GTcarz - Automotive forums for cars & trucks. - 99 Elantra Transmission Fluid Change

"Nick" <npolite@NOSPAMMONKEYShotmail.com> wrote in message news:bcb7k0d3co55ib6b14fv1vrmnmthtd41k6@4ax.com...
> Hello All,
>
>
> My sister's 99 Elantra has 65,000 miles on it and has 20k
> miles since the last transmission change. Prior to myself learning how
> to do all maintenance on the cars, she had the local Hyundai dealer do
> the last transmission change. I have noticed some leakage and was
> concerned that the dealer may not have tightened all of the
> transmission pan's screws to the correct specifications. While
> checking the transmission oil it was low about a 1/4 of a quart low,
> but what I noticed was that the transmission fluid was colored brown.
> From earlier posts I have read on this issue, Hyundai says that this
> is normal? I haven't seen any other car manufacture make a claim like
> that.

See below. I'm not comfortable with it, but I guess as long as the
stuff doesn't have a burn't smell, you're ok. Regular AT fluid turns
brown as it ages and deteriorates. It's a good indication that you
need to change it. Other than putting a dent in your wallet, you
can't do any harm by changing the AT fluid more often, at least
every 30K miles, more often if you find your AT actually performs
better after a change (less slippage between gears, less slamming
while shifting gears).

> Anyway I plan on changing it (call me paranoid) and have a few
> questions about what parts to use. As far as the transmission filter
> goes do I need to buy a filter and transmission fluid from Hyundai, or
> can I get a Puralator and Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF Dexron III?

STOP!!!

As has been stated many times in this newsgroup, Hyundai AT's *don't*
use Dexron III/Mercon V AT fluid, and using it will royally screw up your
AT (but it's better than nothing in an emergency).

Hyundai uses a variety of Type 7176, a/k/a ATF++3 tranny fluid,
which is more viscous than Dexron III. They aren't interchangeable,
and Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is *not* a substitute, unfortunately.

With all the problems Hyundai has had over the years with the AT's,
they've developed their own version of ATF++3 which they call
ATF SP-II.

From Hyundai TSB 98-40-010:

SP-II AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID
09-1998

Model

Accent 1995-1999, Elantra 1992-1999, Excel 1986-1994, Scoupe 1991-1995, Sonata 1989-1999 and Tiburon 1997-1999

SP-II AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID
DISCUSSION:

SP-II ATF has been used as a factory fill for Hyundai automatic transaxles since the production dates shown below. Previously, type 7176 ATF was used as a factory fill.

VEHICLE EFFECTIVE DATE
Accent, Elantra
9/16/95

Sonata 2.0L and 3.0L
9/23/95

Tiburon
ALL

SP-II is blended to a different specification than type 7176. It has a different additive package and was designed to give ideal friction characteristics to the new transaxles used by Hyundai. The benefits of SP-II are:

a.. The low temperature shifting characteristics of the transaxle have been improved, due to the low temperature characteristics of SP-II.

b.. The chemical stability and oxidation resistance of SP-II has been improved, which allows a longer maintenance interval.

MAINTENANCE INTERVAL:

The maintenance interval for the ATF and the filter has been changed as follows:

ATF MODEL YEAR TYPE ATF NORMAL USAGE SEVERE USAGE
PREVIOUS
1986-95
TYPE 7176
Replace at 30,000 miles/24 months
Replace at 15,000 miles/10 months

NEW
1996-99
SP-II
Inspect fluid at 7,500 miles/6 months
Replace at 30,000 miles

Severe Usage is defined below:

a.. Repeated short distance driving.

b.. Driving in dusty, rough or sandy areas.

c.. Driving in mountainous areas.

d.. Extensive idling.

e.. More than 50% driving in heavy city traffic during hot weather above 90°F (32°C).

f.. Driving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are used.

g.. Driving in very cold weather.

h.. Towing a trailer.

PARTS INFORMATION:
ATF PART NUMBER TYPE ATF
PREVIOUS
00212-11100
TYPE 7176

NEW
00230-18000
SP-II

NOTE
The previous ATF is no longer available from the Hyundai Parts System. Only SP-II ATF will be provided to Hyundai dealers in quart bottles.

INTERCHANGEABILITY:

For 1996-99 vehicles, use only SP-II ATF.

For 1986-95 vehicles, use either type 7176 or SP-II ATE. Type 7176 and SP-II ATF can be mixed in any proportion. If type 7176 ATF is used, or type 7176 and SP-II ATF are mixed, the previous maintenance interval must be followed.
<end of Hyundai TSB>

In 2000, Hyundai improved SP-II and called it SP-III. SP-II is no longer available
and has been replaced by SP-III.

From Hyundai TSB 98-40-013:

SPIII Automatic Transaxle Fluid
10-2000

Model

Accent 1995-2001, Elantra 1992-2001, Excel 1986-1994, Santa Fe 2001, Scoupe 1991-1995, Sonata 1989-2001, Tiburon 1997-2001 and XG 300 2001

SPIII AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID
DESCRIPTION:

The 2001 Hyundai Shop Manuals specify "SPII-M" automatic transaxle fluid (ATF) for use in automatic transaxles; however, "SPIII" ATF has been installed in all 2001 model year Hyundai vehicles beginning in July, 2000. SPIII is a new ATF formulation that provides thefollowing improvements to SPII and SPII-M:

a.. Improved low temperature viscosity

b.. Improved friction modifier additives to provide superior shift quality

Currently, only SPII (P/N 00230-18000) is available to your dealership. SPIII will be made available later this year. SPII has most of the benefits of SPII-M and SPIII, including good low temperature viscosity and oxidation resistance for long life of the ATF. No durability or shift quality conditions will occur if SPII is used on 2001 vehicles. SPII and SPIII are compatible and can be mixed in any proportion; however if more than 10% SPII is mixed with SPIII, the benefits of SPIII will be reduced.

The ATF maintenance interval has not changed from the previous SPII interval:

DESCRIPTION
NORMAL USAGE
SEVERE USAGE

Change ATF and filter
105,000 miles/84 months
30,000 miles

NOTE
Severe usage includes:

a.. Repeated short distance driving

b.. Extensive idling

c.. More than 50% driving in heavy city traffic during hot weather above 90°F (32°C)

d.. Driving in very cold weather

e.. Towing a trailer

f.. Driving in mountainous areas

SERVICE INFORMATION:

Both SPII and SPIII have a red color when new; however, the ATF may change color to a dark brown after 10,000 to 25,000 miles in service. According to the manufacturer of SPII and SPIII, this color change is normal for this type of ATF and does not indicate an internal transaxle condition.

<end of Hyundai TSB>

How many
> quarts drain out of the pain, because I am used to draining 3 quarts
> from all of my Hondas.

IIRC, you can drain out 2 - 2.5 qts at a time. I would buy 8 qts and
do a drain and refill 3 times (running the engine & going thru the gears
between fills) to change 80-90% of the old fluid. I would do it 4 times,
but the SP-III is $4-8/qt, as opposed to $2.50/qt for ATF++3 at
Walmart.

Change the filter and use a new pan gasket before the first fill. Don't
forget to clean the crap (clutch material) out of the pan, and clean any
magnets in the pan. Flatten out any deformed pan bolt holes caused
by excessive tightening. If you use any gasket sealant (not needed),
use it on the pan side only, never on the housing side.

Also for the drain plug, do I need to buy a
> new washer like I do for the oil drain plug or can I reuse the
> existing one without worrying about any leaks?

The oil drain plug washer fits the AT drain plug too. Use the new
washer only after the last refill.

>
>
> Thanks for your help in advance,
>
> Nick

Bob

Thanks for the information Bob. Once again the Haynes manual
is incorrect (2nd mistake that I found in the manual) which could have
cost me a transmission and legal action against the book manufacturer.
I've never encoutered such errors in my Honda/Acura manuals, but now I
am questioning if the Elantra manual isn't full of mistakes.
I've taken back all of the items I was going to use to replace
the fluid from PepBoys and I am just going to buy it all from my local
Hyundai dealer. Thanks again in helping me prevent a disaster.

Thanks,
Nick

On Sat, 11 Sep 2004 23:22:50 -0400, "Bob Bailin"
<72027.3605@compuserve.com> wrote:

>
>"Nick" <npolite@NOSPAMMONKEYShotmail.com> wrote in message news:bcb7k0d3co55ib6b14fv1vrmnmthtd41k6@4ax.com...
>> Hello All,
>>
>>
>> My sister's 99 Elantra has 65,000 miles on it and has 20k
>> miles since the last transmission change. Prior to myself learning how
>> to do all maintenance on the cars, she had the local Hyundai dealer do
>> the last transmission change. I have noticed some leakage and was
>> concerned that the dealer may not have tightened all of the
>> transmission pan's screws to the correct specifications. While
>> checking the transmission oil it was low about a 1/4 of a quart low,
>> but what I noticed was that the transmission fluid was colored brown.
>> From earlier posts I have read on this issue, Hyundai says that this
>> is normal? I haven't seen any other car manufacture make a claim like
>> that.
>
>See below. I'm not comfortable with it, but I guess as long as the
>stuff doesn't have a burn't smell, you're ok. Regular AT fluid turns
>brown as it ages and deteriorates. It's a good indication that you
>need to change it. Other than putting a dent in your wallet, you
>can't do any harm by changing the AT fluid more often, at least
>every 30K miles, more often if you find your AT actually performs
>better after a change (less slippage between gears, less slamming
>while shifting gears).
>
>> Anyway I plan on changing it (call me paranoid) and have a few
>> questions about what parts to use. As far as the transmission filter
>> goes do I need to buy a filter and transmission fluid from Hyundai, or
>> can I get a Puralator and Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF Dexron III?
>
>STOP!!!
>
>As has been stated many times in this newsgroup, Hyundai AT's *don't*
>use Dexron III/Mercon V AT fluid, and using it will royally screw up your
>AT (but it's better than nothing in an emergency).
>
>Hyundai uses a variety of Type 7176, a/k/a ATF++3 tranny fluid,
>which is more viscous than Dexron III. They aren't interchangeable,
>and Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is *not* a substitute, unfortunately.
>
>With all the problems Hyundai has had over the years with the AT's,
>they've developed their own version of ATF++3 which they call
>ATF SP-II.
>
>From Hyundai TSB 98-40-010:
>
> SP-II AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID
> 09-1998
>
> Model
>
> Accent 1995-1999, Elantra 1992-1999, Excel 1986-1994, Scoupe 1991-1995, Sonata 1989-1999 and Tiburon 1997-1999
>
>
>SP-II AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID
>DISCUSSION:
>
>SP-II ATF has been used as a factory fill for Hyundai automatic transaxles since the production dates shown below. Previously, type 7176 ATF was used as a factory fill.
>
> VEHICLE EFFECTIVE DATE
> Accent, Elantra
> 9/16/95
>
> Sonata 2.0L and 3.0L
> 9/23/95
>
> Tiburon
> ALL
>
>
>
>SP-II is blended to a different specification than type 7176. It has a different additive package and was designed to give ideal friction characteristics to the new transaxles used by Hyundai. The benefits of SP-II are:
>
> a.. The low temperature shifting characteristics of the transaxle have been improved, due to the low temperature characteristics of SP-II.
>
> b.. The chemical stability and oxidation resistance of SP-II has been improved, which allows a longer maintenance interval.
>
>MAINTENANCE INTERVAL:
>
>The maintenance interval for the ATF and the filter has been changed as follows:
>
> ATF MODEL YEAR TYPE ATF NORMAL USAGE SEVERE USAGE
> PREVIOUS
> 1986-95
> TYPE 7176
> Replace at 30,000 miles/24 months
> Replace at 15,000 miles/10 months
>
> NEW
> 1996-99
> SP-II
> Inspect fluid at 7,500 miles/6 months
> Replace at 30,000 miles
>
>
>
>Severe Usage is defined below:
>
> a.. Repeated short distance driving.
>
> b.. Driving in dusty, rough or sandy areas.
>
> c.. Driving in mountainous areas.
>
> d.. Extensive idling.
>
> e.. More than 50% driving in heavy city traffic during hot weather above 90°F (32°C).
>
> f.. Driving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are used.
>
> g.. Driving in very cold weather.
>
> h.. Towing a trailer.
>
>PARTS INFORMATION:
> ATF PART NUMBER TYPE ATF
> PREVIOUS
> 00212-11100
> TYPE 7176
>
> NEW
> 00230-18000
> SP-II
>
>
>NOTE
>The previous ATF is no longer available from the Hyundai Parts System. Only SP-II ATF will be provided to Hyundai dealers in quart bottles.
>
>INTERCHANGEABILITY:
>
>For 1996-99 vehicles, use only SP-II ATF.
>
>
>For 1986-95 vehicles, use either type 7176 or SP-II ATE. Type 7176 and SP-II ATF can be mixed in any proportion. If type 7176 ATF is used, or type 7176 and SP-II ATF are mixed, the previous maintenance interval must be followed.
><end of Hyundai TSB>
>
>
>In 2000, Hyundai improved SP-II and called it SP-III. SP-II is no longer available
>and has been replaced by SP-III.
>
>From Hyundai TSB 98-40-013:
>
> SPIII Automatic Transaxle Fluid
> 10-2000
>
> Model
>
> Accent 1995-2001, Elantra 1992-2001, Excel 1986-1994, Santa Fe 2001, Scoupe 1991-1995, Sonata 1989-2001, Tiburon 1997-2001 and XG 300 2001
>
>
>SPIII AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID
>DESCRIPTION:
>
>The 2001 Hyundai Shop Manuals specify "SPII-M" automatic transaxle fluid (ATF) for use in automatic transaxles; however, "SPIII" ATF has been installed in all 2001 model year Hyundai vehicles beginning in July, 2000. SPIII is a new ATF formulation that provides thefollowing improvements to SPII and SPII-M:
>
> a.. Improved low temperature viscosity
>
> b.. Improved friction modifier additives to provide superior shift quality
>
>
>Currently, only SPII (P/N 00230-18000) is available to your dealership. SPIII will be made available later this year. SPII has most of the benefits of SPII-M and SPIII, including good low temperature viscosity and oxidation resistance for long life of the ATF. No durability or shift quality conditions will occur if SPII is used on 2001 vehicles. SPII and SPIII are compatible and can be mixed in any proportion; however if more than 10% SPII is mixed with SPIII, the benefits of SPIII will be reduced.
>
>
>
>
>The ATF maintenance interval has not changed from the previous SPII interval:
>
> DESCRIPTION
> NORMAL USAGE
> SEVERE USAGE
>
> Change ATF and filter
> 105,000 miles/84 months
> 30,000 miles
>
>
>
>
>
>
>NOTE
>Severe usage includes:
>
> a.. Repeated short distance driving
>
> b.. Extensive idling
>
> c.. More than 50% driving in heavy city traffic during hot weather above 90°F (32°C)
>
> d.. Driving in very cold weather
>
> e.. Towing a trailer
>
> f.. Driving in mountainous areas
>
>SERVICE INFORMATION:
>
>Both SPII and SPIII have a red color when new; however, the ATF may change color to a dark brown after 10,000 to 25,000 miles in service. According to the manufacturer of SPII and SPIII, this color change is normal for this type of ATF and does not indicate an internal transaxle condition.
>
><end of Hyundai TSB>
>
> How many
>> quarts drain out of the pain, because I am used to draining 3 quarts
>> from all of my Hondas.
>
>IIRC, you can drain out 2 - 2.5 qts at a time. I would buy 8 qts and
>do a drain and refill 3 times (running the engine & going thru the gears
>between fills) to change 80-90% of the old fluid. I would do it 4 times,
>but the SP-III is $4-8/qt, as opposed to $2.50/qt for ATF++3 at
>Walmart.
>
>Change the filter and use a new pan gasket before the first fill. Don't
>forget to clean the crap (clutch material) out of the pan, and clean any
>magnets in the pan. Flatten out any deformed pan bolt holes caused
>by excessive tightening. If you use any gasket sealant (not needed),
>use it on the pan side only, never on the housing side.
>
> Also for the drain plug, do I need to buy a
>> new washer like I do for the oil drain plug or can I reuse the
>> existing one without worrying about any leaks?
>
>The oil drain plug washer fits the AT drain plug too. Use the new
>washer only after the last refill.
>
>>
>>
>> Thanks for your help in advance,
>>
>> Nick
>
>Bob