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Transmission Fluid

20K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  Galf 
#1 ·
So when I checked the transmission fluid in my 02 kia sportage and it was low, so i go to my auto parts store to buy some. They told me it took dexron M3 or dexron 2e. They did not have any so they told me to use this kind of universal brand that is synthetic and they told me there would be no problem mixing it in with the non synthetic stuff I have in there anyway. Is this really ok or can you guys tell me of another type of transmission fluid I should use.

Thanks now for replies
 
#2 ·
just to make sure, before you add anything - how did you check the fluid?
No offense, but many people check it wrong way...
 
#4 ·
should be OK. You might have shifted from P to D and back to distribute oil. I think it would not change it too much.
The most important was to have engine running... :D

Was it lower than "low cold" mark? If so, I would rather go to dealer and get this what they put in. As far as I know one quart is about 5-7 USD...
 
#5 · (Edited)
You have to follow the instructions in the Owner's Manual to check the automatic transmission fluid level. As far as I remember you should check it after driving the car for at least half an hour, driving it, not just letting the engine idle; moreover the car should be on levelled ground to check the fluid level, with the engine on and at idle, leave the engine at idle for two minutes after driving the car, and shift the lever in all positions: from P to L and back to P position.

The fluid type for my 99 Sportage is Dexron II E or M III. I put Castrol ATF TQ DIII, but I don't think you can find it in the US.
 
#6 ·
DEX/MERC III for import vehicles, it meets/surpasses the requirements of DEX IIE. The Castrol brand is what I use.

Available everywhere. Just don't use junk oil, name brands only (and no, walmart brand doesn't count...).
 
#7 · (Edited)
Yes, I intended that you can't find it over there with the same name, maybe with a different name or a different type.

Anyway, by the description of the way you tested your Sportage A/T fluid level, I think that the transmission is not lacking fluid, because I think that the fluid was still almost cold when you checked its level. Moreover the A/T doesn't consume its fluid, so if it is under the normal level it means that there is a leak somewhere in its circuit.
 
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