How to Change Transmission Fluid in a Hyundai Accent
by Vanessa PadgalskasUpdated November 07, 2017Items you will need
Transmission fluid
Oil drip pan
Small funnel
Transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles, regardless of what the Hyundai owner's manual says. Changing the transmission fluid is the easiest way to maintain the health of the transmission. The fluid lubricates the moving parts in the transmission. It will cost you around $15 to change the fluid yourself and around $100 at an auto mechanic's shop.
Pop the hood and remove the dipstick. The dipstick is located near the rear of the engine and has a loop at the top, making it easy to remove. Place the dipstick in a clean place where it can not get dirty. You do not want to transfer any dirt particles into the transmission fluid. Removing the dipstick releases pressure in the transmission fluid tank and allows the fluid to drain quicker.
Jack the car up 6 inches. If you can fit under the car, you do not need to lift it.
Go underneath the car and place a pan underneath the transmission fluid reservoir to catch the draining fluid.
Unscrew the drain plug on the transmission fluid reservoir. Use a socket wrench to unscrew the lug. The fluid will take a few minutes to completely drain.
Screw the lug back on the transmission fluid reservoir and clean any excess fluid from around the lug with a rag.
Go to the hood and put a funnel in the place where the dipstick was located.
Pour the transmission fluid in the funnel. Make sure the funnel is clean and has not been used with any other fluids, such as motor oil. You should use SP-III transmission fluid, which is available to buy from your dealer. The Hyundai Accent takes seven quarts of fluid.
Let the fluid settle for five minutes, and then put the dipstick in and pull it out. Look at the fluid level on the end of the dipstick. The fluid should be at the highest hash mark on the end. If it is low, pour a little more fluid and check the dipstick again. Do not overfill the tank.
Shut the hood and record the transmission fluid change in a maintenance journal. Make note to change the fluid again in 30,000 miles.
Writer Bio
Vanessa Padgalskas was born and raised in Spokane, Wash., and currently resides in Portland, Ore. Padgalskas graduated from American University in 2007 with degrees in international studies and economics. She holds a law degree from Lewis and Clark Law School.
