Just phoned my local Hyundai dealer in Worcester to get a price on SPIII to do a transmission fluid change, and I've been told by the parts manager (who is also the service manager) that they don't do SPIII, and that I need DexronIII. This is what they put into all Santa Fe's during servicing!
So what do I do? Obviously I'll get my SPIII somewhere else, but now I've faith in my local dealer to do any work on my car, if I needed some speicalist work done which nivolved draining the ATF, they'd shove Dexron III back in without me knowing!
Before I write to the Dealer Principal and to Hyundai, I just want to get the facts straight. SPIII is the only fluid recommended by hyundai for the Santa Fe? and if anything else is put in, does that validated warranty?
thanks for your help

Dear Jem,

Calm down. Hyundai does specify that ATF SP-III is used in their vehicles, BUT many of the new transmission fluids are now an ATF +4 formula that meet or exceed the standards of SP-III, and complies with Hyundai warranty.

BUT Dexron III does not meet SP-III standards so you are right to insist that SP-III is used. See:

http://129.35.64.91/bpglis/lubtds.nsf/tech...E4?OpenDocument

In the US, Castrol markets an ATF +4 that does meet or exceed SP-III standards and does comply with warranty Hyundai requirements. Evidently you do not have this product in the UK.

Byron

My biggest concern is that the Hyundai main dealer is putting non SPIII standard ATF into every Santa Fe that needs ATF that goes through the dealership!!!
They don't even SELL SPIII fluid, they only sell Dexron3 and he tells me this is what I need to put in my Santa Fe!
I need confirmation that this is wrong please.

So, its okay for me to put Dexron3 in my Santa Fe? Yes?

I would say no.

LUBRICATIONS

Items Specified lubricant Quantity
Transaxle fluid lit. (U.S. qts., Imp,qts.) DIAMOND ATF SP-III, SK ATF SP-III 8.5 (8.9, 7.5)

Register on this site and go to shop ~~>http://www.hyundaitechinfo.com/

Okay so Hyundai recommend SPIII spec. But am I going to do any harm at all if I put in Dexron3? I've read somewhere on here that anything other than SPIII destroys the trans very quickly, is this just hearsay? Does it have any impact on warranty if I put in Dexron3?
I'll put Dexron3 in if it doesn't do any damage, and doesn't void warranties. The Hyundai dealer is doing this so it can't be wrong, can it?

Where do you see the word "recommended" ? I see specifed.
LUBRICATIONS
Items Specified lubricant Quantity
Transaxle fluid lit. (U.S. qts., Imp,qts.) DIAMOND ATF SP-III, SK ATF SP-III 8.5 (8.9, 7.5)
I would insist they use it and want to see the empty bottles.
Your car.

They DON'T use it, the main Hyundai dealer has told me that they ONLY put Dexron 3 in all Hyundai Santa Fe's that pass through their service bays!!!
Hyundai Specify SPIII but my main dealer doesnt use it and doesnt stock it. Of course I'm not going to use them, but are they wrong? and should I write to their Dealer Principal? Hyundai UK CEO? Thing is, if I, or anyone else takes their car there for any work which involves replacement of ATF, they are going to get Dexron3!!!

http://www.hyundai.co.uk/contact/

Thank you, I already have their details (got the CEO name personally, unlikely to take a great deal of notice of an email) but what I want to know from the more knowledgable experts on here is "do I have a viable point?" Am I being led up the garden path by the main dealer, is he talking bollox AND potentially leading me to damage my car by using the wrong fluid?

ATF Plus 7176 - Go to a Chrysler garage and ask for ATF 4+. Trust me this is the stuff which exceeds the specification of 7176.

4 litres is about £14

Do not use Dexron

I am just about to bulk order from my local Chrysler dealer as he said he can do me a great deal on it :grin: :clap:

This post has been edited by Hyundaiownersclub: Jan 15 2008, 12:30 PM

Thread revival from the past.

Just to verify, Castrol ATF+4 DOES meet or exceed SP-III standards and DOES comply with warranty Hyundai requirements?

I just want to make absolutely sure before I change my ATF fluid. Last time I changed it (2,000 miles ago) I put in Dexron III, not realizing this will overtime damage my AT.

As long as it says "suitable for Hyundai SP-III use" you're fine. No aftermarket ATF's will be approved for use by Hyundai. The Castrol Universal will work perfectly, as will Valvoline Maxlife and others. Just make sure it says suitable for SP3 on the bottle.

Joel

Good news. Thank you.

Do Not use Dextron in your Hyundai!!!!!!!! Unless you would like to damage your trans. Just wondering, dose this dealer also service GM??
I'd love to know the name of that dealer.