check engine light HYUNDAI SANTA FE HYBRID 2021 Owners Manual
Page 14 of 598
Foreword / Hybrid System Overview
1-10
Starting the vehicle
Vehicles with smart key system
1. Carry the smart key or leave it inside 
the vehicle.
2. Make sure the parking brake is firmly 
applied.
3. Make sure the shift button is in P 
(Park). With the shift button in N 
(Neutral), you cannot start the vehicle.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
5. Press the Engine Start/Stop button. 
If the hybrid system starts, the “” 
indicator will come on.
Whether the engine is cold or warm, it 
should be started without depressing 
the accelerator.
After following the start procedures, 
“
” indicator on the instrument 
cluster will turn on. For more details, 
please check chapter 6.
ECONOMICAL and SAFE OPERATION of 
Hybrid system
•	 Drive smoothly. Accelerate at a 
moderate rate and maintain a steady 
cruising speed. Do not make “jack-
rabbit” starts. Do not race between 
stoplights.
Avoid heavy traffic whenever possible. 
Always maintain a safe distance 
from other vehicles so you can 
avoid unnecessary braking. This also 
reduces brake wear out.
•	 The regenerative brake generates 
energy when the vehicle decelerates.
•	 When the hybrid battery power is 
low, the hybrid system automatically 
recharges the hybrid battery.
•	 When the engine is running with the 
shift button in N (Neutral), the hybrid 
system cannot generate electricity. 
The hybrid battery cannot recharge 
with the shift button in N (Neutral).
 Information
In the hybrid system, the engine 
automatically runs and stops. When 
the hybrid system operates, the “
” 
indicator is illuminated.
In the following situation, the engine may 
operate automatically.
 - When the engine is ready to run
 -When the hybrid battery is being 
charged
 -Depending on the temperature 
condition of the hybrid battery
Special features
Hybrid vehicles sound different than 
gasoline engine vehicles. When the 
hybrid system operates, you may 
hear a sound from the hybrid battery 
system under the floor. If you apply 
the accelerator pedal rapidly, you may 
hear an unconventional sound. When 
you apply the brake pedal, you may 
hear a sound from the regenerative 
brake system. When the hybrid system 
is turned off or on, you may hear a 
sound in the engine compartment. If 
you depress the brake pedal repeatedly 
when the hybrid system is turned on, 
you may hear a sound in the engine 
compartment. None of these sounds 
indicate a problem. These are normal 
characteristics of hybrid vehicles.
If any of following occur, it’s a normal 
condition if you hear a motor sound in 
the engine compartment:
 -After turning off the hybrid system, 
the brake pedal is released.
 -When the hybrid system is turned off, 
the brake pedal is applied.
 -When the driver door is opened.
DRIVING THE HYBRID VEHICLE       
Page 17 of 598
01
1-13
Warning and indicator lights
Ready indicator
This indicator illuminates:
When the vehicle is ready to be driven.
 -ON : Normal driving is possible.
 -OFF : Normal driving is not possible, 
or a problem has occurred.
 -Blinking : Emergency driving.
When the ready indicator goes OFF 
or blinks, there is a problem with the 
system. If this occurs, we recommend 
that you have your vehicle inspected by 
an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
EV mode indicator
This indicator illuminates:
When the vehicle is driven by the electric 
motor.
Service warning light
This warning light illuminates:
•	 When you set the ignition switch or 
the Engine Start/Stop button to the 
ON position.
 -The service warning light illuminates 
for approximately 3 seconds and 
then turns off when all checks have 
been performed.
•	 When there is a problem with the 
hybrid vehicle control system or 
hardware.
When the warning light illuminates 
while driving, or does not go OFF after 
starting the vehicle, we recommend that 
you have the vehicle inspected by an 
authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
Regenerative brake warning 
light
(yellow)
This warning light illuminates:
When the regenerative brake does not 
operate and the brake does not perform 
well. This causes the Brake Warning 
light (red) and Regenerative Brake 
Warning Light (yellow) to illuminate 
simultaneously.
If this occurs, drive safely and have 
your vehicle inspected by an authorized 
HYUNDAI dealer. The operation of the 
brake pedal may be more difficult than 
normal and the braking distance may 
increase.   
Page 96 of 598
03
3-51
How does the air bags system 
operate?
OTMH030008N
The SRS consists of the following 
components:
(1) Driver's front air bag module
(2) Passenger's front air bag module
(3) Side air bag modules
(4) Curtain air bag modules
(5) Retractor pre-tensioner
(6) Air bag warning light
(7) SRS control module (SRSCM)/ 
Rollover sensor
(8) Front impact sensors
(9) Side impact sensors
(10) Side pressure sensors
(11) Seat belt buckle sensor
(12) Emergency fastening device system
(13) Occupant classification system
The SRSCM continually monitors all SRS 
components while the ignition switch 
is ON to determine if a crash impact 
is severe enough to require air bag 
deployment or pre-tensioner seat belt 
deployment.
SRS warning light
The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) 
air bag warning light on the instrument 
panel displays the air bag symbol 
depicted in the illustration. The system 
checks the air bag electrical system for 
malfunctions. The light indicates that 
there is a potential problem with your 
air bag system, which could include 
your side and/or curtain air bags used 
for rollover protection (if equipped with 
rollover sensor).
 WARNING
If your SRS malfunctions, the air bag 
may not inflate properly during an 
accident increasing the risk of serious 
injury or death.
If any of the following conditions occur, 
your SRS is malfunctioning:
•	 The light does not turn on for 
approximately three to six seconds 
when the Engine Start/Stop button is 
in the ON position.
•	 The light stays on after illuminating 
for approximately three to six 
seconds.
•	 The light comes on while the vehicle 
is in motion.
•	 The light blinks when the engine is 
running.
We recommend that an authorized 
HYUNDAI dealer inspect the SRS 
as soon as possible if any of these 
conditions occur.   
Page 114 of 598
EV mode indicator ........................................................................\
...........................4-19
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) indicator light ...................................................4-19
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF indicator light ...........................................4-19
Immobilizer indicator light (with smart key) ..........................................................4-20
Downhill Brake Control (DBC) indicator light ........................................................4-20
Turn signal indicator light ........................................................................\
.................4-21
High beam indicator light ........................................................................\
................4-21
Low beam indicator light ........................................................................\
.................4-21
Light ON indicator light ........................................................................\
....................4-21
High Beam Assist indicator light ........................................................................\
......4-21
SPORT Mode indicator light ........................................................................\
............4-22
ECO Mode indicator light ........................................................................\
................4-22
SMART Mode indicator light ........................................................................\
...........4-22
LCD display messages ........................................................................\
.......................4-22
Shift to P ........................................................................\
...........................................4-22
Low key battery ........................................................................\
................................4-22
Press START button while turning wheel ...............................................................4-22
Check steering wheel lock system ........................................................................\
.4-22
Press brake pedal to start engine ........................................................................\
...4-23
Key not in vehicle ........................................................................\
.............................4-23
Key not detected ........................................................................\
..............................4-23
Press START button again
 ........................................................................\
...............4-23
Press START button with key ........................................................................\
...........4-23
Check BRAKE SWITCH fuse ........................................................................\
............4-23
12V battery discharging due to additional electrical devices ...............................4-23
Door, Hood, Liftgate open indicator .......................................................................4-24
Sunroof open indicator ........................................................................\
....................4-24
Low pressure ........................................................................\
....................................4-24
Wiper/Lights display ........................................................................\
........................4-25
Low washer fluid ........................................................................\
..............................4-25
Low fuel ........................................................................\
............................................4-25
Engine has overheated ........................................................................\
....................4-25
Check exhaust system ........................................................................\
.....................4-25
Check headlight ........................................................................\
...............................4-25
Check turn signal ........................................................................\
.............................4-25
Check brake light ........................................................................\
.............................4-25
Check headlamp LED ........................................................................\
......................4-26 
4  
Page 119 of 598
04
4 -7
Hybrid battery SOC (State of Charge) 
gauge
„„4.2-Inch„„12.3-Inch
OTMH040005NOCN7H040003
This gauge indicates the remaining 
hybrid battery power. If the SOC is near 
the “0 or L (Low)” level, the vehicle 
automatically operates the engine to 
charge the battery.
However, if the Service Indicator (
) 
and Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) 
(
) turn on when the SOC gauge is near 
the “0 or L (Low)” level, we recommend 
the vehicle be checked by an authorized 
HYUNDAI dealer.
NOTICE
Never try to start the vehicle if the fuel 
tank is empty. In this condition, the 
engine cannot charge the high voltage 
battery of the hybrid system. If you 
try to start the vehicle when the fuel 
is empty, the high voltage battery will 
become discharged and be damaged.
Outside temperature gauge
„„4.2-Inch
OTMA048112
„„12.3-Inch
OTMA040008
This gauge indicates the current outside 
air temperatures by 1°F (1°C).
Note that the temperature indicated 
on the LCD display may not change 
as quickly as the outside temperature 
(there may be a slight delay before the 
temperature changes.)
You can change the temperature unit 
from the Settings menu in the Cluster. 
Select:
 - Setup → Unit → Temperature Unit → 
°F/°C
For vehicles equipped with Automatic 
Climate Control, you can also:
 - Press the AUTO button while pressing 
the OFF button on the climate control 
unit for 3 seconds
Both the temperature unit on the cluster 
LCD display and climate control screen 
will change.     
Page 122 of 598
Instrument cluster
4-10
Warning and indicator lights
 Information
Make sure that all warning lights are OFF 
after starting the engine. If any light is still 
ON, this indicates a situation that needs 
attention.
Seat belt warning light
This warning light informs the driver that the seat belt is not fastened.
For more details, refer to “Seat Belts” 
section in chapter 3.
Air bag warning light
This warning light illuminates:
• When you set the ignition switch or 
the Engine Start/Stop button to the 
ON position.
 -The air bag warning light illuminates 
for about 3 ~ 6 seconds and then 
turns off when all checks have been 
performed.
• The air bag warning light will remain 
illuminated if there is a malfunction 
with the Safety Restraint System (SRS) 
air bag operation.
If this occurs, we recommend that 
you have the vehicle inspected by an 
authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
Parking brake & Brake fluid 
warning light
This warning light illuminates:
• When you set the ignition switch or 
the Engine Start/Stop button to the 
ON position.
 -The parking brake light illuminates 
for about 3 seconds and will then 
turn off once the parking brake is 
released.
• Whenever the parking brake is 
applied.
• Whenever the brake fluid level in the 
reservoir is low.
 -If the warning light illuminates 
with the parking brake released, it 
indicates the brake fluid level in the 
reservoir is low.
• Whenever the regenerative brake 
does not operate.
If the brake fluid level in the reservoir is 
low:
1. Drive carefully to the nearest safe 
location and stop your vehicle.
2. With the engine stopped, check the 
brake fluid level immediately and add 
fluid as required (For more details, 
refer to “Brake Fluid” section in 
chapter 9). After adding brake fluid, 
check all brake components for fluid 
leaks. If a brake fluid leak is found, or 
if the warning light remains on, or if 
the brakes do not operate properly, do 
not drive the vehicle. We recommend 
that you have the vehicle inspected by 
an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.    
Page 124 of 598
Instrument cluster
4-12
Electronic Brake Force 
Distribution (EBD) system 
warning light
When the ABS warning and Parking Brake warning lights are on 
simultaneously, it may indicate a 
problem with the Electronic Brake Force 
Distribution system.
If this occurs, we recommend that 
you have the vehicle inspected by an 
authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
 WARNING
Electronic Brake Force Distribution 
(EBD) System Warning Light
When both ABS and Parking Brake & 
Brake Fluid warning lights are on, the 
brake system will not work normally 
and you may experience an unexpected 
and dangerous situation during sudden 
braking.
If this occurs, avoid high speed driving 
and abrupt braking.
We recommend that you have the 
vehicle inspected by an authorized 
HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.
 Information - Electronic Brake 
Force Distribution (EBD) 
system warning light
When the ABS warning light is on or both 
ABS and Parking Brake & Brake Fluid 
warning lights are on, the speedometer, 
odometer, or tripmeter may not work. 
Also, the EPS warning light may 
illuminate and the steering effort may 
increase or decrease.
If this occurs, we recommend that 
you have the vehicle inspected by an 
authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as 
possible.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) 
warning light
This warning light illuminates:
• When you set the ignition switch or 
the Engine Start/Stop button to the 
ON position.
 -The electric power steering Warning 
light illuminates for about 3 seconds 
and then goes off.
• Whenever there is a malfunction with 
the EPS.
If this occurs, we recommend that 
you take your vehicle to an authorized 
HYUNDAI dealer or a service station 
and have the system checked as soon 
as possible.    
Page 126 of 598
Instrument cluster
4-14
Charging system warning 
light
This warning light illuminates:
When the battery is not being charged 
while the engine is running. Immediately 
turn OFF all electrical accessories. Try 
not to use electrically operated controls, 
such as the power windows. Keep the 
engine running.
We recommend that you have the 
vehicle inspected by an authorized 
HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.
Engine oil pressure warning 
light
If the oil pressure lowers due to 
insufficient engine oil, etc., the engine oil 
pressure warning light turns on and an 
enhanced engine protection system that 
limits the engine’s power is activated.
If this warning light turns on while 
driving, drive carefully to the side of the 
road and stop the vehicle, check the 
engine oil level, and add if insufficient.
If the engine oil isn’t insufficient, or if 
the warning light does not turn off even 
after adding, we recommend to visit an 
authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
Driving with the warning light on may 
cause engine failure.
 ÃWhen oil pressure is restored to an 
optimal level, the oil pressure warning 
light and the protection system that 
limits engine power will turn off. Even 
if the oil pressure returns to normal, 
check the engine once again in a safe 
place.
NOTICE
• If the engine does not stop 
immediately after the Engine Oil 
Pressure warning light is illuminated, 
severe damage could result.
• If the warning light stays on while the 
engine is running, it indicates that 
there may be serious engine damage 
or malfunction. In this case:
1. Stop the vehicle as soon as it is 
safe to do so.
2. Turn off the engine and check the 
oil level. If the oil level is low, fill 
the engine oil to the proper level.
3. Start the engine again. If the 
warning light stays on after the 
engine is started, turn the engine 
off immediately. If this occurs, 
we recommend that you have 
the vehicle inspected by an 
authorized HYUNDAI dealer.    
Page 127 of 598
04
4-15
Low fuel level warning light
This warning light illuminates:
When the fuel tank is nearly empty.
Add fuel as soon as possible.
NOTICE
Driving with the Low Fuel Level warning 
light on or with the fuel level below “0 
or E” can cause the engine to misfire 
and damage the catalytic converter.
Service warning light
This warning light illuminates:
• When you set the ignition switch or 
the Engine Start/Stop button to the 
ON position.
 -The service warning light illuminates 
for approximately 3 seconds and 
then turns off when all checks have 
been performed.
• When there is a problem with the 
hybrid vehicle control system or 
hardware.
When the warning light illuminates 
while driving, or does not go OFF after 
starting the vehicle, we recommend that 
you have the vehicle inspected by an 
authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
Exhaust system (GPF) 
warning light
• This warning light illuminates, when 
accumulated soot reaches a certain 
amount.
• When this warning light illuminates, it 
may turn off after driving the vehicle 
at more than 50 mph (80 km/h) for 
about 30 minutes (above 3rd gear 
with 1500 ~ 4000 engine rpm).
If this warning light blinks in spite 
of the procedure (at this time LCD 
warning message will be displayed), 
we recommend that you have the 
GPF system checked by an authorized 
HYUNDAI dealer.
NOTICE
If you continue to drive with the GPF 
warning light blinking for a long time, 
the GPF system can be damaged and 
fuel consumption can worsen.   
Page 134 of 598
Instrument cluster
4-22
SPORT Mode indicator light 
(if equipped)
This indicator light illuminates
When you select "SPORT" mode as drive 
mode.
For more details, refer to "Drive Mode 
Integrated Control System" in chapter 
6.
ECO Mode indicator light (if 
equipped)
This indicator light illuminates
When you select "ECO" mode as drive 
mode.
For more details, refer to "Drive Mode 
Integrated Control System" in chapter 
6.
SMART Mode indicator light  
(if equipped)
This indicator light illuminates:
When you select ''SMART" mode as drive 
mode.
For more details, refer to "Drive Mode 
Integrated Control System'' in chapter 
6.
LCD display messages
Shift to P (if equipped)
This message is displayed if you try to 
turn off the vehicle without the shift 
button in the P (Park) position.
If this occurs, the Engine Start/Stop 
button turns to the ACC position.
Low key battery (if equipped)
This message is displayed if the battery 
of the smart key is discharged while 
changing the Engine Start/Stop button to 
the OFF position.
Press START button while turning 
wheel (if equipped)
This message is displayed if the steering 
wheel does not unlock normally when 
the Engine Start/Stop button is pressed.
You should press the Engine Start/Stop 
button while turning the steering wheel 
right and left.
Check steering wheel lock system (if 
equipped)
This message is displayed if the steering 
wheel does not lock normally while the 
Engine Start/Stop button is pressed to 
the OFF position.