🔧 Soul - Automatic Transmission Fluid Change (Drain & Fill)

Your Soul can be equipped with either a dipstick-style transmission (easy level check) or a “sealed” transmission (level is set through a side level/check plug at a specific fluid temperature). The exact procedure, plug locations, and torque specs depend on which one you have.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Hot fluid burn risk: let the transmission cool before opening plugs.
• ⚠️ Support the Soul level on jack stands; level fluid checks are inaccurate if the car isn’t level.
• ⚠️ Never get under a car supported only by a jack.
• ⚠️ Keep the engine off unless a step explicitly says to run it.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (at least 10-quart)
• Socket set (10mm-24mm)
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• Torque wrench (10-100 ft-lbs range)
• Trim clip remover
• Fluid transfer pump (specialty)
• Shop rags
• Brake cleaner spray
• Infrared thermometer (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Automatic transmission fluid (Kia/Hyundai SP-IV equivalent) - Qty: 4-5 quarts
• Transmission drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1
• Fill plug O-ring or washer (if equipped) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• Raise the front and support on jack stands, then raise the rear so the Soul sits level.
• Two quick questions so I can give you the exact correct steps + torque specs:
  • Do you have a transmission dipstick under the hood (yes/no)?
  • Do you have a way to read ATF temperature (scan tool) or will you use an infrared thermometer?
• A “sealed” transmission requires a temperature-based level check.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm which level-check style you have

• Open the hood and look for a transmission dipstick (usually has a colored handle).
• If there is no dipstick, your Soul uses a sealed level-check method (it will have a fill plug and a level/check plug on the transmission case).
• Use a flashlight (or good lighting) to visually locate the transmission case plugs before you drain anything.

Step 2: Remove the lower splash shield (if equipped)

• Use a trim clip remover to pop plastic clips.
• Use a 10mm socket and ratchet to remove any bolts.
• Set all clips/bolts aside in a tray so none get lost.

Step 3: Always loosen the fill point first

• Before draining, make sure you can open the fill plug or access the dipstick tube.
• Use the correctly-sized socket and ratchet to crack the fill plug loose (do not remove it yet).
• If you can’t fill it, don’t drain it.

Step 4: Drain the old fluid

• Place a 10-quart drain pan under the transmission drain plug.
• Use the correctly-sized socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug and washer.
• Let it drain until it slows to an occasional drip.
• Clean the drain plug area with shop rags and brake cleaner spray.

Step 5: Reinstall the drain plug with a new washer

• Install a new crush washer on the drain plug.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the drain plug to the correct factory spec.
• Torque spec note: I’ll give you the exact number once you confirm dipstick vs sealed (the spec differs by transmission/plug style).

Step 6: Refill with the correct ATF

• If sealed-style: use a fluid transfer pump (specialty) to pump SP-IV fluid into the fill port.
• If dipstick-style: add SP-IV through the dipstick tube using a pump/funnel setup.
• Add about what drained out as a starting point.

Step 7: Set the final fluid level (this is the “critical” part)

• If sealed-style: final level must be set with the transmission at a specific temperature, then the level/check plug is opened to confirm a proper dribble/stream.
• If dipstick-style: final level is checked on the dipstick using the correct temperature/engine-running condition.
• Important: I’ll give you the exact temperature target and the exact steps once you answer the 2 questions above.

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✅ After Repair

• Reinstall the splash shield using the 10mm socket and trim clip remover.
• Wipe everything dry, then run the engine and check underneath for leaks.
• Test drive gently, then recheck for leaks again.
• Dispose of used ATF at a recycling center or auto parts store that accepts fluids.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$120 (parts only)

You Save: $175-$330 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-2.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

Reply with: (1) dipstick yes/no, and (2) how you’ll read ATF temp (scan tool or IR thermometer). I’ll then give you the exact Soul procedure with the correct plug locations, temperature target, and factory torque specs. HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.