Automatic Transmission Assembly for 2012-2013 Kia Soul
Product Notes Read before buying
This is a 6-speed automatic transmission, model A6GF1. It fits ONLY vehicles equipped with the 1.6L engine and the factory Automatic Engine Stop and Start (ISG) feature. Please verify your vehicle has this specific option before ordering. For 2012 models, this part fits vehicles manufactured on or after February 2, 2012.
Voice or type your vehicle details and Wrenchy will confirm fitment in seconds.
Vehicle Fitment Guide
This part fits the following vehicles:
| SubmodelSUB- MODEL |
Body Style | Years | Engine | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Hatchback | 2012 - 2013 | L4 1.6L | FWD | Automatic | Hollander: SOUL 12 AT; 1.6L, w/automatic engine stop and start (ISG), from 2/2/12 | SOUL 13 AT; 1.6L, w/automatic engine stop and start (ISG); transmission: include Automatic; engine_size: include 1.6L; drive_type: include FWD; part_variant: include With Automatic Engine Stop and Start (ISG); production_date: include For 2012 models, fits from 02/02/2012 [inferred] |
Know This Transmission Before You Buy
The research behind our purchase interview — recalls, bulletins and real install economics for this transmission family:
A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right transmission shows up:
- Verify the 8th digit of the VIN is '1' (designating the 1.6L GDI engine). If it is '2', the vehicle has a 2.0L engine and this part will not fit.
- Confirm the presence of the ISG (Idle Stop & Go) system by checking for an 'A OFF' button on the dashboard/console and verifying the engine shuts off at stops.
- Locate the identification tag on top of the transmission case and verify the etched code begins with 'NA'.
- Confirm the vehicle production date on the driver's side door jamb sticker is from February 2, 2012 onward for the 2012 model year.
What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:
Special tools this job needs:
- Engine support bar
- Transmission jack or subframe jack
- Axle popper tool or slide hammer
- Torque wrench
- Professional-grade scan tool with OEM-level capabilities (Kia GDS/KDS, Autel MaxiSys, or Launch)
Budget for these consumables at install:
- Hyundai/Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV (or equivalent fluid meeting SP-IV specifications, such as Ravenol ATF SP-IV or Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF)
- High-quality RTV silicone sealant (such as ThreeBond 1281B or Loctite FMD 546) for the plastic front cover
- New torque converter seal (front pump seal / input shaft seal)
- New axle/output seals
- Dedicated transmission cooler flush aerosol (such as Lubegard Kooler Kleen)
What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:
What’s involved: TCM Adaptive Relearn / Reset
A professional-grade scan tool (such as Kia GDS/KDS or high-end aftermarket tools like Autel/Launch) is required to clear old adaptive learning values from the TCM. After resetting, a specific drive relearn procedure must be performed to prevent harsh shifts, slipping, or immediate internal damage.
Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:
- Torque Converter Seating: The torque converter must be fully seated onto the input shaft and oil pump gears (spin and push until it drops three distinct times, measuring ~11-12mm depth from the bellhousing face). Failure to do so will crush the internal oil pump gears upon mating, destroying the transmission instantly.
- Fluid Level Check Temperature: This transmission has no dipstick. Fluid level must be checked via the overflow plug on the front plastic cover with the engine running, vehicle level, and fluid temperature strictly between 122°F and 140°F (50°C to 60°C).
- Axle Seal Care: Lubricate axle seals with clean ATF before inserting CV axles to prevent splines from nicking or tearing the seals.
- Subframe Alignment: Ensure subframe alignment dowels are perfectly aligned during reinstallation to prevent steering pull and suspension alignment issues.
- Mandatory Cooler Line Flush: Failing to flush the cooler lines will wash debris from the failed transmission into the new unit, clogging sensitive variable force solenoids (VFS) and voiding the warranty.
- Dowel Pin Alignment: Ensure alignment dowels between the engine block and transmission bellhousing are present and clean to avoid stress on the case and input shaft.
Easy to get right once you know them:
- Ordering the Wrong Version (ISG vs. Non-ISG): Ordering a standard 1.6L transmission for an 'Eco' package Soul with Idle Stop & Go (ISG). Non-ISG units lack the electric oil pump (EOP) and correct harness, causing communication codes, stop-start failure, and transmission slippage.
- Assuming All Kia Soul Transmissions are the Same: Ordering this 1.6L A6GF1 transmission for a 2.0L Soul, which uses the incompatible A6MF1 transmission.
- Reusing the Old Torque Converter: Reusing the old converter will contaminate the new transmission with trapped metal shavings and clutch debris.
- Skipping the Cooler Flush: Skipping this step leads to immediate contamination of the new valve body and subsequent warranty denial.
- Not Resetting Adaptive Values: Driving the vehicle without resetting TCM adaptive values causes the computer to apply old wear-compensation pressures, leading to violent shifts and rapid clutch wear.
Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every transmission of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer:
🔎 Recommended at install: Replace the internal temperature sensor (part number 46386-3B900) and its integrated wiring harness.
🔎 Recommended at install: Perform mandatory TCM adaptive learning reset and drive cycle relearn after installation to prevent immediate shift quality issues.
🔎 Recommended at install: Install a brand-new torque converter seal (front pump seal) before installing the unit.
🔎 Recommended at install: Filter is located deep inside the case and cannot be serviced during standard fluid changes; requires splitting the case. Regular fluid changes are critical.
🔎 Recommended at install: Replace internal wiring harness to resolve solenoid circuit error codes.
🔎 Recommended at install: Inspect internal components if using an early production model; less prevalent in 2012-2013.
Researched from factory recalls, TSBs and OEM service data (reference unit 400-62440-1377342). Unit-specific details — mileage, condition, warranty, freight — are covered in the checkout interview.
Policies, in plain English.
Shipping & Handling
- Ships by LTL freight on a pallet — a real freight truck, not a parcel van
- Your checkout freight quote covers delivery to your door (liftgate service included for residential addresses)
- The carrier calls ahead to schedule a delivery window — someone must be present to receive it
- Typically palletized and picked up within 2–3 business days; transit time depends on distance
120-Day Warranty
This part includes a 120-day warranty.
- If the part fails within the warranty window, we'll replace it or refund per the coverage terms
- Coverage is parts-only — installation labor is not included
- Warranty covers defects — not installation errors, misuse, or damage after installation
Your pre-purchase interview reviews these exact terms with you before anything is charged.
Returns (30 Days)
We accept returns of uninstalled parts within 30 days of delivery for this part.
- Defective parts: We will replace the part or issue a refund at our discretion
- Programming: "Needs to be programmed to my vehicle" is not a valid return reason. Many modules require dealer programming — we're happy to help connect you with resources if your dealer says it's not programmable
- Return shipping: This part ships by freight (LTL) — the part price is refundable per the terms above, but shipping costs are non-refundable and return freight follows the seller's return terms. Your pre-purchase interview walks through the exact numbers before you buy
- Parts must be returned in original packaging and unmodified condition
- Poorly packaged returns that arrive damaged will not be credited
Damaged in Shipping?
Freight damage is rare — and you're fully protected when you do two things at delivery:
- Inspect before you sign — you're allowed time to look the pallet over while the driver waits
- Write any damage on the delivery receipt before signing — that one line is what makes a freight claim succeed
- Severe damage? Refuse the delivery — it goes back at no cost to you and we make it right
- Photograph the pallet before unwrapping; report concealed damage within 24 hours of delivery
We handle the carrier claim — you just help document it. Your pre-purchase interview walks through this checklist too.
Order Cancellation
Cancel before shipment for a full refund. Once the pallet has been built, a preparation charge may apply — and once the freight carrier picks it up, shipping costs are non-refundable and standard return terms apply. Your pre-purchase interview shows the exact numbers before you pay.
Expert Guides
2012-2013 Kia Soul 1.6L A6GF1 Transmission: Problems, Identification, and Used Replacement
Identify the ISG-specific A6GF1 transaxle, learn what causes harsh shifting and sensor failures, and discover when to replace it with a used OEM unit.
Read Full Guide →Related Trouble Codes (OBD-II)
14 matching guidesIf your scan tool is showing one of these trouble codes, this part is a common fix. Each guide explains the code, how to diagnose it, and exactly what to replace.
Miscellaneous Information
OEM Part Numbers:
Kia: 4500026113R, 4500026114, 4500026230R, 4500026233, 4611026300
Fits Years: 2012 2013
Your Go-To Place
for auto parts.
In operation since 2007. Trusted by over a million DIYers, mechanics, and body shops across all 50 states.
Confirmed Before It Ships
Every freight order is confirmed through a short guided interview — fitment, condition, delivery and warranty terms, e-signed before you're charged.
Trusted Since 2007
Nearly two decades of shipping parts to professionals & enthusiasts.
Backed By The Selling Yard
This unit ships with the selling yard's 120-day warranty. Longer plans can be requested during checkout.
What buyers are saying.
Racing Partner Videos
