2012 Elantra Limited - 185k miles
A fitting where the transaxle fluid lines connect to the radiator recently was discovered to have a slow leak. (Vehicle in shop for other reason.) The radiator was replaced 4 months ago - so I'd guess leaking since then. The leak was small and may have only occurred when driving because my garage floor is clean. As a result, (and no dipstick to check) my transaxle has been gradually running lower on fluid. Local shop repaired the connections and refilled (reach 120-140F temp and fill until fluid comes out check plug with engine running - sounds like correct procedure) - took about 1 qt. Haynes manual says capacity is 7.7 qt - so about 13% low. Question - how low is "low" and would this have caused any damage? I've noticed some harder shifts when cold outside and engine cold just recently - thought it might have been in my head (although apparently not) and I was already thinking I needed to have the fluid level checked.

Second question - shop refilled with whatever specific grade is called out. I've heard some people say to only put Hyundai branded fluid in the transaxle. Thoughts?

I may consider going to the dealer and having them do a flush/fill to have a known good start point again - was planning to do at 200k. This was done at 100k and again at 150k. Each time just dealer flush method - pan not dropped for filter change. I was advised at a dealer that changing the filter often cause problems with leaks, etc. and is better off left alone.

 

The only reason one gets leaks after a filter change is they were careless doing the assembly.

There are folks that do their own filter change and have no problems. The bolts that hold the pan on are supposed to be tightened with an inch pound torque wrench and to some people it is too much trouble to use the proper tool and they wind up over tightening the bolts squeezing out the gasket.

Find a better shop !