Complete removal and reinstallation of the automatic transmission on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine, including disconnection of all electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle shaft seals × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Engine/transmission mount if worn × 1 — Inspect and replace as needed

Fluids

• Kia SP-IV-M ATF — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure away from battery post
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
4. Remove front wheels to access lower suspension components
5. Remove engine splash shield and lower covers
6. Place drain pan under transmission and drain ATF via drain plug
7. Remove air intake assembly for better access to upper transmission components

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid and remove pan
   With drain pan positioned, remove transmission drain plug and allow fluid to fully drain (approximately 15-20 minutes). Once drained, remove transmission pan bolts in criss-cross pattern starting from the center and working outward. Lower pan carefully as residual fluid will remain. Clean mating surfaces of pan and transmission case thoroughly with brake cleaner.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

   Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connections and shift cable
   Label and disconnect all electrical connectors from transmission including: vehicle speed sensor, input/output speed sensors, solenoid harness connector, and inhibitor switch connector. Remove shift cable from transmission lever by prying retention clip and sliding cable end off ball stud. Unbolt shift cable bracket from transmission case.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove cooler lines and breather hose
   Position drain pan under transmission cooler line connections. Using flare nut wrench, disconnect transmission cooler lines from transmission case. Expect additional ATF spillage. Cap or plug open lines to prevent contamination. Remove breather hose from transmission vent.
4. 4

   Disconnect axle shafts from transmission
   Remove both front axle shaft retaining nuts at the wheels if not already done. Using pry bar positioned against transmission case (with wood block protection), carefully pry inner CV joints from transmission differential. Support axle shafts with wire or zip ties to prevent damage to CV boots and ABS sensors. Do not allow axles to hang freely.
   ⚠Use proper prying technique against transmission case only in reinforced areas to avoid case damage.
5. 5

   Install engine support and remove upper transmission bolts
   Install engine support bar across engine bay or attach engine hoist to lifting points. Apply slight upward tension to stabilize engine. Remove upper transmission-to-engine mounting bolts (typically 4-5 bolts accessible from above). Note bolt locations and lengths as they may vary.
   ⚠️Engine must be properly supported before proceeding. Verify support stability before removing transmission mount.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Support transmission and remove mounts
   Position transmission jack under transmission pan with proper adapter or wood block to distribute load. Raise jack until it just contacts transmission and is supporting the weight. Remove transmission mount-to-crossmember bolts and transmission mount bracket bolts. Lower transmission slightly on jack to access torque converter area.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Access and mark torque converter position
   Through lower starter opening or by removing inspection cover, mark torque converter to flexplate relationship with paint marker for proper alignment during reinstallation. Remove torque converter-to-flexplate bolts by rotating crankshaft with 19mm socket on crankshaft bolt. There are typically 4-6 bolts. Keep torque converter pushed back into transmission bell housing.
   ⚠Torque converter must remain fully seated in transmission during removal. Measure depth before removal to verify proper seating during installation.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)

   Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove remaining transmission bolts
   Remove all remaining transmission-to-engine bolts including lower bell housing bolts and starter mounting bolts (starter may need removal for clearance). Verify all bolts, wiring, hoses, and cables are disconnected. Double-check transmission is fully supported on transmission jack.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Separate and lower transmission
   With transmission firmly supported on jack, carefully pull transmission straight back away from engine to disengage dowel pins. Maintain alignment to prevent damage to torque converter or input shaft. Once clear of engine, carefully lower transmission on jack, monitoring clearance around subframe, suspension, and steering components. May require angling transmission slightly during removal. Have assistant guide transmission during lowering process.
   ⚠️Transmission is extremely heavy and awkward. Ensure jack is stable and path is clear before lowering. Never work under unsupported transmission.
10. 10

    Inspect and prepare for installation
    With transmission removed, inspect torque converter for damage, leaks, or excessive play. Measure torque converter depth in bell housing (should be approximately 10-15mm recessed from mounting surface). Inspect engine mounting surface and dowel pins for damage. Replace transmission input shaft seal and differential seals. Clean all mating surfaces thoroughly. Verify replacement/rebuilt transmission matches original in all mounting points and connections.

Reassembly

1. Ensure torque converter is fully seated in transmission pump before installation - should click into place and measure correct depth
2. Apply thin coat of high-temp grease to torque converter hub and transmission input shaft
3. Align torque converter to flexplate using marks made during disassembly and install bolts in star pattern
4. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked - listen for audible click
5. Install new crush washer on drain plug before reinstalling
6. Use new transmission pan gasket and tighten bolts in criss-cross pattern from center outward
7. Verify axle shafts fully seat into differential with audible/tactile click
8. Torque all fasteners to specification in proper sequence

Verification

• Fill transmission with correct quantity of Kia SP-IV-M ATF (approximately 10 quarts total, verify level on dipstick if equipped)
• With engine running and brake applied, shift through all gear positions and verify smooth engagement
• Check for fluid leaks at pan, drain plug, cooler lines, axle seals, and all connection points
• Perform test drive to verify all gears engage properly, no slipping, and smooth shifting
• Recheck ATF level when transmission is at operating temperature (typically 160-180°F)
• Verify no warning lights on dashboard and scan for transmission-related trouble codes
• Inspect underneath vehicle for any fluid leaks after test drive

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