🔧 Forte - Automatic Transmission Fluid Drain & Fill

This service replaces the fluid in your automatic transmission by draining what’s in the pan and refilling with fresh Kia-spec ATF. It helps shift quality and transmission life, especially if the fluid is dark or has a burnt smell.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.0-2.0 hours

Assumption: your Forte uses the Kia/Hyundai 6-speed automatic with drain/fill plugs and a level-check plug (typical for this model).

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface; keep the car solidly supported.
• ⚠️ Use jack stands—never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Transmission fluid can be hot; wear gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ The fluid level is checked with the engine running—keep hands/clothes away from moving parts.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required for a drain & fill.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (8-quart minimum)
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive torque wrench (10-100 ft-lbs range)
• Socket set: 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 24mm
• 10mm hex bit socket
• Trim clip removal tool
• Long-neck funnel
• ATF fluid transfer pump (specialty)
• Infrared thermometer
• Shop rags

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Automatic transmission fluid (Kia/Hyundai SP-IV spec) - Qty: 4 quarts
• Transmission drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1
• Transmission fill/level plug crush washer - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Warm the transmission with a 10–15 minute drive so the fluid drains easier.
• Lift the front with a floor jack and support with jack stands; keep the car level (level matters for correct fluid level).
• Set your drain pan and rags under the transmission area.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the lower splash shield (if equipped)

• Use a 10mm socket and trim clip removal tool to remove bolts/clips, then lower the shield.
• Bag bolts/clips so nothing gets lost.

Step 2: Locate the fill plug and loosen it first

• Find the transmission fill plug on the side of the case (accessed from underneath on many Fortes).
• Use a 24mm socket or 10mm hex bit socket (varies by plug design) to crack it loose.
• This prevents getting stuck with an empty transmission you can’t refill.

Step 3: Drain the old fluid

• Position the drain pan under the drain plug.
• Remove the drain plug using a 24mm socket (some use 17mm socket).
• Let it drain until it’s a slow drip (usually 10–20 minutes).
• Clean the plug with shop rags and brake cleaner.
• Replace the crush washer.

Step 4: Reinstall the drain plug

• Thread the plug in by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten: Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Add new transmission fluid

• Insert the ATF fluid transfer pump (specialty) hose into the fill port.
• Pump in Kia/Hyundai SP-IV ATF.
• Add approximately what you drained (most drain-and-fills are around 3–4 quarts).
• Measure what came out for accuracy.

Step 6: Set the fluid level (level-check procedure)

• Locate the transmission level check plug (often a smaller plug near the fill area).
• Start the engine and keep your foot on the brake.
• Slowly move the shifter through P-R-N-D and back to P, pausing 2–3 seconds in each gear.
• Using an infrared thermometer, warm the transmission case near the pan area to about 50–60°C (122–140°F).
• With engine idling and vehicle level, remove the level check plug using a 10mm hex bit socket (or appropriate socket).
• If no fluid comes out, pump in more ATF using the fluid transfer pump until it just begins to dribble from the level hole.
• When it becomes a thin steady drip, wait until it slows to a light dribble, then reinstall the level check plug.
• Use a torque wrench: Torque to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs) for the level check plug.

Step 7: Reinstall the fill plug and splash shield

• Install the fill plug with a new crush washer if applicable.
• Use a torque wrench: Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).
• Reinstall the splash shield using a 10mm socket and trim clip removal tool.

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✅ After Repair

• With the engine running, inspect around the drain/fill/level plugs for leaks.
• Road test 10–15 minutes. Confirm smooth shifting and no slipping.
• Park on level ground and recheck for any seepage after the test drive.
• If you spilled ATF, clean the area with brake cleaner so new leaks are easy to spot.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $200-$350 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $40-$90 (parts only)

You Save: $160-$260 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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