🔧 Seltos - Transmission Fluid Change

Your Seltos can have different transmission types, and the fluid type/fill procedure changes a lot depending on which one you have. I can walk you through it step-by-step, but I need 2 quick confirmations so I give you the correct Kia procedure.

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

Quick questions (pick one from each):
1) Is your Seltos an IVT (Kia CVT) or a 7-speed DCT? (Your shifter area/owner’s manual will usually say “IVT” if it’s CVT.)
2) Do you want a drain-and-fill (typical DIY) or a full fluid exchange (usually needs a machine)?

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🧯 Work on a level surface; use jack stands, not just a jack.
• 🔥 Transmission fluid can be hot; let the drivetrain cool before opening plugs.
• 🧤 Wear gloves and safety glasses; fluid can splash when the plug is removed.
• ⚡ Keep the engine off unless the procedure specifically requires it for level setting.

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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)
• Fluid transfer pump (specialty)
• Torque wrench (10–100 ft-lbs range)
• Trim clip removal tool
• Socket set (metric)
• Allen key socket set (metric)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Transmission fluid (correct spec for your transmission) - Qty: 1
• Drain/fill plug crush washer(s) - Qty: 1-2
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1
• Shop towels - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels with wheel chocks.
• Lift the front safely with a floor jack and support with jack stands.
• Remove any lower splash shield/undertray panels using a trim clip removal tool and metric socket set.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm the transmission type and correct fluid

• Check the owner’s manual “Specifications” section, or the transmission label/casting near the case for IVT or DCT.
• Reply with which one you have, and whether you want drain-and-fill or full exchange.
• I’ll tailor plug locations, fluid spec, and level procedure.

Step 2: Locate the fill plug first (do not drain yet)

• Use the metric socket set or metric Allen key socket set to identify and test-loosen the fill plug (location varies by IVT vs DCT).
• If the fill plug is stuck, stop here—do not drain the transmission.

Step 3: Drain the old fluid

• Place a drain pan under the drain plug.
• Remove the drain plug using the correct metric socket or Allen key socket.
• Let the fluid drain until it slows to an occasional drip.

Step 4: Reinstall drain plug with new washer

• Clean the drain plug and area using brake cleaner and shop towels.
• Install a new crush washer on the drain plug.
• Tighten using a torque wrench to the correct Kia spec for your transmission. (I’ll provide the exact spec once you confirm IVT vs DCT.)

Step 5: Refill with the correct fluid

• Refill through the fill port using a fluid transfer pump. (A transfer pump is a hand pump that pushes fluid up into a side fill hole.)
• Add fluid in small amounts and pause to let it settle.

Step 6: Set the final level (varies by transmission)

• IVT and DCT can have different level-check methods (some are temperature-based and may require the engine running).
• I’ll give you the exact level-setting steps once you confirm which transmission you have.

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✅ After Repair

• Reinstall any undertray panels using the trim clip removal tool and metric socket set.
• Start the engine and check underneath for leaks.
• Test drive gently, then re-check for seepage around the drain/fill areas.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $200-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$180 (parts only)

You Save: $140-$270 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?

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.