How to Check a Kia Sephia's Transmission Fluid

Checking the fluids in your car is a simple procedure; you can save money and ensure your fluids are at their correct levels if you check the levels yourself. The Kia Sephia is available with both manual and automatic transmissions; each has different fluid requirements and a different method of refilling, but you can check the level of your transmission fluid--whether your Sephia's transmission is manual or automatic--with a minimal amount of time and effort.

Things You'll Need

• Car lift or ramps
• Drain pan
• Lubricant
• Paper towels
• Screwdriver
• Socket wrench set

Instructions

Automatic Transmission

1. Drive your Sephia for several minutes to achieve normal engine operating temperature.

2. Park the car on a level surface, with the engine idling and the foot brake applied. Run the gear selector through each of the gear positions, including reverse. Put the Sephia in "Park." Do not turn off your Sephia.

3. Remove the transmission dipstick from the filler plug. It is located 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 dipstick has four notches on it: two toward the bottom and two higher up. The fluid level should be between the two notches higher on the dipstick. If not, fill with transmission fluid as indicated in your owner's manual (different Sephia year models have different transmission fluid requirements). If the fluid is brown, smells burned or contains water, it will need to be emptied and refilled.

Manual Transmission

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

2. Find the transmission fluid filler plug on the driver side of the transmission. Remove the filler plug. If lubricant runs out, or if you can feel lubricant inside the reservoir with your little finger, the transmission fluid is at the proper level. If you don't feel fluid, proceed to Step 3.

3. Fill the transmission to the level of the filler hole with the appropriate lubricant (SK ATF SP-III or Diamond ATF SP-III). It will be full when lubricant begins to trickle out of the hole. Replace the filler plug.

Tips & Warnings

• Empty your transmission fluid when it is at normal operating temperature. The higher temperature will help flush out any foreign particles with the old fluid.

• When emptying transmission fluid, make sure your workspace is protected from spills. Cardboard underneath your work zone makes a lightweight buffer that will catch some if not all of a fluid spill.

• When disposing of used transmission fluid, obey local ordinances concerning the disposal of hazardous materials.

• When working under heavy vehicles, make sure you follow the lift/jack stand instructions fully. Do not work underneath a car supported only by a jack.

• Be careful when emptying hot fluid, as the temperature can exceed 140 degrees.

References

• "Kia Sephia & Spectra Haynes Repair Manual"; Joe L. Hamilton; 2005