Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid (ATF) on the 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L AWD to maintain proper transmission operation and extend component life.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — 46321-3B000 or equivalent

Fluids

• Hyundai SP-IV-M ATF — 5.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Warm engine to operating temperature by driving for 10-15 minutes, then allow to cool for 15 minutes
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under chassis rails
5. Remove front undertray/splash shield if equipped to access transmission pan area
6. Verify you have correct Hyundai SP-IV-M ATF (approximately 6 quarts for service)

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate transmission drain plug
   From under the vehicle, locate the transmission oil pan on the driver's side of the transmission. The drain plug is a 24mm bolt on the bottom of the pan, positioned toward the rear. Clean area around drain plug with shop towel to prevent contamination.
2. 2

   Drain transmission fluid
   Position drain pan directly under drain plug with at least 12 quart capacity. Using 24mm socket, slowly loosen drain plug. Allow final few threads to unscrew by hand, then quickly remove plug while moving hand out of fluid stream. Allow fluid to drain completely for 10-15 minutes until flow stops to a slow drip.
   ⚠Fluid will initially drain with force. Keep hands and arms clear of drain stream to avoid burns from hot ATF.
3. 3

   Inspect drained fluid and plug
   Examine drained fluid for metal particles, debris, or burnt smell which may indicate transmission wear. Check drain plug threads for damage and magnetic tip for excessive metal shavings (small amount of fine metallic residue is normal). Clean drain plug with shop towel. Remove and discard old crush washer from drain plug.
4. 4

   Install drain plug with new washer
   Install new crush washer onto drain plug. Thread drain plug into transmission pan by hand until seated, ensuring threads engage properly without cross-threading. Torque drain plug to specification using torque wrench.
   ⚠Always use a new crush washer. Reusing old washers will result in leaks.
   Torque spec

   Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Add new transmission fluid
   Locate transmission dipstick tube on top of transmission (red or yellow handle, near firewall on passenger side). Remove dipstick fully. Insert funnel into dipstick tube. Add 5 quarts of Hyundai SP-IV-M ATF slowly to prevent overflow. Wait 2 minutes for fluid to settle into pan.
6. 6

   Start engine and circulate fluid
   With parking brake engaged, start engine and let idle in Park for 1 minute. With foot on brake pedal, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-manual gears if equipped), pausing 3-5 seconds in each position. Return to Park. Allow engine to idle for 2-3 minutes to circulate fluid through transmission and torque converter.
7. 7

   Check fluid level and adjust
   With engine running at idle and transmission in Park on level ground, remove dipstick and wipe clean. Reinsert fully, then remove and check level. Fluid should be in HOT range between marks. Add fluid in 0.25-0.5 quart increments as needed, rechecking after each addition. Do not overfill.
   ⚠Overfilling transmission can cause fluid aeration, foaming, and erratic shifting. Add fluid conservatively and recheck frequently.
8. 8

   Inspect for leaks
   With engine running, inspect drain plug area and transmission pan gasket for any signs of fluid leakage. Shut off engine. From underneath vehicle, verify drain plug is dry with no seepage. Wipe area clean and recheck after 1 minute.
9. 9

   Reinstall undertray and lower vehicle
   Reinstall front undertray/splash shield if removed. Ensure all clips and fasteners are secure. Carefully raise vehicle slightly, remove jack stands, and lower vehicle completely to ground. Remove wheel chocks.

Reassembly

1. Ensure dipstick is fully seated in tube
2. Verify undertray is properly secured with all mounting points engaged
3. Dispose of used ATF properly at recycling center or parts store that accepts used fluids

Verification

• Start engine and verify smooth shifting through all gear ranges with no slipping or harsh engagement
• Recheck fluid level after test drive when transmission is at full operating temperature (approximately 10-15 minutes of driving)
• Inspect under vehicle for any fluid leaks around drain plug area after test drive
• Fluid level on dipstick should be within HOT range marks when checked at operating temperature with engine idling in Park
• Note that transmission may shift slightly differently for first 10-20 miles as new fluid circulates and adapts; this is normal

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