2017 Hyundai Elantra 2.0 Gasoline (Imported from USA to Europe) – Help Needed Choosing Automatic Transmission Fluid

[edng]

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for advice on choosing the right automatic transmission fluid for my 2017 Hyundai Elantra 2.0 gasoline. The car was imported from the U.S. to Europe and has a 6-speed automatic transmission.

From what I’ve gathered on various forums, Hyundai originally used SP-IV fluid, but the newer recommended fluid is SP4-M (part number 00232-19057). Unfortunately, I'm located in Europe and I haven’t been able to find either of them available for purchase here in Europe.

I also read on one of the forums that Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle (ATF) Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is considered a good replacement by some users. However, I can’t seem to find that one either in local stores or online with shipping to my country (Poland).


This is my first car with an automatic transmission, and I’m not familiar with the different fluid options and compatibility. If anyone can recommend a good substitute that’s available in Europe or knows where to buy the original fluid (SP4-M), I’d be very grateful for your help.

Thanks in advance!
Best regards.

 

[Propflux01]

Those are about the only options you have. Is there not a Hyundai/kia dealer in Poland?

 

[edng]

Those are about the only options you have. Is there not a Hyundai/kia dealer in Poland?

There is, but the issue is that the 2.0 automatic version of the Elantra AD wasn’t sold in Europe. So whenever they hear the car was imported from the US, they immediately become unhelpful .

 

[FowVay]

Your car does use Hyundai/Kia SP-IV. Fortunately, this is a very common automatic transmission fluid and falls under the Dexron-VI/Mercon LV umbrella. In Poland every major brand of oil is available as it is in all of Europe and North America. One very common product brand is Orlen (formerly Lotos) and I recall seeing this stuff in the gas stations, grocery stores, and also at every autoparts store.

I don't know which city you're in but I feel certain that you can find a Orlen brand of ATF VI. Here is the product data sheet verifying the use where HK-IV M is required:

And you always have the option of taking the Hyundai/Kia part number to the dealer and asking them to see if they have it or can get it. The part numbers are applicable across the globe so the same number in New Jersey would be the same number in Warszawa. 00232-19057.

 

[Propflux01]

There is, but the issue is that the 2.0 automatic version of the Elantra AD wasn’t sold in Europe. So whenever they hear the car was imported from the US, they immediately become unhelpful .

It shouldn't matter. Just tell them you need 6 quarts of SP-4M (for a drain and fill). They don't need to know much else.

 

[DirectRejection]

Idemitsu.
Eneos.

For exact match fluids.

 

[edng]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

I’ve actually found a few Orlen products:

• ORLEN OIL GEAR ATF VI
• ORLEN PLATINUM GEAR ATF VI
• ORLEN PLATINUM GEAR ATF VI HYBRID

Based on the descriptions, each of them meets the Hyundai/Kia SP-IV M (SP4-M) specification, and I have no idea which one to choose. I'm also wondering — if this kind of ATF is suitable for almost all cars, doesn’t that make it slightly worse than one that's specifically dedicated to a particular transmission?

Also, Orlen is a Polish brand, and I’m not sure about the overall quality. Do you think it would be better to look for an equivalent from a more internationally recognized manufacturer instead?

I’ve tried searching for ATF from Idemitsu and Eneos, but I’m not sure which specific product model would be the right one.

Lastly, I called a Hyundai dealer this morning, but they told me they don’t have data for the U.S. market and therefore can’t help with selecting the right ATF. I’m honestly not even surprised — it was the same story when I called them a while back to ask about ignition coils.

 

[JustN89]

Hyundai’s in-house 6 speed auto is not particularly sensitive to specific fluids. Many people have used various brands with no detrimental impacts to longevity or shift quality. I’ve used OEM ATF as Amsoil ATF. Both worked well. Maxlife is a good fluid that will also work well. I’d be more concerned with finding a fluid that is readily available and just focusing on more frequent fluid changes.

Also, be warned that the factory under-fills the trans, so if you try to measure what comes out and replace just that amount, it will be about a half quart “low”. It won’t affect anything, just something worth noting.

 

[edng]

Thanks for you input @JustN89. Do you think that I should add that half quart or replace the same amount?

Regarding ATF, I started digging deeper into the topic and came across a thread on a Russian forum about Hyundai SP-IV, which included a list of various compatible ATFs. While reading through the thread and users’ comments, I found out that there's a company on the Russian market that manufactures the ATF Hyundai uses for factory first factory fills – ZIC ATF SP 4 (zicoil.ru/products/atf/zic-atf-sp-4.html). It has identical specifications to Hyundai SP-IV .Another bonus is the price – I'll pay $90 for 10 liters (10.5 quarts) .

 

[JustN89]

Thanks for you input @JustN89. Do you think that I should add that half quart or replace the same amount?

Regarding ATF, I started digging deeper into the topic and came across a thread on a Russian forum about Hyundai SP-IV, which included a list of various compatible ATFs. While reading through the thread and users’ comments, I found out that there's a company on the Russian market that manufactures the ATF Hyundai uses for factory first factory fills – ZIC ATF SP 4 (zicoil.ru/products/atf/zic-atf-sp-4.html). It has identical specifications to Hyundai SP-IV .Another bonus is the price – I'll pay $90 for 10 liters (10.5 quarts) .

Just depends on if you’ll be able to perform a level check. It’s not hard, but you’ll need to have the car level to do so. Otherwise, just replace what came out.