Replace the transmission pan gasket on a 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L to repair leaks and refresh the automatic transmission fluid.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM Kia gasket or equivalent
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification if equipped

Fluids

• Kia SP-IV-M ATF — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Allow engine and transmission to cool completely (minimum 1 hour after driving).
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands.
4. Remove plastic underbody panel if equipped to access transmission pan.
5. Position large drain pan beneath transmission pan to catch fluid.

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid via drain plug
   Locate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the transmission pan. Using a 24mm socket, slowly loosen the drain plug. Allow fluid to drain completely into drain pan. This will take approximately 5-10 minutes. Once drained, remove drain plug completely and inspect the crush washer for damage.
   Torque spec

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

   Loosen transmission pan bolts
   Identify all transmission pan bolts around the perimeter (typically 17-19 bolts). Using a 10mm socket, loosen all pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern, starting from the center and working outward. Loosen bolts gradually and evenly, but do not remove them yet. This prevents warping the pan flange.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove pan bolts and lower pan
   Once all bolts are loosened, remove all but two bolts at opposite corners. Carefully pry the pan at one corner to break the gasket seal and allow remaining fluid to drain. Once fluid stops dripping, remove the final two bolts while supporting the pan with your other hand. Lower the pan carefully to avoid spilling residual fluid.
4. 4

   Clean transmission pan
   Empty any remaining fluid from the pan into the drain pan. Remove the transmission filter screen if it came down with the pan (hand-removable on some models). Thoroughly clean the inside of the pan, removing all old gasket material, metal particles, and sludge. Inspect the bottom of the pan for metal shavings or debris that may indicate internal transmission wear. Clean the pan mounting surface with brake cleaner until completely clean and dry.
5. 5

   Clean transmission mating surface
   Using a gasket scraper, carefully remove all old gasket material from the transmission housing mating surface. Be careful not to gouge or scratch the aluminum surface. Wipe the surface clean with brake cleaner and a clean shop towel. Ensure the surface is completely clean, dry, and free of debris before proceeding.
   ⚠Do not use abrasive pads or wire brushes on the aluminum transmission housing as this can damage the sealing surface.
6. 6

   Install new gasket and position pan
   Place the new transmission pan gasket onto the pan, aligning all bolt holes. Some gaskets are adhesive-backed and will stick to the pan. If not adhesive-backed, you may use a small amount of gasket adhesive to hold it in place. Carefully lift the pan with gasket into position against the transmission housing, aligning all bolt holes.
7. 7

   Install and torque pan bolts
   Start all transmission pan bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Once all bolts are hand-tight, use a torque wrench to tighten bolts in a criss-cross pattern starting from the center and working outward. Torque all bolts to specification in multiple passes (50% torque on first pass, then 100% on second pass) to ensure even gasket compression and prevent leaks.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install drain plug with new washer
   Install a new crush washer onto the drain plug. Thread the drain plug into the transmission pan by hand until it seats, then torque to specification using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as this can strip the aluminum pan threads.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Refill transmission with ATF
   Lower the vehicle to the ground. Locate the transmission dipstick tube at the rear of the engine bay. Remove the dipstick and insert a long-neck funnel. Add 4.5 quarts of Kia SP-IV-M ATF fluid slowly to avoid overfilling. Wait a few minutes for fluid to settle, then check the level with the dipstick (engine off, transmission cold).
10. 10

    Check fluid level and test
    Start the engine and allow it to idle. Shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D and back to P), pausing 2-3 seconds in each position. With engine idling and transmission in Park, check the fluid level on the dipstick. The level should be in the COLD range. Add additional fluid in small increments if needed. Do not overfill.
    ℹ️Final fluid level check should be performed after the transmission reaches operating temperature (approximately 10 minutes of driving). Recheck level with engine running and adjust to HOT range on dipstick.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall plastic underbody panel if removed.
2. After initial test drive, recheck transmission pan area for leaks while engine is running.
3. Check final ATF level after transmission reaches operating temperature and top off if necessary to the HOT range on dipstick.

Verification

• Inspect transmission pan area for any signs of ATF leakage with engine running and vehicle on level ground.
• Verify transmission fluid level is within the HOT range on dipstick after transmission reaches operating temperature.
• Test drive vehicle and confirm smooth shifting through all gears with no slipping or harsh engagement.
• After test drive, perform final inspection under vehicle for any new leaks around pan gasket and drain plug.

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