Hi Scotty,
I have a Hyundai Santafe 2013. I want to change the ATF. However, I am not able to find any one of the four brands listed on the manual. What is the best alternative brand I can use which would not cause problems.
Thanks
Mileage?
1,50,000 km - 93200 MIL
Only use OEM fluids. You can use other fluid ifs it's approved by the manufacturer and is compatible. Your going to have to go to the dealership to get it or get it online. Also when changing it use a clean container to collect old fluid and use brake parts cleaner to clean the drain plug area. You want to save the old fluid just In case you have issues after changing it. New fluid can cause slipping, if that happens reinstall old fluid.
Forgot to mention using off the shelf atf fluid can cause transmission damage or failure. Most off the shelf fluids don't contain proper materials to lubricate and protect properly. OEM fluids are designed for your transmission.
Gasoline
Engine
2.4L 7.50 US qt MICHANG ATF SP-IV,
3.3L 8.24 US qt SK ATF SP-IV.
This is from the owners manual. Your best bet is to just go to dealership as I said earlier. I've been working as a at home, road side mechanic on the side for 16 years and have 20 years total working in cars . I've seen a dozen times were some wanted to save a few dollars or didn't want to go to dealership to get proper fluids. They ended up damaging or blowing up the transmission. Then they would say the fluid I got from pep boys said it for my car why did this happen. Just because it meet specs doesn't mean it any good. Sorry for all the post I'm making sure I cover everything and informed you the best I can.
I am not able to find any one of the four brands listed on the manual.
Even at the local Hyundai dealer?
Yes. Hyundai and Kia too. Turns out that a lot of them have not brought them for years!
Aisin ATF is available. Sp IV is what the manual recommends! However unsure if Aisin is advisable for Hyundai although the Fluid itself says its ok for Korean cars too.
Sadly the OEM is not available. Even with the dealer here in Kuwait!
Import some in, from another country in the region.
Nearby none of them have this fluid/ Best bet is from Malaysia. Sadly, Air freight and other costs increase it to 150 USD for 4 litres.
I'll contact a dealership near me and talk to them about fluids you can use and available in your area. Also there is a mechanic I meet few years back who works mostly on Korean cars. I'll try and get ahold of him and see what he recommends.
Thanks a lot for the assistance. You are an absolute legend!
Ravenol ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid SP-IV
Aisin ATF-SP4 Auto Trans Fluid
Amsoil OE Fuel-Efficient Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
These are the 3 that mechanic said you can used. I'm not sure if it's available in Kuwait but you can order off line.
Sorry about the bold caps I cut and paste it from buddy text and this is how it pasted When changing fluid make sure you measure what comes out and add that amount back. Make sure to check level and is at proper amount.
Thanks a lot. I managed to get the Aisin ATF - SP4 following your advise. The other two were not available. Drained and refilled to correct amount. Did the drive cycle of putting it into each gear for about 15 minutes before driving. Shifts much better than before.
Took a look at the old fluid. Thankfully not black! Its just brown ( needs replacement ) stage . I have the old fluid still with me incase something goes wrong.
Should I continue like this for 40,000 KMS or should I drain and refill once more in next 5000 - 10000 KMS?
40,000km is around 25,000 miles. That is a little early, especially if your not having any issues. changing fluid can cause it's own issues so you want to avoid changing to soon. If your going to change it at a set mileage do it around 40,000 miles or 65,000 km
Alright . Thank you so much for your time taken to advise the things correctly.
Absolute legend!