Hyundai Santa Fe 2003 Owner's Manual

6. Do-It-Yourself Maintenance
Engine Compartment ....................................................................... 6-2
General Checks ............................................................................... 6-5
Checking the Engine Oil ................................................................... 6-6
Changing the Oil and Filter ............................................................... 6-7
Checking and Changing the Engine Coolant .................................... 6-8
Spark Plugs ................................................................................... 6-10
Changing the Air Cleaner Filter ...................................................... 6-12
Checking the Transaxle Oil (Manual) ............................................. 6-13
Checking the Transaxle Fluid (Automatic) ..................................... 6-13
Checking the Brakes ..................................................................... 6-15
Air Conditioning Care ..................................................................... 6-17
Checking Drive Belts ..................................................................... 6-19
Checking and Replacing Fuses ..................................................... 6-20
Checking the Battery ..................................................................... 6-21
Power Steering Fluid Level ............................................................ 6-22
Replacement of Light Bulbs ........................................................... 6-24
6

6- 2 DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
G010A01O-AATENGINE COMPARTMENT (2.4 DOHC)
HSM241
1234
56 7 8 9 10
1. Coolant reservoir cap
2. Brake & Clutch fluid reservoir
3. Air cleaner
4. Fuse and Relay box5. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Engine oil level dipstick
8. Radiator cap 9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Automatic transaxle fluid level dipstick
(Vehicle with Automatic Transaxle)
11. Battery11

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE 6- 3
G010B01O-AATENGINE COMPARTMENT (2.7 V6)
1. Coolant reservoir cap
2. Brake & Clutch fluid reservoir
3. Air cleaner
4. Fuse and Relay box5. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Engine oil level dipstick
8. Radiator cap 9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Automatic transaxle fluid level dipstick
(Vehicle with Automatic Transaxle)
11. Battery
G010B01O
123
4
56 7 8 9 10 11

6- 4 DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
G010C01O-AATENGINE COMPARTMENT (3.5 V6)
1. Coolant reservoir cap
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Air cleaner
4. Fuse and Relay box5. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Engine oil filler cap
8. Radiator cap 9. Engine oil level dipstick
10. Automatic transaxle fluid level dipstick
11. Battery
HSM424
1234
56 7 89 10 11

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE 6- 5
G020C01A-AATVehicle Interior
The following should be checked each time
when the vehicle is driven:
o Lights operation
o Windshield wiper operation
o Horn operation
o Defroster, heating system operation (and air
conditioning, if installed)
o Steering operation and condition
o Mirror condition and operation
o Turn signal operation
o Accelerator pedal operation
o Brake operation, including parking brake
o Manual transaxle operation, including clutch
operation
o Automatic transaxle operation, including
"Park" mechanism operation
o Seat control condition and operation
o Seat belt condition and operation
o Sunvisor operation
If you notice anything that does not operate
correctly or appears to be functioning incor-
rectly, inspect it carefully and seek assistance
from your Hyundai dealer if service is needed.
G020B01A-AATVehicle Exterior
The following should be checked monthly:
o Overall appearance and condition
o Wheel condition and wheel nut torque
o Exhaust system condition
o Light condition and operation
o Windshield glass condition
o Wiper blade condition
o Paint condition and body corrosion
o Fluid leaks
o Door and hood lock condition
o Tire pressure and condition (including spare
tire)
G020A01A-AATGENERAL CHECKS
Engine Compartment
The following should be checked regularly:
o Engine oil level and condition
o Transaxle fluid level and condition
o Brake fluid level
o Clutch fluid level
o Engine coolant level
o Windshield washer fluid level
o Accessory drive belt condition
o Engine Coolant hose condition
o Fluid leaks (on or below components)
o Power steering fluid level
o Battery condition
o Air filter condition

6- 6 DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
G030A01A-AATCHECKING THE ENGINE OIL
Engine oil is essential to the performance and
service of the engine. It is suggested that you
check the oil level at least once a week in normal
use and more often if you are on a trip or driving
in severe conditions.
G030C02A-AATTo Check the Oil Level
G030B01A-AATRecommended Oil
SH, SG or SG/CD (API) multi-grade and fuel
efficient oil is recommended.Wait five minutes , then remove the dipstick,
wipe it off, fully reinsert the dipstick and withdraw
it again. Then note the highest level the oil has
reached on the dipstick. It should be between
the upper ("F") and lower ("L") range.
HSM395HSM389G030D01A-AAT
Adding Oil
HSM387
2.4 DOHC 2.7 V6
2.4 DOHC 2.7 V6
HSM427
Before checking the oil, warm up the engine to
the normal operating temperature and be sure
your car is parked on level ground. Turn the
engine off.
3.5 V6

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE 6- 7
!
If the oil level is close to or below the "L" mark,
add oil until it reaches the "F" mark. To add oil:
1. Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counter-
clockwise.
2. Add oil, then check the level again. Do not
overfill.
3. Replace the cap by turning it clockwise.
The distance between the "F" and "L" marks is
equal to about 1 quart of oil.
HSM426G040A03A-GAT
CHANGING THE OIL AND FILTERThe engine oil and filter should be changed at
those intervals specified in the maintenance
schedule in Section 5. If the car is being driven
in severe conditions, more frequent oil and filter
changes are required.
The procedure for changing the oil and filter is
as follows:
1. Park the car on level ground and set the
parking brake. Start the engine and let it
warm up until the needle on the coolant
temperature gauge moves above the lowest
mark. Turn the engine off and place the gear
selector lever in "P" (automatic) or reverse
gear (manual transaxle).
2. Open the hood and remove the engine oil
filler cap.
3. Slide underneath the car and loosen the
drain plug by turning it counterclockwise with
a wrench of the proper size. Be sure that a
drain pan is in position to catch the oil as it
drains out, then remove the drain plug.
HSM394
2.4 DOHC 2.7 V6
G040A02L
WARNING:Be very careful when draining the engine oil
as it may be hot enough to burn you! 3.5 V6
3.5 V6

6- 8 DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
!
!
G050A01A-AATCHECKING AND CHANGING THE EN-
GINE COOLANT
WARNING:
Do not remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. When the engine is hot, the
engine coolant is under pressure and may
erupt through the opening if the cap is
removed. You could be seriously burned if
you do not observe this precaution. Do not
remove the radiator cap until the radiator is
cool to the touch.
G050B01A-AATRecommended Engine Coolant
Use a high quality ethylene-glycol coolant in a
50/50 mix with water. The engine coolant should
be compatible with aluminum engine parts.
Additional corrosion inhibitors or additives should
not be used. The cooling system must be
maintained with the correct concentration and
type of engine coolant to prevent freezing and
corrosion. Never allow the concentration of
antifreeze to exceed the 60% level or go below
the 35% level, or damage to the cooling system
may result. For proper concentration when
adding or replacing the engine coolant, refer to
the following table.
G050B01O
4. When the oil has stopped draining, replace
the drain plug using a new washer and
retighten by turning it clockwise.
Oil pan drain plug tightening torque:
3.5 ~ 4.5 kgf.m
5. Remove the oil filter by turning it counter-
clockwise with a oil filter wrench of the proper
size. A certain amount of oil will come out
when you remove the filter. So be sure to
have your drain pan in place underneath it.
6. Install a new oil filter in accordance with the
instructions on the carton or on the filter itself.
Do not over-tighten. (Tightening torque :
1.2 ~ 1.6 kgf.m) Be sure that the mounting
surface on the engine is clean and that the
old gasket is removed completely. Lubricate
the new gasket on the filter with clean engine
oil before installation.
7. Refill the crankcase with the recommended
engine oil. Refer to the specification in chap-
ter 9 for engine oil capacity.
8. Start the engine and check to be sure no oil
is leaking from the drain plug or oil filter.
9. Shut off the engine and recheck the oil level.
NOTE:Always dispose of used engine oil in an
environmentally acceptable manner. It is
suggested that it be placed in a sealed
container and taken to a service station for
reclamation. Do not pour the oil on the
ground or put it in with the household
trash.
WARNING:Used motor oil may cause irritation or can-
cer of the skin if left in contact with the skin
for prolonged periods of time. Wash your
hands thoroughly with soap and warm
water as soon as possible after handling
used oil.

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE 6- 9
G050C01A-AAT
To Check the Coolant Level
The coolant level can be seen on the side of the
plastic coolant reservoir. The level of the cool-
ant should be between the "L" and "F" lines on
the reservoir when the engine is cool. If the level
is below the "L" mark, add engine coolant to
bring it up between "L" and "F". If the level is low,Ambient
temperature
°C ( °F)
-15 (5)
-25 (-13)
-35 (-31)
-45 (-49)
65%
60%
50%
40% 35%
40%
50%
60%Water Antifreeze
solution Engine Coolant concentration
G050C01O
G050D02A-AATTo Change the Engine Coolant
The engine coolant should be changed at those
intervals specified in the vehicle maintenance
schedule in Section 5.
CAUTION:Engine coolant can damage the finish of
your car. If you spill engine coolant on the
car, wash it off thoroughly with clean water.
1. Park the car on level ground, set the park-
ing brake and remove the radiator cap when
cool.
2. Be sure your drain receptacle is in place.
Open the drain cock on the radiator. Allow all
the engine coolant to drain from the cooling
system, then securely close the drain cock.
3. Check Section 9 for the capacity of the
cooling system in your car. Then, following
the manufacturer's directions on the engine
coolant container, add the appropriate quan-
tity of coolant to the radiator. inspect for coolant leaks and recheck the fluid
level frequently. If the level drops again, visit
your Hyundai dealer for an inspection and
diagnosis of the reason.
4. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise with-
out pressing down on it, until it stops. This
relieves any pressure remaining in the cool-
ing system. And remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning counterclock-
wise.
Now fill the radiator with clean demineralized
or distilled water. Continue to add clean
demineralized or distilled water in small quan-
tities until the fluid level stays up in the
radiator neck.G050D01O

6- 10 DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
!
G060A01O-AATSPARK PLUGS
Your engine was originally equipped with plati-
num-tipped spark plugs.
Platinum-tipped spark plugs will last longer than
conventional type spark plugs and can be
identified by blue lines on the ceramic shell.
NOTE:Do not clean or regap platinum-tipped spark
plugs.
G060B02O-AATReplacing the Spark Plugs
The spark plugs should be changed at the
intervals specified in the vehicle maintenance
schedule in Section 5 or whenever engine
performance indicates they should be changed.
Symptoms that suggest poor spark plug perfor-
mance include engine misfiring under load, loss
of fuel economy, poor acceleration, etc. When
spark plugs are replaced, always use spark
plugs recommended by Hyundai. The use of
other spark plugs can result in loss of perfor-
mance, radio interference or engine damage.
NOTE:o When replacing the spark plugs, genu-
ine Hyundai replacement parts are rec-
ommended.
o It is recommended that the spark plug
should be changed by an authorized
Hyundai dealer. (2.7 L, 3.5 L)
Recommended Spark Plugs:
Type
RN10PYP4 (CHAMPION)
PGR5C-11 (NGK)
RC10PYPB4 (CHAMPION)
PFR5N-11 (NGK)Remark
2.4 L
2.7 L / 3.5 L
HSM392
2.4 DOHC 2.7 V6 / 3.5 V6
0.039 ~0.043 in.(1.0~1.1 mm)
0.039 ~0.043 in.(1.0~1.1 mm)5. Start the engine, top off the radiator with
water and then add coolant to the reservoir
until the level is between "L" and "F".
6. Replace the radiator and reservoir caps and
check to be sure the drain cocks are fully
closed and not leaking.
WARNING:The cooling fan is controlled by engine
coolant temperature and may sometimes
operate even when the engine is not run-
ning. Use extreme caution when working
near the blades of the coolant fan so that
you are not injured by a rotating fan blade.
As the engine coolant temperature de-
creases, the fan will automatically shut off.
This is a normal condition.
G050D02O