🔧 Tucson - Transmission Fluid Change

This procedure replaces the automatic transmission fluid in your Tucson’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. This transmission does not use a traditional dipstick, so the fluid level must be set through the fill/check procedure at the correct temperature.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a completely level surface so the fluid level is accurate.
• ⚠️ Transmission fluid can burn you if it is hot. Let the vehicle cool before draining.
• ⚠️ Always support your Tucson with jack stands. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Keep dirt away from the fill opening. Dirt can damage the dual-clutch transmission.
• ⚠️ A scan tool is strongly recommended because fluid level must be checked at the correct transmission temperature.
• ⚠️ Do not start the engine with low or no transmission fluid in the transmission.

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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)
• Ratchet wrench 3/8-inch drive
• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 24mm socket
• Torque wrench 3/8-inch drive
• Fluid transfer pump (specialty)
• OBD2 scan tool with transmission temperature data (specialty)
• Shop towels
• Plastic trim clip remover

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Hyundai-approved dual-clutch transmission fluid - Qty: 2 quarts
• Transmission drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1
• Transmission fill/check plug washer - Qty: 1
• Underbody splash shield clips - Qty: As needed

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your Tucson on a flat, level surface and apply the parking brake.
• 🧱 Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• 🌡️ Let the transmission cool if the vehicle was recently driven.
• 🔍 Connect an OBD2 scan tool that can read transmission fluid temperature. A scan tool is a device that plugs into the diagnostic port and shows live vehicle data.
• 🧴 Use only Hyundai-approved DCT fluid. Regular automatic transmission fluid is not correct for this transmission.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and Support the Vehicle

• Use the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front of your Tucson at the proper front jacking point.
• Place jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) under the front support points.
• Use the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) as needed to keep the vehicle level front-to-rear.
• Gently shake the vehicle by hand to confirm it is stable before going underneath.
• Level vehicle equals correct fluid level.

Step 2: Remove the Lower Splash Shield

• Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
• Use a 10mm socket to remove the lower engine splash shield bolts.
• Use a plastic trim clip remover to remove any plastic clips holding the shield.
• Set the splash shield aside.

Step 3: Locate the Transmission Plugs

• Use a shop towel to clean dirt around the transmission drain and fill/check plugs.
• The drain plug is at the lower part of the transmission case.
• The fill/check plug is higher on the transmission case and is used to set the final fluid level.
• Clean around plugs before opening them.

Step 4: Loosen the Fill/Check Plug First

• Use the correct socket from your set, typically a 24mm socket, to carefully loosen the fill/check plug.
• Do not fully remove it yet unless your drain pan is already positioned.
• This step confirms you can refill the transmission before draining it.
• Never drain before confirming refill access.

Step 5: Drain the Old Fluid

• Place the drain pan (8-quart minimum) under the transmission drain plug.
• Use a 24mm socket or the correct-size socket to remove the drain plug.
• Allow the fluid to fully drain until it slows to a drip.
• Inspect the drained fluid for metal flakes, burnt smell, or heavy debris.
• Install a new transmission drain plug crush washer on the drain plug.
• Use a torque wrench 3/8-inch drive to tighten the drain plug to Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Add New Transmission Fluid

• Remove the fill/check plug fully using the correct socket, typically a 24mm socket.
• Use the fluid transfer pump (specialty) to pump Hyundai-approved dual-clutch transmission fluid into the fill/check opening.
• Add fluid slowly until fluid begins to come back out of the fill/check opening.
• Wait until the flow reduces to a light trickle.
• Temporarily install the fill/check plug by hand so fluid does not splash out during warm-up.

Step 7: Warm the Transmission Fluid

• Connect the OBD2 scan tool with transmission temperature data (specialty) to the diagnostic port under the driver side dash.
• Start the engine and keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal.
• Move the shifter slowly through P-R-N-D, pausing about 3 seconds in each position, then return to P.
• Watch the transmission fluid temperature on the scan tool.
• For final level setting, the fluid should be in the normal checking range of about 50-60°C (122-140°F).
• Move the shifter slowly and calmly.

Step 8: Set the Final Fluid Level

• Keep the engine idling with the vehicle level and the parking brake applied.
• Place the drain pan (8-quart minimum) under the fill/check opening.
• Use the correct socket, typically a 24mm socket, to remove the fill/check plug.
• If no fluid comes out, use the fluid transfer pump (specialty) to add fluid until it begins to trickle out.
• If a heavy stream comes out, wait until it slows to a thin trickle.
• Install a new transmission fill/check plug washer.
• Use a torque wrench 3/8-inch drive to tighten the fill/check plug to Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the Splash Shield

• Use a shop towel to wipe any spilled fluid from the transmission case.
• Position the lower splash shield back in place.
• Use a plastic trim clip remover to reinstall the plastic clips, if reusable.
• Use a 10mm socket to reinstall the shield bolts.
• Tighten the splash shield bolts snugly by hand with the ratchet wrench 3/8-inch drive. Do not overtighten plastic shield fasteners.

Step 10: Lower the Vehicle

• Use the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to raise the vehicle slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Lower your Tucson slowly to the ground with the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Remove the wheel chocks.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Test drive gently for 10-15 minutes. Avoid hard acceleration at first.
• ✅ Check for leaks under the transmission after the test drive.
• ✅ Recheck the splash shield area for loose clips or bolts.
• ✅ Dispose of used transmission fluid at a recycling center or auto parts store that accepts waste oil.
• ✅ If shifting feels abnormal, stop driving and recheck the fluid level procedure.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$420 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$110 (parts only)

You Save: $175-$310 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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