Flushing Transmission Fluid

The Sportage holds about 7.2 quarts of fluid between pan and the converter. To properly do a complete fluid change out, all of the fluid must be replaced. Simply removing and replacing the fluid in the pan is not good enough. This only replaces about 2.7 quarts (37.5%) and after a few hours of driving will mix with the old fluid in the converter and it will appear as if you never changed the fluid. The old fluid will reduce the viscosity and stability of the new oil resulting in an immediate decrease in protection. This is one reason transmission shop's stay in business as many repair shops only do a partial fluid change.

By following this procedure you can ensure a long life to your Automatic Transmission.

1. Purchase 10 or 11 quarts of transmission fluid. (Personally I prefer synthetic or synthetic blends of Mobil or Valvoline due to its ability to remain stable and not break down in extreme heat or use.)

2. If you're going to change the screen purchase a new one ( about $20.00 @ Autozone) along with a new gasket.

3. You will need a large drain pan and you will want to purchase about 2 feet of hose that will fit on the external lines that run to the cooler. You will see a short length of this hose near the bottom right of the radiator (drivers' side) connecting the line to the radiator.

4. Make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and warm up the vehicle to normal operation temperature.

5. Unscrew the Transmission drain pan and let all the fluid out. Give it about 10-15 minutes for most of it to drip out.

6. To change the screen, you will have to disconnect the filler tube to remove the pan. Do not try to disconnect it at the pan. The disconnection point is about half way up the tube and it you should be able to pull it out (may require a good yank) from the engine compartment.

7. Unscrew the pan bolts and using a screwdriver, gently pry the pan loose every couple of inches. Note: once you get the pan off fluid will constantly drip out of the transmission. This is normal since ATF migrates to every nook and cranny of the gears and clutches.

8. Unscrew all the black screws holding the screen in place and carefully remove the wire secured to the screen assembly. If you have to pry the screen off do it carefully and hold it level while removing it. The screen does hold a small amount of fluid in it.

9. Put in the new screen and alternately tighten all of the screws evenly all around.

10. Clean out the pan with a lint free rag or shop towel and take out any metal pieces being held by the magnets in the pan.

11. Remove any and all gasket material from the pan and transmission frame.

12. Position the gasket and pan and insert the screws to the transmission frame. Tighten in a cris-cross manner so you don't bend the pan.

13. Replace the drain pan plug and reconnect the filler tube.

14. Replace the fluid with about two to 2-1/2 quarts of fluid until the dip stick reads full.

15. Locate the transmission lines going to the cooler on the driver's side at the bottom of the radiator. Disconnect the first line toward the front of the vehicle at the short rubber hose on the transmission line side and replace it with the two-foot length of hose you bought earlier. Put the other end in your drain pan.

16. Take the caps off of all the quarts of fluid you have and put them where they are easy to reach so you can access them quickly. Remove the dip stick and put a funnel in its place. You will have to work fast when you start.

17. While turning the vehicle on, have a quart of fluid ready in your hand. When you turn it on, the internal pump will flush out the old fluid. You need to replace this fluid as fast as it comes out. Immediately start to replace the fluid as fast as you can. You may fall a quart or two behind by time you're done and that's ok. Keep refilling until the fluid comes out cherry red then shut it off. Work as quick as you can with purpose and focus. If you screw up, then stop the process. If the transmission fluid gets too low, it could grind itself to death.

18. Remove your drain hose and replace it with the old short hose. Reconnect the line to the cooler.

19. Add as much fluid as you need to get close to a full reading on the dip stick. This may require a couple of quarts so add a little at a time so you don't over fill it.

20. Turn on the vehicle and recheck and add fluid as need to get a full reading. Once full, shift through the gears several times and check the fluid level again adding what you need to.

21. Take the vehicle for a drive at least a couple of miles. Recheck the fluid level and check for leaks.

wow, i will definitely need these instructions a month or 2 after Moab, thanks, joe.

<small>[ April 29, 2003, 09:18 AM: Message edited by: Dave Scott ]</small>

Excellent instructions!

Thanks Joe!!! I thought you were one of those "stick" guys though... Are you coming over to the dark side? <img border="0" alt="[Satan]" title="" src="graemlins/satan.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" />

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Originally posted by doob:
<strong>Thanks Joe!!! I thought you were one of those "stick" guys though... Are you coming over to the dark side? <img border="0" alt="[Satan]" title="" src="graemlins/satan.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">I nearly hurled my beer all over my laptop. <img border="0" alt="[Barf]" title="" src="graemlins/barf.gif" />

Joe??? Going over to the dark side?? He's always been in the dark. He's been slushbox lover since day one. Why do you think him and I exchange jabs all the time?? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" />

LMAO! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> No...I stick it to them...but enough about the dark side <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> LMAO!

ok, joe, i'm doing it this weekend, hope you covered everything! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Dave,

Can you let us know how it goes? I'm planning on doing mine real soon. I just haven't had the balls to try it yet since I won't have a helper. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

- Tom

joe, if i don't plan on changing the screen, can i just start at step 15?

uhhhh, nevermind, i pussed-out. too much at stake for me to try it myself for the first time. i'll probably just drain the fluid outta the pan and refill it a couple times over the next few months and hope that that will clean out 75% of the gunk, if there is any. as it is, the fluid looks good, maybe the tiniest bit brown, but whatever. will keep the instructions in case i do decide to do it right, thanks. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />