Sonata V6-2.7L (2004)
Fluid - A/T: Service and Repair
Fluid Check
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID CHECK
1. Drive the vehicle until the fluid temperature rises to the normal temperature (70 - 80 °C).
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
3. Move the selector lever through all positions to fill the torque converter and the hydraulic circuits with fluid, and then move the selector lever to
the N position.
4. After wiping off any dirt around the oil level gauge (dipstick), remove the oil level gauge and check the condition of the fluid.
NOTE: If the fluid smells burned, it means that the fluid has been contaminated by fine particles from the bushings and friction materials, a
transaxle overhaul may be necessary.
5. Check that the fluid level is at the HOT mark on the oil level gauge. If the fluid level is lower than this, pour in more fluid until the level reaches
the HOT mark.
Automatic transmission fluid: DIAMOND ATF SP-III, SK ATF SP-III
NOTE: If the fluid level is low, the oil pump will draw in air along with the fluid, which win cause bubbles to form inside the hydraulic circuit.
This will in tam cause the hydraulic pressure to drop, which will result in late shifting and slipping of the clutches and brakes. If there is too much
fluid, the gears can churn it up into foam and cause the same conditions that can occur with low fluid level. In either case, air bubbles can cause
overheating and oxidation of the fluid which can interfere with normal valve, clutch, and brake operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping
from the transmission vent, in which case it may be mistaken for a leak
6. Securely insert the oil level gauge.
7. The fluid and the A/t filter should always be replaced when overhauling the transmission or after the vehicle has been driven under severe
conditions. The replacement procedures are given. Furthermore, the A/t filters are special filters which are only to be used for the automatic
transmission.
NOTE: When new, automatic transmission fluid should be red. The red dye is added to distinguish it from engine oil or antifreeze. As the vehicle
is driven the transmission fluid will begin to look darker. The color may eventually appear light brown.
Also, the dye, which is not an indicator of fluid quality, is not permanent.
Therefore, further investigation of the automatic transaxle is required if,
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the fluid is dark brown or black
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the fluid smells bums.
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metal particles can be seen or felt on the dipstick
