[slimskater]

I checked kiatechinfo.com for the appropriate time intervals to change the timing chain (my old car was 100k miles) and when to replace the automatic transmission fluid but it doesn't say. I've heard 60k miles for the tranny fluid from some people and 80k from others, but so far I haven't found a definitive answer...

 

[justinadams]

timing chain is 100k. i'm not sure on tranny fluid, but 60k does't soud bad and prolly wouldn't hurt.

 

[slimskater]

Any idea how much it costs to replace the timing chain? Is it going to be $1k like it was for my old VW? >(

 

[crock89]

Actually..... its to easy to change out 1g for that little work? DIY the great thing south this is that you don't have to worry about being off timing no need to touch your cams. Take off 3 motor mounts (only the bolt) Jack up the motor there's a video around here on how to take off your belt. Once done remove that pulley its just going to be in your way if you don't remove it. Easy part with a 10mn remove the metal plate covering the chain once off you will see 2 plastic parts holding the chain tightly loosen it with a 10mm and that's it take it off put a new one on. Don't forget to lube it too. Just saying if you decide to do it at that point the concept is easy so is the hands up my hand hurt..

 

[Tebore]

You don't need to change the timing chain. It's a chain. If it was a belt it'd be 100,000KM.

The Manual states 60,000KM for Transmission fluid for extreme duty.

 

[LeShadow]

The Manual states 60,000KM for Transmission fluid for extreme duty.

When they state Extreme, it's not THAT extreme...

According to what they say, city winter driving is extreme ! But... yes... 60K km (40K miles) is the shortest.

 

[Tebore]

When they state Extreme, it's not THAT extreme...

According to what they say, city winter driving is extreme ! But... yes... 60K km (40K miles) is the shortest.

They call it extreme. We call it city driving.

I would do it 60k. I'm actually contemplating getting a non-power flush done now that I'm near 15k and going with synthetic.

 

[Matemorh]

timing chain is 100k. i'm not sure on tranny fluid, but 60k does't soud bad and prolly wouldn't hurt.

You're sure about the chain???? Last I heard, chain were mantenance free!!!!

 

[LeShadow]

[Edit] Sorry !


Yes, u have to maintain the chain 'cause it'll stretches a bit,. resulting a loss of performances. Should be inspected at something like 150K km (100K miles)

 

[xSilverX9x]

it's not a 90's VTEC... lol

 

[justinadams]

the chain is like everything on a car. in time everything has to be repaired or replaced. the chain is good cause you don't have to replace it as often as a belt. but is still has to be replaced.

 

[Chester22]

Well the Chain on my 92 Caravan has 275,000 on it and still works

 

[Tebore]

Well the Chain on my 92 Caravan has 275,000 on it and still works

I've never heard of a chain needing replacement as part of maintenance. If it breaks sure, but that's a whole other story.

I had a Chevy Lumina with 500,000miles that never needed it's chain replaced.

 

[KiaTech]

Chains do NOT need to be replaced - ever - as part of a Kia maintenance schedule. They are oil-jet lubricated and have an independent hydraulic tensioner on them, so that the slack from eventual stretching is eliminated.

What you DO need to do at the 96,000 Km (about 60k miles) interval is have your lash adjusters checked. Clearance between the cam and the valve is critical and the Theta (and all other chain driven Kia motors) uses solid lifters so the only adjustment is replacement.

As for transmission fluid, it'll never hurt to do it 'early' but Canadian service guide says 96,000 km standard. Earlier Kias require this at 32,000 km so this is a big savings over a while.

 

[crock89]

Chains do NOT need to be replaced - ever - as part of a Kia maintenance schedule. They are oil-jet lubricated and have an independent hydraulic tensioner on them, so that the slack from eventual stretching is eliminated.

What you DO need to do at the 96,000 Km (about 60k miles) interval is have your lash adjusters checked. Clearance between the cam and the valve is critical and the Theta (and all other chain driven Kia motors) uses solid lifters so the only adjustment is replacement.

As for transmission fluid, it'll never hurt to do it 'early' but Canadian service guide says 96,000 km standard. Earlier Kias require this at 32,000 km so this is a big savings over a while.

kiatech you are a beast

 

[YINGYANG]

timing chains shouldn't need replacing . if you are in the motor at 100k + doing something else than it's a good idea to replace while you're there . as for atf i would change more often like every 15-20k as you will get a lot longer life out of the tranny .

 

[LeShadow]

20K is really short ! I have a 2003 A/T Élantra and those tranny are really weak.
Changed ATF every 40K and it's still almost brand new.

Only thing.. stick with Hyundai/Kia fluid.
I saw a lot of debates 'bout fluids compliant to those used by Hyundai and Kia... My advice: Use the dealer fluids; Breakin your tranny don't wort the 15 bucks u'll save by using other things.

 

[YINGYANG]

i have been using castrol multi import in my 08 optima , i contacted them and they assured me that it exceeds the diamond stuff that is recommended by kia .

 

[enosage]

Chains do NOT need to be replaced - ever - as part of a Kia maintenance schedule. They are oil-jet lubricated and have an independent hydraulic tensioner on them, so that the slack from eventual stretching is eliminated.

What you DO need to do at the 96,000 Km (about 60k miles) interval is have your lash adjusters checked. Clearance between the cam and the valve is critical and the Theta (and all other chain driven Kia motors) uses solid lifters so the only adjustment is replacement.

As for transmission fluid, it'll never hurt to do it 'early' but Canadian service guide says 96,000 km standard. Earlier Kias require this at 32,000 km so this is a big savings over a while.

I agree with KiaTech. You don't need to change a timing chain as you would a timing belt. One of the reasons why I like the Forte. The lash adjusters need to be adjusted much like what you see in Honda motors. You could do this yourself if you have the right tools. It is not that difficult. I am sure someone will write up a procedure when that time comes but I don't expect it to cost much for a mechanic to do it either if you wish to go that route.

The interval of a ATF fluid change depends on your driving habits. If you tow a lot of stuff (which I don't see why you would with a 2.0L engine) or drive mountain roads all the time, your fluid change interval will be shorter, between 15k-25k. Heat is the biggest issue with transmissions and you want to have good lubrication to reduce frictional heat.

However if you drive your car like most of us do, a 30k-40k fluid change is fine. Then again changing your fluids sooner won't hurt.

It is also best to inspect the fluid every now and then too. While the car is running, remove the dipstick and clean off the fluid like you would an oil inspection. Then put the stick back in and remove and check the fluid. If it is nice and red your fluid is good. If it is browning or has a burnt smell then the fluid is eventually going to need to be replaced.

I would also go with the KIA ATF fluid if you plan to do it yourself. Save yourself the chance of voiding your warranty.

However I did have a question, what about running synthetic fluid like amsoil in the ATF? Thoughts anyone?

 

[KiaTech]

Synthetics typically have a lower viscosity and will affect shifting and line pressures. I would caution against it. This is a fairly new transmission for Kia, and one of the first Kia in-house transmission, so I's snuggle up to my warranty and keep it on the level. Just in case.

That said, we use a Quaker State product in our transmissions, as it's 100% compatible (verified with Kia Canada) and is available in 205L drums so it's MUCH faster for us to pump out 12 liters than to pour them out of bottles. There are a hand full of products out there that are compatible with Diamond SP3 but some are only for "short term use only" and need to be removed as soon as practical. The "Quaker State Multi-Vehicle ATF" is perfect for the job, and after three years of using it here, we've never had a single issue. Costs about 1/2 as much, too