2005 Hyundai Elantra Trans Fluid

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jake9364

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I was told and read it also that when you change the Transmission fluid on a 2005 Hyundai Elantra and a 2007 Hyundai Tucson, you HAVE to use Hyundai's transmission fluid or you will melt the plastic in the trans! I had another person tell me, no, there is another brand that is sold at places like Autozone that is the same stuff, and a lot cheaper, is that true?
Thanks
 
Originally Posted By: jake9364
you HAVE to use Hyundai's transmission fluid or you will melt the plastic in the trans!
Wow. That's a new one. It never ceases to amaze me the kind of weirdo misinformation that gets out there.
crazy2.gif


In most cases (disclaimer), using the maker's recommended fluid is best. Transmission fluid need to be matched to the unit in terms of viscosity and frictional characteristics, and to insure it has the correct additives for proper shift characteristics and for longevity.

Having said that, using a different brand fluid that is properly compatible will NOT "melt the plastic" or cause any harm to the unit.
 
That is false. Any ATF that meets Hyundai SP-III requirements will work.

I like Mag 1 Synthetic ATF. You can get 6 quarts for $30 on Amazon. What a great deal for synthetic ATF.
 
My 2010 Tucson book
Manual... API GL-4 75w/85
Auto (I have the 6-speed auto)... Michang ATF (never heard of it) SP-IV, SK ATF SP-IV, NOCA ATF SP-IV, Hyundai genuine ATF SP-IV or other brands meeting the above....
Strange how they listed the Hyundai genuine last.

So maybe at some point they went from SP-III to SP-IV, & it looks like you don't have to use Hyundai's fluid.
 
Valvoline MaxLife is suitable for use in both of those vehicles. I have used MaxLife in many applications that they claim is "suitable for use" in without any issues
 
RTFM. Read the freakin manual.

If the manual specifies SP-III then you can use Maxlife ATF no problem. I ran 50,000 miles on Maxlife ATF in my Sonata and not only did it work fine - it worked better and cost less than OEM fluid.


Who will you believe? A guy you know or giant, successful, long history companies like Hyundai and Ashland?
 
Originally Posted By: jake9364
I was told and read it also that when you change the Transmission fluid on a 2005 Hyundai Elantra and a 2007 Hyundai Tucson, you HAVE to use Hyundai's transmission fluid or you will melt the plastic in the trans! I had another person tell me, no, there is another brand that is sold at places like Autozone that is the same stuff, and a lot cheaper, is that true?
Thanks



This is what my dealer told me too. This was among a nice list of other lies. It's not true. Use SP-III compliant. I prefer MaxLife and it's worked well.
 
Originally Posted By: jake9364
I was told and read it also that when you change the Transmission fluid on a 2005 Hyundai Elantra and a 2007 Hyundai Tucson, you HAVE to use Hyundai's transmission fluid or you will melt the plastic in the trans! I had another person tell me, no, there is another brand that is sold at places like Autozone that is the same stuff, and a lot cheaper, is that true?
Thanks

wow, that's a boogie man!
OP, for the exact SP-III fluid please inquire all hyundai, Kia or mitsubishi dealers around you. you may be surprised about the price variations.
now for compatible, the people on this site have used (with success, for many many miles):
-amsoil ATF (seams to be blamed the most by hyundai techs on hyundai forums)
-castrol import multi-vehicle atf
-maxlife atf
-valvoline atf
-chrysler ATF+4 (found all over big stores as licensed ATF+4) ((seams to be blamed the second most by hyundai techs on hyundai forums))
-and i'm missing at least 3-4 atf's

a few advices:
- hyundai tests problems/defective transmissions for whatever liquid present and is known to refuse warranty if different than SP-III is found
- if you are still in warranty, use the hyundai/kia/mistubishi fluid. just shop around for deals

source: owner of 2004 elantra with re-build trans
 
Originally Posted By: jake9364
I was told and read it also that when you change the Transmission fluid on a 2005 Hyundai Elantra and a 2007 Hyundai Tucson, you HAVE to use Hyundai's transmission fluid or you will melt the plastic in the trans! I had another person tell me, no, there is another brand that is sold at places like Autozone that is the same stuff, and a lot cheaper, is that true?
Thanks

OP,
probably the autozone stuff will be Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle ATF (semi-synthetic) or Maxlife ATF (synthetic)
please search in google "sp-III site:bobistheoilguy.com"
the consensus seems to be use sp-III/diamond/SK (hyundai/mithubishi/kia atf fluid=EXACTLY the same stuff) in waranty period, then what you feel good after.
if you post how many miles you put on each vehicle per year, you may get better recommendations.
 
Im running walmart universal tractor fluid in my 03 elantra runs great less slip and crisper shifts. Now bash me.
 
A few months ago I started using Valvoline Multi-Import with great success. The fluid is looking great and performing well. No slips, no hard shifts. Its been working great for me.
 
Originally Posted By: Highline9
Im running walmart universal tractor fluid in my 03 elantra runs great less slip and crisper shifts. Now bash me.

No.
you just go and terrorize the hyundai forums.
I can guarantee you lots of fun.....
 
Using right now Amsoil ATF in girlfriend 2011 Hyundai Accent. 30,000 miles trouble free and transmission shift smoother then on OEM fluid, especially in winter!
 
Last edited:
I just did 3 D&R's using Valvoline Maxlife in my newly acquired 2008 Elantra and it's shifting great. I believe the Maxlife is a full synthetic so I would think it's even better than the OE dino.

PS: My A/T has a 6.97 qt. capacity but only about 1.75 qts. drain out when the drain plug is removed. (two qts. came out on the third drain probably because I did it when cold and jacked it a bit higher). I have replaced approx. 5 3/4 qts. in these 3 D&R's and was wondering if any of you math guys could figure out what percentage I have changed?
 
Originally Posted By: pbm
I just did 3 D&R's using Valvoline Maxlife in my newly acquired 2008 Elantra and it's shifting great. I believe the Maxlife is a full synthetic so I would think it's even better than the OE dino.

PS: My A/T has a 6.97 qt. capacity but only about 1.75 qts. drain out when the drain plug is removed. (two qts. came out on the third drain probably because I did it when cold and jacked it a bit higher). I have replaced approx. 5 3/4 qts. in these 3 D&R's and was wondering if any of you math guys could figure out what percentage I have changed?


1st change 50%
2nd change 75%
3rd change 87.5%
4th change 93.75%

I think this is right. Im going of my 03 it holds 8 qts and drains out 4qts. does yours have 2 drain plugs?
 
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