The trans fluid in the 07 Kia Optima was looking a little gray, so I decided it was time for a change. The manual calls for Kia/Hyundai SP-III, but after doing some reading, I've found that people have had good luck using Valvoline Max Life.
The fluid exchange was easy. The Kia has a drain bolt in the pan, and no easily serviceable filter, and according to the dealer, its just a screen. If you get it serviced at the dealer, all they do is a dump and fill, so I figured I could do the same for a lot less.
The drain bolt is a 24mm, and almost exactly 4.5 quarts drained from the pan. You'll need a flexible funnel to make the least amount of mess.
I've only driven the car for about 30 miles, just to get it warmed up enough to verify the fluid level, but everything seems to be working well. I have not noticed a difference in shifting either way, but I am glad that dark fluid is out of there.
I may do a 2nd dump and fill in a few weeks to try and get more of that old fluid out of there. We'll see.
The fluid exchange was easy. The Kia has a drain bolt in the pan, and no easily serviceable filter, and according to the dealer, its just a screen. If you get it serviced at the dealer, all they do is a dump and fill, so I figured I could do the same for a lot less.
The drain bolt is a 24mm, and almost exactly 4.5 quarts drained from the pan. You'll need a flexible funnel to make the least amount of mess.
I've only driven the car for about 30 miles, just to get it warmed up enough to verify the fluid level, but everything seems to be working well. I have not noticed a difference in shifting either way, but I am glad that dark fluid is out of there.
I may do a 2nd dump and fill in a few weeks to try and get more of that old fluid out of there. We'll see.