Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CRDi (2022): A8LF2 Automatic Transmission Fluid Change

Part numbers are from the manufacturer's original catalogue. Check them against your VIN before ordering.

• Lift or inspection pit
• wrench or hex bit for the drain plug and the level (check) plug (verify the size on the vehicle)
• torque wrench
• tube or pump syringe for filling through the check hole
• 10 L (10.6 qt) measuring container
• thermometer or OBD scan tool showing transmission temperature
• rags
• gloves

1. Warm up the transmission with a short drive, then park the vehicle on level ground, on a lift or over a pit. Shut off the engine and remove the underbody shield if it covers the pan.
2. Place a drain container under the pan, remove the drain plug in the pan and drain the fluid. Remember or measure the volume of drained fluid: you need to refill about the same amount. A partial change usually renews about 4-5 L (4.2-5.3 qt) out of a total system capacity of about 7-8 L (7.4-8.5 qt).
3. Assess the fluid: a dark color is acceptable, but a burnt smell and metallic particles on the plug magnet indicate increased wear. In that case, the transmission needs to be diagnosed first.
4. Clean the metal shavings off the plug magnet, fit a new washer and tighten the plug. The torque is about 30-40 N·m (22-30 lb-ft); use the exact value from the manufacturer's specification.
5. Remove the check (level) plug and the fill plug. Their locations depend on the version, so identify them by the transmission housing and the pan. Fill with new fluid through the fill hole using a syringe or tube until it starts to flow out of the check hole.
6. Connect the scan tool or thermometer. Start the engine and let it idle. With the brake pedal pressed, hold the selector in each position (P, R, N, D) for a few seconds, then return to P.
7. Check the level when the transmission fluid temperature is about 40-50 °C (104-122 °F) (exact window per the specification), with the engine running, the selector in P and the vehicle perfectly level. If the fluid runs out of the check hole in a thin stream or sits at the edge of the hole, the level is correct. If it does not flow, add more. If it flows heavily, let it drain until it slows to a thin stream or drips.
8. Tighten the check plug and the fill plug with new washers. Use about 30-40 N·m (22-30 lb-ft) as a guide and confirm with the specification. Wipe down the transmission and check for leaks.
9. If you removed the pan rather than only draining through the plug, tighten the pan bolts evenly in a crisscross pattern with low torque (about 8-12 N·m (6-9 lb-ft) as a guide, per the specification). After replacing the gasket, check for leaks for longer.
10. Install the shield and take a 10-15 minute test drive with smooth shifting through the modes. Then check the level once more at operating temperature and inspect the pan for leaks.

• Do not fill with fluid that has a different approval: the A8LF2 requires the specific Hyundai/Kia 8-speed automatic transmission specification
• Overfilling and underfilling are equally harmful: foamy fluid and overheating can cause jerking and accelerated clutch pack wear
• Always monitor the fluid temperature when checking the level
• If you have no experience checking the level through the check hole, leave the job to a repair shop
• Do not attempt this job yourself without a lift or pit and a thermometer