Hyundai Repair: 03 Sonata trans. filter, older models, fluid flow

Question
Hi I have an 03 Sonata and looking for the trans. filter. I read other questions that possibly the 03 will not have a external trans. filter. I'm from the old school that says change filter with fluid change. I guess that means I cant change the filter? How often does the trans. need overhauling to get to the filter? That sounds expensive to me.
Thanks
Jeff

Answer
Your transmission does not have a serviceable filter.  Older models of this transmission included a screw-on filter on the top, but it was deleted early in 2001 model year production.  The explanation I've received from Hyundai is that fluid flow through the filter was so negligible that the filter was basically serving no practical purpose.

There is a filter deep inside the transmission that can be replaced during overhaul, but it is not expected that the transmission will be overhauled unless it experiences a significant internal failure.