Differential Service

Service the front differential (transaxle final drive) by draining old fluid, inspecting for metal debris, and refilling with fresh automatic transmission fluid.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Kia SP-IV-M ATF — 2.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
4. Remove front skid plate or splash shield if equipped to access transaxle drain and fill plugs
5. Locate drain plug on bottom of transaxle case and fill plug on driver's side of transaxle

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove fill plug first
   Using a 17mm socket, loosen and remove the fill plug from the side of the transaxle case. This ensures you can refill the differential after draining. If the fill plug is seized, do not proceed with draining.
   Torque spec

   Fill Plug39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Drain differential fluid
   Position drain pan underneath the transaxle drain plug. Using a 17mm socket, remove the drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely into the pan. This may take 5-10 minutes for complete drainage. Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or debris which may indicate internal wear.
   ⚠Fluid may be warm. Avoid contact with skin.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Inspect and replace drain plug washer
   Remove the old crush washer from the drain plug and discard. Clean the drain plug threads and sealing surface with a shop rag. Install a new crush washer onto the drain plug.
4. 4

   Reinstall drain plug
   Thread the drain plug with new washer into the transaxle case by hand to avoid cross-threading. Tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Refill with fresh ATF
   Using a fluid transfer pump or funnel with flexible hose inserted into the fill plug hole, add approximately 2.5 quarts of Kia SP-IV-M ATF. Fill until fluid begins to drip from the fill hole, indicating proper level. The fluid should be level with the bottom of the fill plug opening.
   ℹ️Only use Kia SP-IV-M specification ATF. Do not substitute with other transmission fluids.
6. 6

   Install fill plug
   Once fluid level is correct and begins dripping from fill hole, clean the fill plug threads and install. Thread by hand first, then tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Fill Plug39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Clean and inspect for leaks
   Wipe down the drain and fill plug areas with a clean shop rag. Check for any signs of leakage around both plugs.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front skid plate or splash shield if removed
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start engine and allow to idle for 2-3 minutes
• With engine running, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-L) pausing 2-3 seconds in each
• Return to Park and check transaxle fluid level with engine running (if dipstick equipped) or re-check fill plug level
• Drive vehicle for 5-10 minutes, then recheck for leaks around drain and fill plugs while on level ground
• Verify smooth shifting and normal transmission operation

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