[twospirits]

You do not specify which model year is your Sonata. According to this TSB off of Hyundai Webtech any Hyundai vehicle after July 2000 uses SPIII. If your sonata is manufactured after that date then and if you plan on getting anything other than Hyundai Fluid, any non-Hyundai shop will propably put in Dexron III and then an additive that will convert it to imitate Hyundai SPIII, which in either case kisses the warranty bye bye. Personnally, I wouldn't chance it. The Hyundai ATF fluid is not like the ones you can get at any shop. Its specifically made for Hyundai vehicles. Now the experts can argue that its the same, but every company that I know of states not to use any product other than the Hyundai Fluid. Neither Penzoil, Valvoline, Mobile or Castrol make an equivalent fluid. They all say to not use their product in your Hyundai, get it from the dealer. The components used by Hyundai are designed to perform at a high level, they are not your standard generic transmission, which can't be lubed by any off the shelf stuff at any shop.


Plus, it would be cheaper in the long run getting the fluid from the dealer at around $5 USD a quart than getting a new transmission if the un-Hyundai stuff you use does not fully lubricate the trans properly and cause it any damage. Hyundai isn't the only one using specialized parts that require specialized fluids, Chrysler does too, If you don't use their specific fluid, the transmission will break down quickly. Don't be confused because the stuff you plan on getting uses SPIII in its title, if its not Hyundai, you risk not lubricating the tranny and it might fail within a short time. Again, Do not get Dexron III or kiss your warranty bye bye. Only Hyundai SP-III .

TS out