Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid to maintain proper transmission operation and longevity.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — 463213B000 or equivalent

Fluids

• Kia SP-IV-M ATF — 4 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow transmission to cool if recently driven (fluid should be warm but not hot to touch)
3. Chock rear wheels securely
4. Gather all tools, new crush washer, and approximately 4 quarts of Kia SP-IV-M ATF
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support on jack stands at manufacturer lift points

Procedure

1. 1

   Access transmission drain plug
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the transmission oil pan on the driver side of the transmission. The drain plug is a 19mm bolt on the bottom of the pan. Clean the area around the drain plug with a shop rag to prevent dirt from entering the transmission.
2. 2

   Drain transmission fluid
   Position drain pan directly under the drain plug. Using a 19mm socket, slowly loosen the drain plug. Once loose, carefully remove it by hand, allowing fluid to drain completely. Expect approximately 4 quarts to drain. Allow at least 10-15 minutes for complete drainage.
   ⚠Fluid may still be warm. Remove drain plug carefully to avoid burns and splashing.
3. 3

   Inspect and replace drain plug washer
   Once fluid has completely drained, remove the old crush washer from the drain plug and discard. Clean the drain plug threads and sealing surface with a shop rag. Install the new crush washer onto the drain plug.
4. 4

   Reinstall drain plug
   Thread the drain plug with new crush washer into the transmission pan by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once hand-tight, torque to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

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

   Lower vehicle
   Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface for accurate fluid filling.
6. 6

   Locate transmission dipstick/fill tube
   Open the hood. Locate the transmission dipstick on the passenger side of the engine bay, near the firewall. It has a red or yellow handle. Pull out the dipstick completely.
7. 7

   Refill transmission fluid
   Insert a long-neck funnel into the dipstick tube. Add 3.5 quarts of Kia SP-IV-M ATF slowly to avoid overflow. Wait a few minutes for fluid to settle, then add additional fluid in 0.25 quart increments.
   ℹ️Do not overfill. Total refill amount should be approximately 4 quarts, matching what was drained.
8. 8

   Check fluid level (cold)
   With engine off, check the dipstick level. Fluid should be between the COLD MIN and COLD MAX marks. Add small amounts if needed. Do not exceed COLD MAX mark.
9. 9

   Warm up and recheck fluid level
   Start the engine and allow it to idle. With your foot on the brake, shift through all gear positions (P-R-N-D and back to P), pausing 2-3 seconds in each position. Let engine idle for 5 minutes to reach operating temperature. With engine running and transmission in Park, recheck fluid level. Fluid should now be between HOT MIN and HOT MAX marks on dipstick. Add fluid if necessary in small increments.
   ⚠Keep engine running during hot level check. Ensure parking brake is engaged and vehicle is in Park.

Reassembly

1. Ensure dipstick is fully reinserted after final fluid level check
2. Wipe up any spilled transmission fluid from engine bay and undercarriage
3. Dispose of used ATF properly at a recycling center or auto parts store

Verification

• Check underneath vehicle for any leaks around the drain plug after test drive
• Verify smooth shifting through all gears with no slipping or harsh engagement
• Confirm fluid level is within HOT range on dipstick after vehicle reaches operating temperature
• No warning lights illuminated on instrument cluster

More procedures for this vehicle