🔧 Tucson - Automatic Transmission Fluid Drain & Fill

This service replaces a portion of the automatic transmission fluid using the drain-and-fill method. Your Tucson uses a sealed-style 6-speed automatic transmission, so the fluid level must be checked at the correct fluid temperature through the level check plug.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface only. Transmission fluid level is inaccurate if the vehicle is tilted.
• ⚠️ Hot transmission fluid can burn skin. Wear gloves and safety glasses.
• ⚠️ Support your Tucson with jack stands before going underneath. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from moving parts while the engine is running during the final level check.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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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
• 10mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 24mm socket
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 1/2-inch drive ratchet
• Torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)
• Fluid transfer pump (specialty)
• OBD2 scan tool with live data (specialty)
• Infrared thermometer
• Drain pan (8-quart minimum)
• Measuring jug (quart markings)
• Funnel with long flexible hose
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Hyundai SP-IV automatic transmission fluid - Qty: 4-5 quarts
• Automatic transmission drain plug washer - Qty: 1
• Automatic transmission fill plug washer - Qty: 1
• Automatic transmission level check plug washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Tucson on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Warm the transmission by driving gently for 10-15 minutes.
• An OBD2 scan tool with live data lets you read transmission fluid temperature. This is important because fluid expands as it warms up.
• If your scan tool cannot read transmission temperature, use an infrared thermometer on the transmission pan as a backup, but the scan tool method is more accurate.
• Measure the drained fluid amount. This gives you a good starting amount to refill.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure your Tucson

• Use the floor jack to raise the front of your Tucson at the front center jacking point.
• Place jack stands under the approved front support points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the jack stands using the floor jack.
• Use wheel chocks at the rear wheels.
• Make sure the vehicle sits as level as possible before draining or checking fluid.

Step 2: Remove the lower engine shield

• Use a 10mm socket and 3/8-inch drive ratchet to remove the lower splash shield fasteners.
• Set the shield and fasteners aside in order.
• Tip: Take a quick photo first.

Step 3: Locate the transmission drain, fill, and level plugs

• Use safety glasses and gloves while working under the vehicle.
• The drain plug is at the bottom of the transmission case.
• The fill plug is higher on the side/top area of the transmission case.
• The level check plug is on the side of the transmission case and is used to confirm the correct fluid level.
• Do not remove the drain plug until you know the fill plug can be opened.

Step 4: Loosen the fill plug first

• Use the correct socket for your plug style, commonly a 24mm socket with a 1/2-inch drive ratchet.
• Loosen the fill plug, but do not fully remove it yet if dirt could fall in.
• This prevents draining the transmission and then discovering you cannot refill it.

Step 5: Drain the old transmission fluid

• Place the 8-quart drain pan under the transmission drain plug.
• Use a 17mm socket and 3/8-inch drive ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the fluid drain until it slows to drips.
• Use the measuring jug to record how much fluid came out.
• Clean the drain plug with shop towels.

Step 6: Reinstall the drain plug

• Install a new drain plug washer on the drain plug.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 17mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the drain plug to Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Add new transmission fluid

• Remove the fill plug fully using the 24mm socket and 1/2-inch drive ratchet.
• Use the fluid transfer pump or funnel with long flexible hose to add Hyundai SP-IV automatic transmission fluid.
• Add approximately the same amount that drained out, then add about 0.25 quart extra for the level check step.
• Install the fill plug loosely by hand for now.

Step 8: Warm the fluid to checking temperature

• Connect the OBD2 scan tool with live data 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 and back to Park, pausing 3 seconds in each position.
• Use the scan tool to monitor transmission fluid temperature.
• The level check should be done when fluid temperature is about 50-60°C (122-140°F).

Step 9: Check the fluid level

• Keep the engine running, parking brake set, and shifter in Park.
• Use safety glasses and gloves because fluid may be hot.
• Place the drain pan under the level check plug.
• Use the correct socket, commonly a 24mm socket, to remove the level check plug.
• If fluid runs out in a thin steady stream and then slows to a drip, the level is correct.
• If no fluid comes out, use the fluid transfer pump to add small amounts through the fill hole until fluid begins to run from the level check opening.
• If fluid pours out heavily, let it drain until it becomes a thin stream.

Step 10: Reinstall the level check and fill plugs

• Install a new washer on the level check plug.
• Use the socket and torque wrench to tighten the level check plug to Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).
• Install a new washer on the fill plug.
• Use the 24mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the fill plug to Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 11: Reinstall the lower engine shield

• Use the 10mm socket and 3/8-inch drive ratchet to reinstall the lower splash shield fasteners.
• Tighten the small shield fasteners snugly by hand. Do not over-tighten plastic or small underbody fasteners.

Step 12: Lower the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to raise the vehicle slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands.
• Lower your Tucson slowly with the floor jack.
• Remove the wheel chocks.

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive your Tucson for 10-15 minutes with smooth acceleration and braking.
• Check for leaks around the drain plug, fill plug, and level check plug.
• Recheck the underbody shield fasteners after the test drive.
• No battery registration, coding, or infotainment reset is required.
• Dispose of used transmission fluid at a recycling center or parts store that accepts waste oil.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$380 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $55-$110 (parts only)

You Save: $165-$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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