2007 Kia Sedona - transmission fluid replacement

Lobster70 · 01-14-2012, 07:32 PM

My recently purchased 2007 Kia Sedona EX has just under 60,000 miles. It needs a transmission fluid replacement. I've always been a DIYer for basic automotive maintenance, but that was when my newest vehicle was a 1997 Chrysler van. I'm not so sure about my newer Kia. I will be looking up the procedure via my library website.

Any tips for replacing the transmission fluid? Is it a more difficult job than with other/older vehicles?

Thanks.

spongebob218 · 01-14-2012, 07:54 PM

Pretty simple, just a drain and fill. The plug on the bottom of the trans is a 24mm, and fill it through the dipstick tube.

Just make sure you get the correct fluid. Kia SPIII is OE and recommended, but an aftermarket fluid is acceptable as long as it meets Hyundai/Kia Diamond SPIII specs. There are very few that actually meet SPIII specs, and those that do are as much per quart, or more, than the Kia fluid.

Lobster70 · 01-15-2012, 12:46 PM

Thanks much!

My local NAPA has the ENEOS Nippon Oil SP3 fluid for $10.09 a quart. I'm all set. Thanks for the advice.

cobra259 · 01-15-2012, 05:41 PM

OEM Kia trans fluid is cheaper than that! I would go to a Kia dealership to get it.

Lobster70 · 01-15-2012, 08:09 PM

I plan to check there. What should I expect for cost? I have warranty work planned for this week and figured I'd buy there if it's cheaper. I see that the capacity is 11.5 quarts so it's worth comparing!

Lobster70 · 01-15-2012, 08:12 PM

Would Valvoline MaxLife DEXRON III/MERCON be significantly inferior?

Amazon has 12 quarts for $70

...and I have free 2-day shipping.

spongebob218 · 01-15-2012, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lobster70

Would Valvoline MaxLife DEXRON III/MERCON be significantly inferior?
Amazon has 12 quarts for $70 ...and I have free 2-day shipping.

Valvoline Maxlife is not compatible. The only 2 aftermarket brands I know of are Mobil1 Synthetic Trans fluid(big$) and Castrol Import Multivehicle. It would still be best to go with OE though.

Also, you are not going to be able to change all 11.5qts with a drain and fill. You will probably only get 5 or so. If you want to change all of the fluid a flush is needed.

cobra259 · 01-16-2012, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lobster70

I plan to check there. What should I expect for cost? I have warranty work planned for this week and figured I'd buy there if it's cheaper. I see that the capacity is 11.5 quarts so it's worth comparing!

ATF from a Kia dealership is only $6.80 a quart. UM010-CH002 is the part#.

hambone1983 · 01-18-2012, 11:41 AM

How many quarts do we need?
I am considering changing my 07 Sedona's ATF as well in the next few weeks.
Also is it just plain drain and fill? any special tricks on warm engine/transmission, etc.
thanks

cobra259 · 01-18-2012, 11:48 AM

Yes, it would help to get the trans up to temp. I would buy 6 quarts of kia ATF. Better to have more than not enough.