Kia Rio transmission problems

[fisher83]

My sister in law has a 2005 Kia Rio with an automatic transmission. She had an oil change done and was told that she needed a transmission flush. Having experience with Hyundai/Kia products myself, I cautioned her that the transmission is sensitive to fluid type and that only SPIII should be used. Long story short, she had her mechanic do the flush and broke down a few hundred miles later because the transmission would not shift properly. The car would get to about 40 mph and the engine would rev but the transmission would not upshift. Based on the high price of SPIII in my area (about $7 A quart) I doubt that for the $100 bill she paid her mechanic could have done her oil change and flushed the entire transmission with proper SPIII. I think her problem is either a clogged filter from the flush, or wrong fluid type. Does this sound accurate?

 

[crazyoildude]

i am not a trans guy but it does not sound good and it does not sound like a filter problem but i could be wrong...if it was a clogged filter it would slip when the oil is thick in the morning at the first start

 

[The_Eric]

I doubt it's from a clogged filter. People often envision a flush machine that's akin to a 1500psi pressure washer. Not so.

What is more likely is an incorrect fluid. As a Hyundai owner I can say that the need for SP III fluid is somewhat blown out of proportion by the Hyundai/Kia fan boys.

They will work well on multi-vehicle type formulations that are spec'ed to cover SP III. As an example, I've been running Amsoil ATF for the last 20k miles with no issues. And before that I used Kendall Versa Trans for a short time.

I think she needs to figure out what the shop put in there and/or change out with a known suitable fluid. Castrol Import Multi Vehicle is said to work well and can be found at Advance Auto. Also, most NAPA stores will have access to Eneos Type SP, a fluid made to directly replace the SP III stuff.

 

[fisher83]

Thanks for the advice. I assumed that the incorrect fluid was the most likely cause. She never had any trans problems prior to the flush. The reason I suspected the filter is because it was not changed and I thought the flush could have caused some gunk to get caught in there. The car has 130k miles and an unknown service history. I previously owned a Hyundai Accent which I did fluid changes myself with SPIII and I have an Elantra now. I had my mechanic change fluid on it but he let me bring in SPIII from the dealer. My Kia Optima was always changed at the dealer with SPIII too. I actually offered to change her transmission fluid for her with fluid from the dealer but due to different work schedules she just took it to her mechanic. I've never tried anything other than SPIII but it's good to hear that you have had success with other fluids.

 

[The_Eric]

Some of those transmissions don't have a serviceable filter. I know the filter in my Elantra is not.

 

[Ursae_Majoris]

If you have not done it yet, register at www.kiatechinfo.com
It is free and you will have access to a full Kia FSM.

Both Maxlife and Castrol Import Multivehicle will work in Hyundai/Kia. Castrol is a bit thicker, so my preference would be for that in the older transmission.

Looking at the FSM, and I assuming that you have 2001-2005 generation (BC), there is an "oil strainer" accessible by removing the pan. Oil filter is hidden in the valve body.

Also, have you checked the fluid level?

 

[demarpaint]

Did she check the fluid level? Or call the shop that serviced it and pay them a return visit? Seems to me they might have used the wrong fluid, didn't add enough, or screwed something up and should make it right. Although odds are they'll look to blame it on the transmission and the amount of miles on the car. I'd still go back with it though, before I did anything to it.

 

[fisher83]

Fluid level was fine. The shop she had it towed to says that the level was fine too and is going to do a complete flush with the SPIII. I told her she should take the tow bill and the bill for the new flush to the first mechanic and ask him to reimburse her for it. She said she doesn't want to do that because he is a family friend and has done a lot of favors for her in the past and she has never had issues with him before. I really wish I knew what fluid the mechanic did use. My guess is Dexron with an additive. I have heard of that being done and taking a toll on Kia/Hyundai and Chrysler transmissions.

 

[demarpaint]

Hopefully they can fix it. It's tough when a friend screws something up, hopefully this will work out for her.