Hi. I'm new here. I have a 2003 Elantra and like it a lot (for the price). I have 40,000 miles now and know the recommended tranny fluid change is 30k.

Here's my dilemma. The last car I had (a Toyota ) I changed the trans fluid at a little over 45,000 and the transmission DIED at 65, 000. And many people have told me either: They never changed their trans. fl. on any cars they've had, with no problems OR they know people like me who go thru the trouble of a tranny fluid change and their tranny died later.

Just wondering what the general consensus was here. I appreciate any feedback.

Also, is the 100,000 mile guarantee still good if u don't get a trans fluid change? Thanks, all!!

 

Well according to the owner's manual.....they say if its driven under severe conditions it should be changed at 30,000 miles,but under normal conditions its 105,000 miles.I did mine at 42,000 miles and its nearly 65,000 miles with no problems yet.But i did find out something about the fluid they use from a technical service bulletin.The fluid looks red when its new but after 10,000 to 25,000 miles it turns to a dark brown color,which is ok according to them since its normal for it to do that.If you going to have it changed the dealership will have to use their own special fluid since anything but that will void the warranty so its best to let them do it and if the tranny fails they would have to replace it anyway according to the 10 year/100,000 miles warranty.

 

If u wanna check the fluid first, if it smells like it's burnt then u probably want to change it.