Power steering fluid for Accent?

Discussion in 'Hyundai Accent' started by Tysteel40, May 1, 2004.

  1. Tysteel40

    Tysteel40 Guest

    I just purchased a 1998 Hyundia Accent, and I was wondering what kind of power
    steering fluid does it take? Does it take 3 dot steering fluid?

    I called up the local auto parts store (auto zone) and asked them what kind of
    transmission fluid I would need for this car. It's an automatic transmission.
    They told me that a 1998 Hyundia Accent automatic would take a special fluid
    called SP-II, which they don't carry. I called up another auto parts store,
    and they don't carry it either. Do any auto parts store, other than the
    dealership, carry this fluid? If they don't carry the fluid, I doubt that
    they carry a filter. I could order it through the dealership and get it
    delivered in the mail, I guess. But that's a bit of a hassle.
     
    Tysteel40, May 1, 2004
    #1
  2. Tysteel40

    Art Guest

    Hyundai's are very picky about their auto transmission fluid. I
    can't remember the exact name (check your owners manual) but the one
    they are quoting you "sounds right". Generally it is only available
    from the dealer. It is worth the extra $ or hassle becuase cheating
    and using another type of fluid will yield rough shifts and new
    problems.

    Check your manual on the power steering fluid as well. I'm pretty
    sure dot3 is fine however I don't want to mislead you.

    Perhaps another owner of this year has the info handy.
     
    Art, May 2, 2004
    #2
  3. Tysteel40

    hyundaitech Guest

    The transmission fluid has been superseded by SPIII. The only places I
    know for sure that you can get it are Hyundai and Kia dealers.

    The power steering uses Dexron automatic transmission fluid.
     
    hyundaitech, May 3, 2004
    #3
  4. Tysteel40

    Tysteel40 Guest

    Thanks for answering my post. I appreciate it much. I was wondering though,
    does it matter what Dexron transmission fluid you use for power steering? I
    hear there is Dexron II and Dexron III, but I guess it may not matter.
     
    Tysteel40, May 4, 2004
    #4
  5. A car maintenance shop (oil doctor) put a wrong type of transmission
    fluid in my Accent GL, 2001, 38,900 mile car. I realised this after I took
    my car to the dealer which has warranty for my car and they charged me
    $400 for refilling/service and etc. Now I am claiming reimbursement to oil
    doctor for this. Now the following interesting thing has happened:

    They used Dextron Merkon 3 compatible with lopa 7176. They used additive 3
    with dextron merkon. After my complain they checked with the fluid
    manufactuter and they provided all documents that state that Hyundai
    checked their fluid in their own testing facilities and passed the test
    marking that their fluid is compatible with hyundai fluid (SP III).

    Now the problem is, car handbook says we are supposed to use Diamond SP
    III for transmission fluid. But since Hyundai itself tested the other
    fluid and said that is alright, the oil doctor is standing by Dextron
    Merkon 3. At the same time the dealer is standing by SP III since its
    written on handbook.

    What is this going on? Who is right? I feel I am being misguided by some
    Hyundai people, or rather Hyundai is not clear about their specifications.
    My complain is: if Dextron Merkon 3 is compatible with SP III, then why
    Hyundai is insisting on diamond SP III? Why then dealer charged me so
    much money for this? I am totally confused.

    I want to make a formal complain on this to Hyundai. Any thought to this
    is greatly appreciated. Can you tell me what should I do?

    Sudip
     
    Sudip Bhattacharjee, May 4, 2004
    #5
  6. Tysteel40

    Joe Kaffe Guest

    I'd take both Oil Doctor and the Hyundai dealer to small claims court, in
    that order. Make the Oil Doctor prove the product they used was up to
    Hyundai's specifications. If they can document that fact, I'd then go after
    the dealer.

    Just my thoughts... and they're worth every penny you paid for them!
     
    Joe Kaffe, May 4, 2004
    #6
  7. Thanks for your thoughts. I dont know if thats worth for it, I'll probably
    spend more money for lawyers than I'll get. Any way, I think I have a
    right to know who is actually correct or both are correct.

    Any Hyundai specialist here who can advise me about correct fluid type?
    Thanks.
     
    Sudip Bhattacharjee, May 4, 2004
    #7
  8. Please don't top-post. Message rearranged for easier reading
    comprehension.
    Small Claims Court in the USA means that neither party is allowed to
    have a lawyer present. It's just the plaintiff, the defendant, and the
    judge. Court costs are usually minimal ($30-$40), cases are judged very
    quickly (less than 30 minutes IME) and if one party doesn't show up, the
    other party wins by default. There is a limit on the dollar amount of
    damages you can claim, and this limit varies--check your district court
    office for more info.
     
    Dances With Crows, May 4, 2004
    #8
  9. The owners manual says to change the A/T fluid at 60,000 miles, not 38,900.
    Now you know why I only use the Hyundai brand A/T fluid from the Hyundai
    dealer.
    Complain all you want.

    There is a drain plug on the lower front of the A/T oil pan. You take this
    plug out at 60,000 miles. You put it back in after the fluid has drained.
    You then add 2 1/2 quarts of Hyundai brand A/T fluid to replace what you
    drained out.

    You've managed to make a big deal out of a simple procedure.
     
    screwtape iii, May 4, 2004
    #9
  10. Tysteel40

    Xiaoding Guest

    Not quite. Thats not a full flush of the system, and if thats all
    you do,
    expect your tranny to break down soon. The dealer must have done a
    full replacement, and thats a lot more work and fluid.

    No, he's making a big deal out of the $400 dollar charge!

    Sudip, you need to call Hyundai customer service and ask them. The
    dealer is too busy to deal with stuff like this, and I don't blame
    them. It was wrong to change the tranny fluid at 38,000, and WAY
    wrong not to have it done at the dealer! Oil change places are good
    for oil changing, and thats ALL. Good luck!


    Xin
     
    Xiaoding, Jun 1, 2004
    #10
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