🔧 Sedona - Transmission Fluid Drain & Refill

This service replaces a portion of your automatic transmission fluid to help protect the transmission from heat and wear. Your Sedona does not use a traditional dipstick for checking fluid level, so the fluid level is set using a level/check plug at a specific fluid temperature.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Work on a level surface and support the van on jack stands (never rely on a jack).
• 🛑 Transmission fluid can be hot—wear gloves and safety glasses.
• 🛑 Keep the engine running only when instructed, with the wheels safely off the ground and clear of tools.
• 🛑 Do not overfill—incorrect level can cause slipping, harsh shifts, or foaming.

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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 (at least 10-quart)
• Ratchet (3/8" drive)
• Socket set (8mm-24mm)
• 10mm socket
• 24mm socket
• Extension set (3" and 6")
• Hex bit socket set (6mm-10mm)
• Torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)
• Fluid transfer pump (specialty)
• OBD2 scan tool with live data for ATF temperature (specialty)
• Trim clip tool
• Brake cleaner spray
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Automatic transmission fluid (Hyundai/Kia SP-IV equivalent) - Qty: 5 quarts
• Transmission drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1
• Transmission fill plug washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🧰 Drive 10-15 minutes to warm the transmission, then park on a level surface.
• 🧰 Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• 🧰 Raise the front and support it securely on jack stands; keep the van level (front-to-rear matters for accurate fluid level).
• 🧰 A fluid transfer pump “injects” fluid into the fill hole.
• 🧰 You’ll use ATF temp on the scan tool for final level.

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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 tool to remove bolts/clips.
• Set the shield and hardware aside in a safe spot.

Step 2: Locate the fill plug and confirm you can loosen it

• Locate the transmission fill plug on the side of the transmission case.
• Use a 24mm socket (or the correct size from your set) and ratchet to crack it loose, then snug it back by hand.
• Always confirm fill plug first.

Step 3: Drain the old transmission fluid

• Position the drain pan (at least 10-quart) under the transmission drain plug.
• Use a 24mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let it drain until it becomes a slow drip (usually 10-20 minutes).
• Clean the drain plug and magnet (if present) using brake cleaner spray and shop towels.

Step 4: Reinstall the drain plug with a new washer

• Install a new Transmission drain plug crush washer.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten using a torque wrench: Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).
• If threads feel rough, stop and re-align.

Step 5: Pump new fluid into the transmission

• Remove the fill plug completely using the 24mm socket and ratchet.
• Fill the pump with Automatic transmission fluid (Hyundai/Kia SP-IV equivalent).
• Use the Fluid transfer pump (specialty) to pump fluid into the fill hole until it begins to run back out (initial fill).
• Install the fill plug finger-tight for now (do not final-torque yet).

Step 6: Circulate fluid and set the level at temperature

• Connect your OBD2 scan tool with live data for ATF temperature (specialty) and view transmission fluid temperature.
• Start the engine and keep your foot on the brake.
• Move the shifter slowly through each gear: P → R → N → D → (manual ranges if equipped) → back to P, pausing 2-3 seconds in each.
• With the engine idling, wait until ATF temperature is in the check range: 50-60°C (122-140°F).
• Remove the fill plug using the 24mm socket and ratchet.
• Add fluid with the Fluid transfer pump (specialty) until it just starts to overflow in a steady thin stream, then wait until it becomes a light drip.
• Install a new Transmission fill plug washer, then reinstall the fill plug.
• Tighten using a torque wrench: Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reinstall the splash shield

• Reinstall the shield using the 10mm socket and any clips with the trim clip tool.
• Snug fasteners evenly (do not overtighten plastic).

Step 8: Lower the van and clean up

• Lower the van using the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Wipe any spilled ATF using shop towels and brake cleaner spray.

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✅ After Repair

• 🧪 Test drive 10-15 minutes and confirm normal shifting (no flare, harsh engagement, or slipping).
• 🧪 Park, inspect for leaks around the drain and fill plugs.
• 🧪 Recheck the level again at 50-60°C (122-140°F) if shifts feel abnormal.
• 🧪 Dispose of used ATF properly (most parts stores accept waste fluid).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $50-$110 (parts only)

You Save: $140-$400 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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.

Assumption: This procedure matches the no-dipstick SP-IV 6-speed setup used on your Sedona; plug locations/sizes can vary slightly by transmission case.