Tranny Fluid Change questions

[GLSonata]

Searched around here but couldn't find a solid answer to my questions.

My '10 2.4 Sonata recently rolled over 100K (60mi). The tranny fluid change is something I am looking to get done at my shop this week.

I just want to know what you guys recommend. So far it seems the Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc seems to be the stuff I am planning to put in.

I need to know how much fluid this thing takes. I am only doing a drain and fill.

Any other things I should know feel free to post! Thanks

[hmr1979]

There is quite a bit of literature on here concerning ATF fluid.

[06sonny]

Dont forget the gasket from the dealer for the drain plug. When I got my car at 89,000 the fluid had just been changed. I then drain n filled myself with Castrol Import Multi Vehicle at 100k, I added 4 qts of new fluid.

It shift perfectly now, even better than before.

[GLSonata]

Originally Posted by hmr1979

There is quite a bit of literature on here concerning ATF fluid.

You sure got that right

Originally Posted by 06sonny

Dont forget the gasket from the dealer for the drain plug. When I got my car at 89,000 the fluid had just been changed. I then drain n filled myself with Castrol Import Multi Vehicle at 100k, I added 4 qts of new fluid.

It shift perfectly now, even better than before.

Thanks for the info!

[hmr1979]

Originally Posted by GLSonata

Searched around here but couldn't find a solid answer to my questions.

My '10 2.4 Sonata recently rolled over 100K (60mi). The tranny fluid change is something I am looking to get done at my shop this week.

I just want to know what you guys recommend. So far it seems the Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc seems to be the stuff I am planning to put in.

I need to know how much fluid this thing takes. I am only doing a drain and fill.

Any other things I should know feel free to post! Thanks

You might want to check your local car shops to see if they have specials on actual flushs instead of drain and fill. I know it's alot cheaper just to DIY and do drain and fill, but carx in my area always have coupons for 79 bucks for an actual flush. That's a bargain to me for something you will do once every 30k miles. What I do is take the carx coupon and bring the castrol multi vehicle fluid with me - they usually say we can only use our fluid from inside the shop, but we can use that specific kind at no extra cost...this is what I have been doing. I noticed you're in ON though...no Carx there, but shop around though for some deals though in your area.

[GLSonata]

Originally Posted by hmr1979

You might want to check your local car shops to see if they have specials on actual flushs instead of drain and fill. I know it's alot cheaper just to DIY and do drain and fill, but carx in my area always have coupons for 79 bucks for an actual flush. That's a bargain to me for something you will do once every 30k miles. What I do is take the carx coupon and bring the castrol multi vehicle fluid with me - they usually say we can only use our fluid from inside the shop, but we can use that specific kind at no extra cost...this is what I have been doing. I noticed you're in ON though...no Carx there, but shop around though for some deals though in your area.

I have heard alot of horror stories about tranny flushes. I understand that it may not happen on this car, but id rather just refresh the fluid.

I work at a fairly large repair shop/dealership and they also recommended me to not to do a flush.

[hmr1979]

Originally Posted by GLSonata

I have heard alot of horror stories about tranny flushes. I understand that it may not happen on this car, but id rather just refresh the fluid.

I work at a fairly large repair shop/dealership and they also recommended me to not to do a flush.

Interesting, I have done about 20 flushes in total with all three of my cars, never had a problem on an azera, maxima nor sonata, but yes, to each his own.

If it works drain and refill, that is definitely a lot cheaper.

[GLSonata]

Replaced the fluid today. Put 4 1/2 quarts of Valvoline Maxlife Dex/Merc in it. What came out of the tranny had 103,000Kms (61,000Miles) on it. It was pretty black. Car shifts like new again!

[craigbrooks]

GL was correct in only doing a drain and refill on his car. Sounds like this was the 1st change after 61,000 miles and the fluid being black. I've seen flushes "clean" the trans to the point a failure happens because "stuff" was flushed off.

Flushes are good, and I do them on mine, but only at the specified intervals. I flushed mine at 30,000 miles and will probably just do a drain and refill at 60k.

Here is a thread from 07 regarding trans fluid and changes....quite the interesting read.
http://www.hyundai-forums.com/181-nf-2006-2010-sonata/82527-tranny-fluid.html

[doc2]

Ive been working in trans shops for years and the best thing you can do is replace your trans fluid anytime it starts breaking down.
This will happen faster when driving a lot of short trips at low speeds because the converter hardly ever gets a chance to go into lockup. No lockup means high trans fluid temps. Also use Hyundai trans fluid or synthetic fluid only.