Automatic transmission fluid

Automatic Transmission Fluid Level Check The automatic transmission fluid level must be checked regularly.

Park the vehicle on level ground with the parking brake applied, and check the fluid level using the following procedure.

1. 1
   Move the selector lever to N (Neutral) and check that the engine is idling.
2. 2
   After warming up the transmission (fluid temperature 70~80 °C), for example after about 10 minutes of normal driving, move the selector lever through all positions, then return it to "N (Neutral) or P (Park)".

   

3. 3
   Check that the fluid level is within the "HOT" range on the dipstick. If the level is low, add fluid of the specified type through the filler hole. If the level is high, drain fluid through the drain hole.
4. 4
   If the fluid level is checked when cold (fluid temperature between 20 and 30 °C), add fluid up to the "C" (COLD) mark, then recheck the level as described in step 2 above.

WARNING

• A low fluid level causes transmission slipping. Overfilling can cause foaming, fluid leakage and transmission malfunction.
• Using a non-specified fluid can cause transmission malfunction and failure.

NOTE The "C" (COLD) scale is for reference only and must NOT be used to determine the automatic transmission fluid level.

NOTE New automatic transmission fluid is red. The red dye has been added so that the transmission fluid can be easily distinguished at the factory from engine oil and antifreeze. The red dye is not an indication of fluid quality and is not permanent. Automatic transmission fluid tends to darken with vehicle use; the color may eventually become light brown.

Use only automatic transmission fluid of the specified type. (See "Recommended Lubricants and Capacities" in Chapter 8.)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Replacement Have the automatic transmission fluid replaced by an authorized Kia dealer at the intervals indicated in the Scheduled Maintenance at the beginning of this section.