How to Change the Transmission Fluid in a Tiburon

by Joseph Cohen

sports car image by Mariusz Blach from Fotolia.com

Changing fluids in your vehicle is a simple procedure that can help save you time and money. The Hyundai Tiburon features both manual and automatic transmission models. Each has different fluid requirements and a different method of refilling, but you can add transmission fluid to both with a minimal amount of time and effort.

Automatic Transmission

Step 1

Drive your Tiburon about 15 to 20 miles on an expressway, or the equivalent distance in city driving, to achieve normal engine operating temperatures.

Step 2

Park the car on a level surface, with the engine idling and the emergency brake applied. Shift the gear selector through each of the gear positions, including reverse.

Step 3

Remove the transmission dipstick from the filler plug. It is at the rear of the engine compartment, on the passenger side. Wipe it clean with a paper towel. Replace the dipstick, making sure it seats completely, before removing it again. The fluid level should be between the "Add" and "Full" lines. If not, fill with transmission fluid as indicated in your owner's manual. If the fluid is brown, smells burned or contains water, proceed to Step 4.

Step 4

Drive your Tiburon to achieve normal operating temperatures, as in Step 1.

Step 5

Drive the car onto a car lift or jack, following all precautions and instructions for securing the vehicle safely.

Step 6

Place a drain pan beneath the transmission pan to catch drained lubricant. Loosen the pan's mounting bolts with a socket wrench to allow the lubricant to run out of one corner of the pan.

Step 7

Remove the remaining bolts from the transmission pan, then remove the pan and pan gasket. Use the socket wrench to remove the filter-retaining bolts, and remove the filter.

Step 8

Clean the bottom pan with a noncombustible solvent. You might need to scrape the remaining pieces of the old gasket off the pan with a razor blade. Also, clean the gasket surface of the transmission.

Step 9

Install a new filter on the transmission.

Step 10

Place a new gasket in the pan. Install the pan, and tighten the pan bolts gradually with the socket wrench.

Step 11

Pour 4 quarts of Mopar ATF Plus Type 7176 automatic transmission fluid down the filler tube.

Step 12

Start the engine, with the transmission in "Park." Allow the car to idle for a few minutes, then shift the gear selector through all the gears. Check the transmission fluid level, and adjust as needed.

Manual Transmission

Step 1

Drive the car onto a car lift or jackstand, following all precautions and instructions for securing the vehicle safely.

Step 2

Find the transmission fluid filler hole on the driver's side of the transmission. Remove the filler plug. If lubricant runs out, or you can feel lubricant inside the reservoir with your little finger, the transmission fluid is at the proper level. Otherwise, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3

Place a drain pan underneath the drain plug on the bottom of the transmission. This will catch any old lubricant that drains from the transmission.

Step 4

Remove the drain plug and allow the transmission fluid to empty into the drain pan. It will initially come out with some force, so be ready to adjust the placement of the drain pan as the fluid drains.