Product Overview
The A8LF1/2 transmission is an 8-speed automatic transmission developed by Hyundai and Kia, used in
various front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) models since 2017 and is currently used at the
time of printing. It is designed for vehicles with 2.4L, 2.5L and 3.8L engines.
The A8LF1/2 shares this transmission architecture with the A8MF1/2 which is used in various Hyundai and
Kia vehicles with the 2.0L and 1.6L engines. The main difference is that the A8LF1/2 has a higher torque
capacity and is heavier than the A8MF1/2 transmission. This is accomplished through the use of different final
drive ratios and torque converter stall speed. Both transmissions are fully electronically controlled and can be
equipped with a shift by wire system.
These transmission can be fitted with a engine stop/start feature and utilize a three path torque converter clutch
hydraulic control. The transmission utilizes eight solenoids to allow eight forward speeds and one reverse all
controlled by a Transmission Control Module. It accomplishes this by the use of six clutch packs which consist
of four holding clutches and two brake clutches. Rounding out the compliment of electronic controls are three
speed sensors, a transmission temperature sensor and a shift by wire (SBW) actuator and position sensor,
which is controlled by a shift control unit (SCU) through a push button shifter.
Whenever the TCM is replaced, software upgrades are made, the transmission or valve body solenoids are
replaced, the TCM will require an oil pressure characteristic relearn procedure. The TCM does have selfdiagnoses
capability by storing diagnostic trouble codes when a fault with the transmission control system is
detected.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
For purposes of clarity, all references in this manual will be directed to a 2020 Hyundai Palisade with 3.8
Liter GDI Engine and the A8LF1 FWD Transmission. Due to the fact that these transmission are used in a wide variety of Hyundai and Kia models with a variety of engine sizes, it is of the utmost importance to ensure parts are acquired for the correct application to ensure the parts are the correct dimensions and torque carrying capacity. No part of any ATSG publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, including but not limited to electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission of Automatic Transmission Service Group. This includes all text illustrations, tables and charts.
