Kia's service manuals are available online at kiatechinfo.com and for newer Kias the mechanicals are the same as Hyundai. My Rondo has the F4A42 4 speed transmission. The 2.7L V6 was sold as the optional engine for the Rondo and had a 5 speed auto, model A5GF1. This might be the same (or similar) transmission that is in your Santa Fe.
The manual says to use the flush machine, contrary to the dealer's no-flush statments. If you don't have a flush machine, the manual says to disconnect the cooler line with the engine running (!) and then when it runs dry, quickly kill the engine.
Originally Posted By: kiatechinfo.com
RONDO(UN) >2007 > G 2.7 DOHC > Automatic Transaxle System
SERVICE ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE
Automatic transaxle fluid
INSPECTION
1. Drive the vehicle until the fluid reaches normal operating temperature [70~80°C].
2. Place the vehicle on a level surface.
3. Move the selector lever through all gear positions. This will fill the torque converter and the
hydraulic system with fluid and move the selector lever to the "N" (Neutral) or "P"(Park) position.
4. Before removing the oil level gauge, wipe all contaminants from around the oil level gauge. Then take
out the oil level gauge and check the condition of the fluid.
If the fluid smells as if it is burning, it means that the fluid has been contaminated by fine
particles from the bushes 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 low, add
automatic transaxle fluid until the level reaches the "HOT" mark.
Auto transaxle fluid:
DIAMOND ATF SP-III, SK ATF SP-III
Quantity : 9.5l
Low fluid level can cause a variety of a abnormal conditions because it allows the pump to take in
air along with fluid. Air trapped in the hydraulic system forms bubbles, which are compressable.
Therefore, pressures will be erratic, causing delayed shifting ,slipping clutches and brakes, etc.
Improper filling can also raise fluid level too high. When the transaxle has too much fluid, gears
churn up foam and acuise the same conditions which occur with low fluid level, resulting in
accelerated deterioration of automatic transaxle fluid. In either case, air bubbles can cause
overheating, and fluid oxidation, which can interfere with normal valve, clutch, and brake
operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping from the transaxle vent where it may be
mistaken for a leak.
6. Insert the oil level gauge securely.
When new, automatic transmission fluid should be red. The red dye is added so the assembly
plant can identify it as transmission fluid and distinguish it from engine oil or antifreeze. The red
dye, which is not an indicator of fluid quality, is not permanent. As the vehicle is driven the
transmission fluid will begin to look darker. The color may eventually appear light brown.
REPLACEMENT
If you have a fluid changer, use this changer to replace the fluid. If you do not, replace it using the
following procedure.
1. Disconnect the hose which connects the transmission and the oil cooler.
2. Start the engine and let the fluid drain out.
Running conditions : "N" range with engine idling.
03/12/2012 09:46 AM
The engine should be stopped within one minute after it is started. If the fluid has all drained out
before then, the engine should be stopped at that point.
3. Remove the drain plug(A) from the bottom of the transmission case to drain the fluid.
4. Install the drain plug using a new gasket, and tighten it to the specified torque.
TORQUE :
40 ~ 50Nm (4 ~ 5 kgf.m, 29 ~ 36 lb-ft)
5. Pour the new fluid in through the oil filler tube.
Stop pouring if the full volume of fluid cannot be poured in.
6. Repeat the procedure in step (2).
Check the old fluid for contamination. If it has been contaminated, repeat steps (5) and (6).
7. Pour the new fluid in through the oil filler tube.
8. Reconnect the hose which was disconnected in step (1) above and firmly replace the oil level
gauge.(In case of this "replace", this means after wiping off any dirt around the oil level gauge, insert
it into the filler tube.)
9. Start the engine and run it at idle for 1~2 minutes.
10. Move the select lever through all positions, and then move it to the "N" position.
11. Drive the vehicle until the fluid temperature rises to the normal temperature (70~80°C), and then
check the fluid level again. The fluid level must be at the HOT mark.
12. Firmly insert the oil level gauge into the oil filler tube.
I'm not brave enough for that loosen the cooler line procedure, so I just do a drain and fill, personally. Takes exactly 4 quarts for the drain and fill, which is convenient. I have done one roughly every 16K; 4 of them in 64K miles. Shifts pretty well most of the time but the 2-3 shift can get rough if you are sitting in traffic in hot weather. It's been that way since new. I just shift it manually if that starts happening which is easy with my gated shifter.
