sensor - Output

for 2021 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
9
Steps
12

This procedure covers the replacement of the output speed sensor on the automatic transmission of a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.5L I4 engine and AWD.

Warnings

Transmission fluid may be hot if vehicle was recently driven. Allow cooling time before beginning work.
Some transmission fluid loss is normal when removing the sensor. Position drain pan accordingly.
ℹ️The output speed sensor is located on the transmission case, typically on the driver's side near the axle output shaft area.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Extension setEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Oil drain panEssential
Shop towelsEssential
Wire brush or cleaning tool
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Funnel with hose attachmentEssential

Parts

  • Output speed sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • O-ring seal for sensor (if not included with sensor) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

  • Hyundai SP-IV-M ATF — 1 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake firmly
  2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
  3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
  4. Allow transmission to cool if vehicle was recently operated
  5. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent codes during sensor disconnection
  6. Remove plastic undertray/splash shield if equipped to access transmission from below

Procedure

  1. 1
    Locate output speed sensor
    From underneath the vehicle, locate the output speed sensor on the transmission case. The sensor is typically mounted on the driver's side of the transmission near the front axle output shaft. It will have an electrical connector attached to it.
  2. 2
    Position drain pan
    Place an oil drain pan directly beneath the output speed sensor location. Expect approximately 0.25-0.5 quarts of ATF to drain when the sensor is removed. Position pan to catch fluid that will run down the transmission case.
  3. 3
    Disconnect electrical connector
    Press the locking tab on the sensor electrical connector and pull the connector straight off the sensor. Do not pull on the wires themselves. Move the connector and harness aside to prevent contamination.
  4. 4
    Remove sensor mounting bolt
    Using a 10mm socket with extension, remove the single bolt securing the output speed sensor to the transmission case. Keep track of any washers or seals on the bolt.
  5. 5
    Extract sensor from transmission
    Carefully pull the sensor straight out from the transmission case. It may require a slight twisting motion to break the O-ring seal. Allow ATF to drain into the catch pan. Once removed, inspect the sensor O-ring for damage or deterioration.
  6. 6
    Clean sensor mounting bore
    Using a clean shop towel, wipe the sensor mounting bore in the transmission case to remove any debris or old O-ring material. Ensure the sealing surface is clean and free of scratches or damage that could cause leaks.
  7. 7
    Prepare new sensor
    Remove the new output speed sensor from packaging. Install the new O-ring seal onto the sensor body if not pre-installed. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with clean ATF to aid installation and prevent damage during insertion.
  8. 8
    Install new sensor
    Carefully insert the new sensor straight into the transmission case bore, ensuring the O-ring does not roll or pinch. Push the sensor fully into place until it seats against the transmission case. Align the mounting bolt hole.
  9. 9
    Secure sensor with mounting bolt
    Install the sensor mounting bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the sensor remains fully seated while tightening.
    Torque spec
    Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector firmly onto the new sensor until the locking tab clicks into place. Verify the connection is secure by gently pulling on the connector body.
  11. 11
    Add transmission fluid
    Locate the transmission dipstick tube in the engine bay. Using a funnel with hose attachment, add approximately 0.5 quarts of Hyundai SP-IV-M ATF to replace fluid lost during sensor removal. Add fluid slowly to avoid overfilling.
  12. 12
    Check fluid level
    With engine off, check the transmission fluid level using the dipstick. Add fluid as necessary to bring level to the cold fill range. Final level verification should be done after warming the transmission per manufacturer procedure.

Reassembly

  1. Reinstall plastic undertray/splash shield if removed, ensuring all clips and fasteners are secure
  2. Lower vehicle from jack stands safely
  3. Reconnect negative battery cable
  4. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

  • Start engine and cycle transmission through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-L) with foot on brake, pausing 2-3 seconds in each position
  • Return to Park and allow engine to idle. Check underneath vehicle for any ATF leaks around the sensor
  • Use a diagnostic scanner to verify the output speed sensor is reading properly and no speed sensor codes are present
  • Test drive vehicle to confirm proper shifting and speedometer operation
  • Recheck transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature and adjust as necessary per owner's manual procedure
  • Clear any stored diagnostic codes if necessary after verifying proper sensor operation

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