Transmission fluid change

[atlsud]

Yes, Valvoline Maxlife. $23 at Wally World.

[drc69]

Nice job. I don't think anyone ever mentioned the (fill plug) under the OEM air box.
Thank you for the info / pics.

[[email protected]]

I didn't even realise we had a fill point...i thought it was sealed!

[Canyonguy]

My F5 only has 17k so not ready for ATF change. But I will share what I learned from my Sorento with 127k.

The Sorento transaxle does not require service unless leaking according to the manual, but after about 100k the shifting was getting more whiny at higher rpms so I decided to see if the ATF could be changed. Turned out to be easy to do and similar to the Forte process seen in this thread. Used about 3.5 quarts Valvoline max life full synthetic ATF.

The new fluid eliminated the whining and makes for slightly smoother yet firm shifts. Like new again. Note that the drain plug has an aluminum crush washer that is larger diameter than what is used on the motor oil drain plug. So be sure to replace the washer with a new one.

The ATF drain process leaves about 2 qts of old fluid in the Sorento transaxle so I am going to do a second drain and fill soon, so that about 90% of the fluid will be new.

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FYI, Penrite Multi Vehicle ATF FS works wonders, and it SP-IV compatible. Its actually used in the Kia/Hyundai dealerships over here.

[drc69]

I did the drain / fill on the trans today. 28K miles fluid looked not to bad but I think it was a little low base on what came out and what I put back in. I measured everything in and out.
Did engine oil and filter. A little pass do but the weather has been cold for me. lol

[drc69]

Sorry about the pics. I thought I resized them I guess I was wrong.

[SXTurbo]

Sorry about the pics. I thought I resized them I guess I was wrong.

What trans oil did you use? Notice any difference?

[drc69]

What trans oil did you use? Notice any difference?

I used Valvoline Max Life (Full Synthetic) Red Bottle 1gallon. About $18 at Wally World.
I bought an extra qt. but I didn't need or use it. I haven't driven it a lot yet so I don't know. I will today
an see if I notice any real difference.

[drc69]

I used Valvoline Max Life (Full Synthetic) Red Bottle 1gallon. About $18 at Wally World.
I bought an extra qt. but I didn't need or use it. I haven't driven it a lot yet so I don't know. I will today
an see if I notice any real difference.

OK so after driving around most of the day (3-19-19) the up-shift was much smoother and a little-bit firmer.
But the "big" difference (40% to 50%) was the down-shift was very smooth and nice. Before it was not great and it lagged/hanged-up a-bit. NO more.
For $20 I "will" do this again in a few months, just as easy to do just like changing oil and filter just add another one and a half hours (I take my time) or so on to the days car maintenance.