Kia recommends changing your Spectra’s automatic transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. Depending on your driving habits, you may need to change the fluid more frequently. Keeping the transmission fluid at the the appropriate level on your 2002 Kia Spectra is very important. If the fluid drops too low or runs out, you may ruin the transmission. Replacing the transmission fluid on the Spectra only takes a few minutes and can prevent serious damage to your transmission.
Start the engine and let it run or drive the car for 10 to 15 minutes to warm up the transmission fluid.
Leave the engine idling but set the parking brake to avoid the car moving. Measure your transmission fluid while the vehicle is running. Locate the dipstick toward the back of the engine. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it off with a napkin, and replace it. Pull the dipstick back out and check the level of fluid that is on the dipstick, the dipstick should have lines that read “Full,” “OK” and “Low,” the appropriate reading should be between the “OK and “Full” line. If the fluid level is low you will need to change the fluid.
Park your Spectra on a flat surface turn the engine off. Place a floor jack under the front of your car and lift the front end up. Place a jack stand under both sides of your Spectra, about six inches behind the two front tires. The stands should be placed under the lift notch along the frame of the car. Make sure that the jacks are locked into place. Depending on your jacks, they may have an automatic lock or you may need to manually lower the security bar.
Lay under your Spectra and disconnect the fluid line connecting the radiator and the transmission. You may need a wrench to loosen the clamp that keeps the line connected at both ends. Only disconnect the side of the line that is connected to the radiator. Insert the lines end into a bucket or jug and let the fluid begin to drain out. The fluid will be hot so be careful not to burn yourself.
Start your Spectra’s engine to ensure that the fluid is pumped completely out of the transmission line. Keep an eye on the line as it drains, you will want to turn off the engine immediately once the fluid stops draining.
Connect the line to the radiator again, tightly.
Remove the jack stands and lower the floor jack.
Open your Spectra’s hood.
Locate the automatic transmission fluid tank fill port. It is located next to the dipstick, toward the rear of the engine.
Unscrew the cap from the top of the tank, the cap is usually black.
Insert a clean funnel into the tank’s opening.
Pour the appropriate amount of transmission fluid into the funnel, slowly. If the tank is clear, you will be able to see how full the tank is getting from the outside. On a clear tank there are lines labeled "Full," “OK” and "Low" on the outside of the tank. You want it as close to the "Full" line as possible, without over-filling the tank. If you cannot monitor it from the outside, you will need to check the level on the dipstick often to ensure you do not overfill the tank. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it off with a napkin, and replace it. Pull the dipstick back out and check the level of fluid that is on the dipstick. Continue to add more fluid if necessary. Do not overfill the tank.
Remove the funnel and replace the cap tightly.
Start your Spectra’s engine and allow it to run for 10 to 15 minutes and check the fluid level again. Add additional fluid if the dipstick level reads low.
