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Changing the ATF -ADVICE NEEDED!

24K views 23 replies 11 participants last post by  YouCanCallMeDave 
#1 ·
Hello all!

Just purchased a 2012 Kia Rio Hatchback with 41K miles on it. I was thinking of doing an early transmission fluid change (usually at 60K) with either Redline D6 or Amsoil ATF (the signature series). I really don't know how the car was driven was I want to change it early just in case.

Anyone can chime in whether a) I should do it now or not b) Go for either OEM Kia, Redline D6 or Amsoil

Also, there is no dipstick!
Can I do it myself?

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
Take to the dealership. With 41k, you still have 19k of warranty coverage since you're not the original owner. Personally, I wouldn't worry about changing it at that mileage unless the transmission is doing something out of the ordinary.
 
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#3 ·
And even if you decide to - change it using KIA ATF. Do drain/refill two times and it will be fine.
I found mine to be in very indecent condition at 35k miles when doing flush, but now, being at 61k miles, so ATF has 26k miles now, it looks still almost like new.
 
#4 ·
I vote for the amsoil ATF only because I use it in my cars and its amazing. Liked it enough to become a dealer lol

No being a dealer doesnt make me biased. It just has much better heat resistance, much higher quality that the bulk cheap junk the dealer sticks their name on because thats what makes them money. Better wear protection. Just better in every way.
 
#9 ·
This post sponsored by AMSOIL ;)


Anyway OP: Just take it to the dealer and have them do it. Drain and filter change and refill. None of this flush crap just like someone else mentioned. Plenty of people have done it to their KIA cars, mostly on the Optima forum im on. No issues whatsoever.
 
#10 ·
Mine flush was done by KIA and it did NOT involve dropping a pan, or filter replacement.
They simply disconnected the cooler lines and plugged them to the "flushing machine".

From there it goes automatically - old ATF is pumped out while fresh goes in. Then it circulates for a while and repeat.

If you have a drain plug - drain some ATF and refill same amount. Repeat two times and you have about 60-80% done.
 
#12 ·
Well it's pretty pointless to put in clean fluid with a dirty filter.
Well, yes and no.
Filter keeps particles away. It makes nothing to colour of the fluid.
Hence, if you rinse the filter with fresh fluid, it will still work just fine. Unless it is clogged.

Sure, I'd prefer full drop, but they said the filters always come out clean, so there is no need for change.

It is similar to engine oil filter. Actually, you could change oil and keep same oil filter till next time... except initial break in. But it is not practiced due to low cost of the filter.
 
#14 · (Edited)
I will NEVER have a transmission flushed. From what I've seen, and the stories I've heard, they do more damage than good.

I'm even weary about having cooling and power steering systems flushed.

A simple drain, filter change, and refill is fine.

Also, if you're having the fluid changed, why not go ahead and have the filter changed? Makes no sense to me...

I've always recommended Valvoline Max Life transmission fluid, but after checking their product charts I don't see where they would be covered under Kia warranty for the Rio.
 
#15 ·
I would be hesitant with filter removal... it is a big pan. Cleaning the old gasket can cause more issues and damage than the drain/refill or flush. In many cases the oil pan drop resulted in leaks...
 
#16 ·
PLP said:
I would be hesitant with filter removal... it is a big pan. Cleaning the old gasket can cause more issues and damage than the drain/refill or flush. In many cases the oil pan drop resulted in leaks...
Meh. I guess I feel like someone shouldn't even mess with it if they can't properly clean off an old gasket and use a proper torque pattern when re-installing the pan. It's not that hard to do.
 
#17 ·
Maybe that's the reason they (services) prefer flush over pain drop.
 
#19 · (Edited)
It is a better service than just dropping the pan. The old fluid as well as any contaminants are pushed out of the transmission. When you do a filter change, you're just getting mostly whats in the pan and you'll never get what is in the torque converter. A flush also gets whats in the torque converter.

It is also not always the tech's fault a pan leaks. Some quick buck places drop the pan and use cheap gaskets.
 
#20 ·
THanks for the feedback

I wasn't planning on flushing, only draining and filling

My car is salvage (no warranty) so using different fluids is no issue to me

That said, Redline D6 or Amsoil? :)

BTW I did hear that Redline D6 doesn't have calcium, which might be an issue for plastic parts in the tranny. They do not suggest D6 for prius transmission, wondering if this applies to the rio as well

I may just mix the D6 and D4 Redline

Thanks!
 
#21 ·
THanks for the feedback

I wasn't planning on flushing, only draining and filling

My car is salvage (no warranty) so using different fluids is no issue to me
Does not matter whether there is or not any warranty.
The matter is if the fluid is compatible with your transmission.

And do not fall for Amsoil or Redline right away... first check their viscosity and then think what will work well.
 
#22 ·
I had a look at the Auto Trans. fluid level by removing the top plastic threaded Bolt and I don't see any fluid at all ! All I see is a disc about the size of a dime about 2" below the opening. I read this from the Kia Tech Dept :


9. 'If the fluid flows out of the overflow plug in thin steady stream, the fluid level is correct.

Then finish the procedure and tighten the fluid plug' .

So, it seems I need to add some fluid to get it overflowing ??? The current condition is how it came from the factory. The car is just a little over a year old (2014) .

Comments ? When you inspect your fluid level, do u see any fluid ???? Thanks.
 
#23 ·
'If the fluid flows out of the overflow plug in thin steady stream, the fluid level is correct.
It is very car level dependent.
Put your index finger in and look for fluid.
Also, on cold it will seem low, while on hot it might overflow... so do not panic yet.
 
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