Tranny Fluid Change questions

[Negative 1]

I have a 2008 Sonata GLS. I used to drain the ATF using the drain plug, then I found out that I can get just as much ATF out using a fluid evacuator through the dipstick tube. I get about 4.25 to 4.5 quarts using this method, which is what I used to get using the drain plug. (A little trick I employ is to turn the evacuator tube 180 degrees after it starts sucking air in its original orientation; this works because the tube has a slight bend to it, and moving it around lets it reach further down. Also, make sure the ATF is fully HOT before evacuating--it makes a big difference.)

I fully switched to Valvoline MaxLife DEX/MERC many miles ago, and I still have no problems. I strongly prefer synthetic fluids.

I've also been using an ATP JX-150 in-line filter for about 20K miles. It seemed like a good idea to me. Then again I also evacuate/refill my PSF at each oil change.

[craigbrooks]

Never thought about this....what brand do you have/use? I'd like to change the fluid in the Mustang and to make a long story short...er I could use one of these.

[Negative 1]

I use a Mityvac 7201.

[craigbrooks]

Thanks I'll look into pricing...!

[copper_90680]

Don't you change the filter too? Would that mean dropping the pan after draining the fluid? I'm sorry, but this is my first Hyundai so I don't know if the thing has a transmission filter or not.

Thanks, guys for a very informative thread.

[ddix1026]

it has a filter, but its not meant to be changed unless there is a problem with it. it does not get changed when you do a flush. you would need to take apart the tranny to change it

[Negative 1]

As ddix1026 said, there is a filter but it's internal and is absolutely not a maintenance item. I think I remember reading that an AT teardown would be needed to even get at it. In any case, the lack of a real filter is one reason I added my own.

[franksonatra]

I have an 06 Sonata with 105K miles on it. I have only done drain and fills on it about every 30K miles. So far so good. Don't get a flush if you have waited until 60K miles. A drain and fill -- at the dealership with the correct fluid -- should suffice. My dealer charges $150 for a flush but a drain and fill is more like $80. Then I would suggest doing a drain and fill more often (every 30K miles).

[Negative 1]

Why not flush past 60K miles? It's a myth that it's better to leave crap ATF in the tranny, under any circumstances.

What is "the correct fluid"? Synthetic aftermarket fluids that are compatible can only be an improvement on the overpriced SP-III fluid that can't deal with heat.

It's relatively straightforward to do a flush on your own, if you're willing and able to do it. Instructions are available for free on the Hyundai Service Website.

[craigbrooks]

-1 I've seen cars with black fluid flushed and fail not long after. Might have been a coincedence but whatever...it happened. I've also seen ones that were black do a drain and reill and are still on the road.