Unless you are putting any heavy stresses on the transmission, the recommended replacement interval for the fluid is 60,000 mi (100,000 km).

Best procedure is not 'extraction through plug', but rather, a system that couples in-line with the transmission cooling lines and pushes out the old while sucking in the new. It uses the transmission's own pump to move the fluid, allowing for a more complete flushing action.

The fluid requirements are VERY specific for these transmissions. You're looking for something that meets or exceeds the SPIII requirement. There's an interesting thread on this here: http://www.hyundai-forums.com/187-cm-2007-2012-santa-fe/106848-sp-iii-atf-fluid.html Note Post #3 for some of the substitutes for Hyundai provided fluid.

 

I'm not sure which transmission was fitted in a May 2010 SF in Chile - but for most markets the current 6-speed autobox was used - for which SP-III is UNSUITABLE, needing SPH-IV.

 

The autobox isn't sealed - just specified as "filled for life" - after all Hyundai do specify ATF changes in "extreme" driving conditions.

It has a drain plug underneath and a fill/level plug on top.

The 2010-2012 6-speed automatic transmission requires Hyundai/Kia SPH-IV or equivalent - Valvoline Maxlife Dex/Merc ATF is labelled as compatible.

Older 5-speed Santa Fe's used Hyundai/Kia SP-III but that's not suitable for the 6-speed.

 

Not sure why, but I still have this nagging feeling that the G4KE there was mated to the F4A51. If it was the A6MF2, I apologize - and it would indeed be SPH-IV. Guess the obvious question is to ask the OP!

@bluedashboard
Is your transmission a 5 speed or 6 speed?

 

Yes - 6 Speed AT (6th gear shifts at 120 km-hr)
So it´s required to use SPH IV, and replace around 100.000 km.

Most driving is flat roads. I do not tow and i always drive alone (no more extra weight or something that puts excessive stress on transmission).
Thanks.

 

Correct on the SPH IV fluid then, yes. Sorry for the bum info previously.

OK - here's the deal on Hyundai and their transmissions these days. This applies specifically to your transmission - not the one I thought you had previously.

I can only speak for the North American web site and their new (2010) policy regarding transmission fluid changes. For 'normal duty' service, they NEVER specify changing that fluid now. I wouldn't make this up (see their grid, below). That said, I'd pay some attention to the fluid. Never hurts to give it a sniff and a look once in a while, even when you think you're being nice to it. Since there's no filler and no way to access the fluid topside, you have to crack the bolt down below and take a small sample of the fluid that way, which I suppose is why the maintenance recommendations don't even include "Inspect" for this item these days.

There's certainly no reason for any more frequent than 100,000km replacement interval for the fluid unless you're doing something that's wearing it out sooner, and from your description, you aren't. The standard prior to 2010 was 100,000km, but unless we all discover that the SPH-IV has some heretofore unknown magical properties, this fluid is going to break down sometime.

Anyway, here's two charts -- one from the new 2010 for 'normal' duty and one for 'severe'. Note that the 2010 never even mentions the automatic transmission for 'normal duty' use (first chart). They DO specify replacement, but not until 60,000 miles (100,000km) for severe duty (second chart).

Until we get a lot more feedback from owners of 2010 and later models, even as a 'normal duty' owner, I'd definitely have the fluid inspected at 100,000km and decide whether it's still looking and smelling the way it should. I'm sure we'll all be pleased to discover that the SPH-IV is invincible for some reason, but I'd rather be pleasantly surprised than unpleasantly surprised.