I have approx. 106,000 miles on this vehicle. It is a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS FWD 3.3L. To the best of my knowledge, this vehicle has never had a transmission fluid change. The vehicle has never had and transmission problems. I have been watching your videos and tend to think that it may need a fluid change due to the age and mileage. But because it has never been changed, I do not want to cause any problems by changing the fluid. I believe it is a sealed system according to the dealer. And they say the only way to service it or change the fluid is to do a flush. A flush from what I have heard you say on vehicles with extensive age and mileage may do more harm than good. So I guess I cannot get the fluid changed without getting a flush since they say it is a sealed system. Should I just let it go or do a flush? The vehicle is in great shape and runs well, and it will last many more years, but if the trans. fails then all else is in vain. HELP?
I believe it is a sealed system according to the dealer
Old myth.
Should I just let it go or do a flush?
The FAQ has a section devoted to this decision/topic. Never flush a transmission.
That year model has a decent transmission. Changing the fluid now is maintenance done late. Any excessive wear & tear has already occurred and sometimes (not often) late fluid changes cause slipping. Flushing a transmission seriously multiplies that likelihood of problems on under maintained vehicles.
There is no such thing as a "sealed" transmission. See the FAQ. (Also stay away from the dealer as well as chain shops and find a good independent mechanic.)
It's only a "sealed" unit because the mechanical engineers who built your car were too cheap to put a dipstick in your transmission. The fluid still needs changing. Drain and fill, don't risk flushing it out. There may be a dipstick underneath car, near the pan. That's the case with my 2017 Mustang. I've never worked on Hyundais before.
