Help Please With 2009 4.6L Sedan Transmission Drain & Refill and Parts Identification

[rockettman81]

I have a 2009 4.6L with a over 160k miles on it and don't know if the trans fluid was ever changed by the previous owners. I do know that I have a very jerky downshift from 2nd to 1st a lot of times right before I come to a stop. I'm hoping a drain and refill solves the issue. I've researched some different fluids and this fluid is noted as compatible with our transmissions, is priced better than most compatible fluids, and it gets good (although limited) reviews: Amazon.com: Ravenol J1D2110-004 ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) - 6HP Fluid for ZF 6HP Transmissions (4 Liter): Automotive

I'm very much an amateur/newbie at this sort of thing, so I'm looking for advice. First, I want to make sure I have the procedure correct:
1) Have car level before starting
2) With catch pan ready, remove the fill/overflow plug
3) Remove the drain plug
4) Let fluid drain out until it stops draining
5) Replace and tighten drain plug to spec
6) Fill up fluid via the fill/overflow plug, using a pump, until fluid starts dripping from the fill hole.
7) Replace the drain plug, but don't tighten to spec yet.
8) Start the car, shift through each gear (including the sport-shift gears), pausing at least 5 seconds in each gear
9) With the car still running, remove the fill plug one more time and add additional fluid until it starts to spill out again
10) Once fluid starts spilling out again, replace the drain plug and tighten to spec
11) Run through the gears one more time and take the car for a spin....that's it

• Are those steps correct?
• How can I jack the car up and get it level on jack stands? Specifically, there are "pinch welds" right in front of the rear wheels and right behind the front wheels, right? BUT, I can't jack from the pinch weld and then put a jack stand right next to where I'm jacking, can I (so that I can move the jack to another corner)?
• Is there a single jack point where I can jack up the whole back end at once (and put a jack stand at each of the 2 pinch welds near the rear tires)?
• Is there another single jack point in the front to jack up the whole front end at once (and put a jack stand at each of the 2 pinch welds near the front tires)?
• Can you help a dummy like me find those jack points?
• Also, I did some looking on the driver side of the transmission pan, and I'm confused....I might be missing a couple of bolts....one of which looks like it could be important. If you look at this video (
  ):
• Is there a bolt missing that is supposed to be holding that piece in at the ~0:55 mark of the video (zoomed in at the ~1:11 mark)? If there is supposed to be a bolt there, any significant issues with it not being there?
• Perhaps more importantly, is there a bolt missing at the ~1:30 mark of the video (zoomed in on at the ~1:37 mark)?!?! If there is supposed to be a bolt there, does that mean I have transmission fluid splashing out of that bolt hole?!?!?!

Thank you all in advance!

 

[MG8]

sounds about right. but if your confused and not sure id get some assistance from someone experienced.

 

[Shady_panda]

let me know how it goes man, I havent done mine either and I'm at 195k I listened to the mechanic when he said lifetime.

 

[MG8]

it is a lifetime fluid they do not recommend replacing the fluid.

 

[Shady_panda]

it is a lifetime fluid they do not recommend replacing the fluid.

the word "lifetime" is a little up for interpretation, I dont know how they interpret that. Lifetime could be lifetime of the warranty.

 

[MG8]

the life of the vehicle or meaning never to be changed.

 

[Shady_panda]

the life of the vehicle or meaning never to be changed.

Well I dont have a say in it because my mechanic skill is limited, but I have seen others change it. Mine isnt broken or slipping yet but the parts are relatively cheap (compare to other car) now adays so if it breaks I'll just swap it. I'm always cautious cause people on here does tell you to change it.

 

[MG8]

12-14 sedan 8spd transmission yes every 30k miles ATF SP-IV-RR fluid
09-11 sedan 3.8L yes every 30k miles AISIN ATF fluid
09-11 sedan 4.6L no lifetime fluid ATF 6HP ZF fluid

 

[homeofstone]

Its not lifetime unless lifetime = 100,000 miles. ZF mfg.says change the fluid. to change the filter you have to purchase a new pan/filter. O'Reilly Auto parts has it. this may help

also this Oils and Oil Change Kits for Passenger Cars and Light Commercial Vehicles

 

[rtrofimovich]

12-14 sedan 8spd transmission yes every 30k miles ATF SP-IV-RR fluid
09-11 sedan 3.8L yes every 30k miles AISIN ATF fluid
09-11 sedan 4.6L no lifetime fluid ATF 6HP ZF fluid

12-14 8 spd service manual says "lifetime" unless you actually drive the car (traffic, city driving, daily driving, etc.) then you should change the fluid every 100,000 miles. ZF is similar, 80,000 - 100,000 miles intervals when the car is used regularly for daily driving or city driving. Best bet is to change it every 60,000-80,000 miles. ATF for both the ZF and Hyundai transmissions isn't too expensive anyway, and a simple drain and fill every few years is good practice.

I'm very much an amateur/newbie at this sort of thing, so I'm looking for advice. First, I want to make sure I have the procedure correct:
1) Have car level before starting
2) With catch pan ready, remove the fill/overflow plug
3) Remove the drain plug
4) Let fluid drain out until it stops draining
5) Replace and tighten drain plug to spec
6) Fill up fluid via the fill/overflow plug, using a pump, until fluid starts dripping from the fill hole.
7) Replace the drain plug, but don't tighten to spec yet.
8) Start the car, shift through each gear (including the sport-shift gears), pausing at least 5 seconds in each gear
9) With the car still running, remove the fill plug one more time and add additional fluid until it starts to spill out again
10) Once fluid starts spilling out again, replace the drain plug and tighten to spec
11) Run through the gears one more time and take the car for a spin....that's it

• Are those steps correct?
• How can I jack the car up and get it level on jack stands? Specifically, there are "pinch welds" right in front of the rear wheels and right behind the front wheels, right? BUT, I can't jack from the pinch weld and then put a jack stand right next to where I'm jacking, can I (so that I can move the jack to another corner)?
• Is there a single jack point where I can jack up the whole back end at once (and put a jack stand at each of the 2 pinch welds near the rear tires)?
• Is there another single jack point in the front to jack up the whole front end at once (and put a jack stand at each of the 2 pinch welds near the front tires)?
• Can you help a dummy like me find those jack points?
• Also, I did some looking on the driver side of the transmission pan, and I'm confused....I might be missing a couple of bolts....one of which looks like it could be important. If you look at this video (
  ):
• Is there a bolt missing that is supposed to be holding that piece in at the ~0:55 mark of the video (zoomed in at the ~1:11 mark)? If there is supposed to be a bolt there, any significant issues with it not being there?
• Perhaps more importantly, is there a bolt missing at the ~1:30 mark of the video (zoomed in on at the ~1:37 mark)?!?! If there is supposed to be a bolt there, does that mean I have transmission fluid splashing out of that bolt hole?!?!?!

Thank you all in advance!

Steps sound pretty good. You're supposed to let the trans warm up to to a specific temp (cant recall the exact number right now) but doing the shift series and all that is probably enough. You can jack the rear of the car one side at a time. The whole front can be jacked up by the front cross-member (in front of the oil pan). If you're unsure, get someone who is sure to help.

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