What transmission fluid does a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe need?

Answer 1

The owner's manual requires a "special" Hyundai transmission fluid. I got a 2001 Santa Fe and was looking to change the fluid. I do my own work, but don't know much about the Santa Fe, checked the owners manual and wondered about this "special" fluid. A friend of mine who owns a garage said he didn't know exactly what the difference was either from the Dexron III or such. He did know of a couple of customers who did give it a try and their transmissions didn't run right (made weird noises, didn't shift correctly, etc..). He had to do complete trans flushes to get the Dexron out. So in turn even though the "special" trans fluid is more expensive from the dealer, you may not want to take the chance of messing up the trans or paying double for a complete trans flush. All Hyundai vehicles require SPIII ATF, failure to use this fluid may void warranty.