Hyundai Repair: Transmission Fluid and Filter Change, sante fe, transmission filter

Question
I have a 2001 Sante Fe, 2.7L, V6, with an automatic transmission.
I cannot find the external automatic transmission filter.  The shop manual states the filter should be apparent after removing the air filter assemble, but there is no filter.  It looks like right next to the transmission dip stick there is an assemble which looks like it could have been used for a filter, but it is a closed sealed assemble.  Is it possible some Santa Fe's did not come with an external transmission filter?
A second question concerns draing the transimission fluid via the drain plug once a week for 3 weeks to try to replace most of the fluid.  Do you think this would be an adequate procedure as I am unable to find the transmission hose near the bottom of the radiator.  The shop manual also states to use a fuild extractor if one is available instead of the hose procedure.  Any comments would be appreciated.


Answer
The transmission filter was deleted beginning early in the 2001 model year production.  The assembly you mentioned is where the filter would be if you had one.

Your proposed method of draining once a week for 3 weeks will replace a very large portion of the fluid.  You'd be changing 15 quarts, and the best transmission flushes typically exchange 16 quarts.