check engine HYUNDAI TUCSON 2011 Owner's Guide
Page 267 of 382
65
What to do in an emergency
Jump starting procedure 
1. Make sure the booster battery is 12-volt and that its negative terminal is 
grounded.
2. If the booster battery is in another vehicle, do not allow the vehicles to touch.
3. Turn off all unnecessary electrical loads.
4. Connect the jumper cables in the exact sequence shown in the illustration.First connect one end of a jumper 
cable to the positive terminal of the 
discharged battery (1), then connect 
the other end to the positive terminal 
on the booster battery (2).
Proceed to connect one end of the 
other jumper cable to the negative ter- 
minal of the booster battery (3), then 
the other end to a solid, stationary, 
metallic point (for example, the engine 
lifting bracket) away from the battery 
(4). Do not connect it to or near any 
part that moves when the engine is 
cranked. Do not allow the jumper cables to con- 
tact anything except the correct battery 
terminals or the correct ground. Do not
lean over the battery when making
connections.
5. Start the engine of the vehicle with the booster battery and let it run at 2,000 
rpm, then start the engine of the vehi- 
cle with the discharged battery.
If the cause of your battery discharging is
not apparent, you should have your vehi-cle checked by an authorized HYUNDAIdealer.
Push-starting  
Your manual transaxle-equipped vehicle
should not be push-started because it might damage the emission control sys- tem. 
Vehicles equipped with automatic 
transaxle cannot be push-started. 
Follow the directions in this section for 
jump-starting.
CAUTION - Battery cables
Do not connect the jumper cable
from the negative terminal of thebooster battery to the negative ter-
minal of the discharged battery.This can cause the discharged bat- tery to overheat and crack, releas-ing battery acid.
WARNING
Never tow a vehicle to start it 
because the sudden surge forward 
when the engine starts could cause 
a collision with the tow vehicle.   
Page 268 of 382
What to do in an emergency
6
6
IF THE ENGINE OVERHEATS
If your temperature gauge indicates over- 
heating, you experience a loss of power,
or hear loud pinging or knocking, the
engine is probably too hot. If this hap-
pens, you should: 
1. Pull off the road and stop as soon as it is safe to do so.
2. Place the shift lever in P (automatic transaxle) or  neutral (manual transaxle)
and set the parking brake. If the air con- 
ditioning is on, turn it off.
3. If engine coolant is running out under the vehicle or steam is coming out
from the hood, stop the engine. Do not open the hood until the coolant has 
stopped running or the steaming has
stopped. If there is no visible loss of
engine coolant and no steam, leave
the engine running and check to be
sure the engine cooling fan is operat- 
ing. If the fan is not running, turn the 
engine off. 4. Check to see if the water pump drive
belt is missing. If it is not missing,
check to see that it is tight. If the drive 
belt seems to be satisfactory, check for 
coolant leaking from the radiator,
hoses or under the vehicle. (If the air
conditioning had been in use, it is nor-
mal for cold water to be draining from
it when you stop).
5. If the water pump drive belt is broken or engine coolant is leaking out, stop the engine immediately and call the
nearest authorized HYUNDAI dealer 
for assistance. 6. If you cannot find the cause of the
overheating, wait until the engine tem-
perature has returned to normal. Then, if coolant has been lost, carefully add
coolant to the reservoir to bring the
fluid level in the reservoir up to the 
halfway mark.
7. Proceed with caution, keeping alert for further signs of overheating. If over- heating happens again, call an author- 
ized HYUNDAI dealer for assistance.
WARNING
While the engine is running, keep 
hair, hands and clothing away from 
moving parts such as the fan and
drive belts to prevent injury.
CAUTION
Serious loss of coolant indicates there is a leak in the cooling systemand this should be checked as soon
as possible by an authorizedHYUNDAI dealer.
WARNING
Do not remove the radiator cap 
when the engine is hot. This can
allow coolant to be blown out of the
opening and cause serious burns.    
Page 270 of 382
What to do in an emergency
8
6
✽✽
NOTICE
If the TPMS, Low Tire Pressure indi- 
cator does not illuminate for 3 sec-
onds when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position or the
engine is running, or if it remains
illuminated after coming on for
approximately 3 seconds, take your
vehicle to your nearest authorized
HYUNDAI dealer and have the sys-
tem checked.Low tire pressure tell- tale
When the tire pressure monitoring
system warning indicator is illuminat-
ed, one or more of your tires is sig-nificantly under-inflated. 
Immediately reduce your speed, 
avoid hard cornering and anticipate
increased stopping distances. You
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible. Inflate the tires tothe proper pressure as indicated on
the vehicle’s placard or tire inflation
pressure label located on the driver’s
side center pillar outer panel. If you
cannot reach a service station or if
the tire cannot hold the newly added
air, replace the low pressure tire with
the compact spare tire. 
Then the TPMS malfunction indicator 
may turn on and the Low TirePressure telltale will remain on until
you have the low-pressure tire
repaired and replaced on the vehicle.✽✽ NOTICE
The compact spare tire is not 
equipped with a tire pressure sensor.  
Page 290 of 382
Maintenance
4
7
The following lists are vehicle checks and 
inspections that should be performed by 
the owner or an authorized HYUNDAIdealer at the frequencies indicated to
help ensure safe, dependable operation 
of your vehicle. 
Any adverse conditions should be 
brought to the attention of your dealer as 
soon as possible. 
These Owner Maintenance Checks are 
generally not covered by warranties and
you may be charged for labor, parts and 
lubricants used.Owner maintenance schedule 
When you stop for fuel:
 Check the engine oil level. 
 Check the coolant level in coolant
reservoir.
 Check the windshield washer fluid level.
 Look for low or under-inflated tires.
WARNING- Maintenance work
 Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can be dangerous. You 
can be seriously injured while
performing some maintenance 
procedures. If you lack sufficient 
knowledge and experience or the
proper tools and equipment to do 
the work, have it done by an 
authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
 Working under the hood with the engine running is dangerous. It 
becomes even more dangerous 
when you wear jewelry or loose
clothing. These can become 
entangled in moving parts and 
result in injury. Therefore, if you
must run the engine while work-
ing under the hood, make certain 
that you remove all jewelry (espe- 
cially rings, bracelets, watches,
and necklaces) and all neckties, 
scarves, and similar loose cloth- 
ing before getting near theengine or cooling fans.
OWNER MAINTENANCE 
WARNING 
Be careful when checking your 
engine coolant level when the 
engine is hot. Scalding hot coolant
and steam may blow out under 
pressure. This could cause burns 
or other serious injury.  
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75
Maintenance
While operating your vehicle:
 Note any changes in the sound of theexhaust or any smell of exhaust fumes 
in the vehicle.
 Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased steering
effort or looseness in the steering
wheel, or change in its straight-ahead position.
 Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side when trav-
eling on smooth, level road.
 When stopping, listen and check for unusual sounds, pulling to one side, 
increased brake pedal travel or “hard- 
to-push” brake pedal.
 If any slipping or changes in the oper- ation of your transaxle occurs, check
the transaxle fluid level.
 Check the automatic transaxle P (Park) function.
 Check the parking brake. 
 Check for fluid leaks under your vehicle (water dripping from the air condition- 
ing system during or after use is nor-mal).
At least monthly:
 Check the coolant level in the enginecoolant reservoir.
 Check the operation of all exterior lights, including the stoplights, turn sig- 
nals and hazard warning flashers.
 Check the inflation pressures of all tires including the spare.
At least twice a year 
(i.e., every Spring and Fall):
 Check the radiator, heater and air con- ditioning hoses for leaks or damage.
 Check the windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean the wiper 
blades with clean cloth dampened with 
washer fluid.
 Check the headlight alignment. 
 Check the muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and clamps.
 Check the lap/shoulder belts for wear and function.
 Check for worn tires and loose wheel lug nuts.
At least once a year:
 Clean the body and door drain holes. 
 Lubricate the door hinges and checks,and hood hinges.
 Lubricate the door and hood locks and latches.
 Lubricate the door rubber weather- strips.
 Check the air conditioning system.
 Inspect and lubricate the automatic transaxle linkage and controls.
 Clean the battery and terminals.
 Check the brake/clutch* fluid level.
* : if equipped    
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Maintenance
7
150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 120 months
❑Inspect vacuum hose
❑Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
❑Inspect brake hoses and lines
❑Inspect drive shafts and boots
❑Inspect electronic throttle control
❑Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
❑Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers
❑Inspect propeller shaft (AWD)
❑Inspect rear brake disc/pads
❑Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball joint,  
upper arm ball joint
❑ Inspect suspension mounting bolts
❑Inspect brake/clutch (if equipped) fluid  
❑Inspect fuel filter * 1
❑
Inspect fuel lines, fuel hoses and connections
❑Inspect fuel tank air filter (if equipped) * 1
❑
Inspect parking brake
❑ Inspect vapor hose and fuel filler cap, fuel tank
❑Inspect manual transaxle fluid (if equipped)
❑Inspect rear axle oil (AWD) * 2
❑
Inspect transfer case oil (AWD) * 2
❑
Inspect drive belts (First, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 72 months 
after every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 24 months)* 4
(Continued)
(Continued)
❑
Replace climate control air filter (for evaporator and blower unit)
❑Replace air cleaner filter
❑Replace engine oil and filter  (150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 240 months)
❑Replace coolant (First, 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 120 months 
after every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months)
NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (CONT.)
No check, No service required
❑
Automatic transaxle fluid (if equipped)
*1
: Fuel filter & Fuel tank air filter are considered to be maintenance free but
periodic inspection is recommended for this maintenance schedule depends 
on fuel quality. If there are some important safety matters like fuel flow
restriction, surging, loss of power, hard starting problem etc, replace the fuelfilter immediately regardless  of maintenance schedule and consult an
authorized HYUNDAI dealer for details.
* 2
: Transfer case oil and rear axle oil should be changed anytime they have been
submerged in water.
* 4
: The drive belt should be replaced when cracks occur or tension is reduced
excessively.
16  
Page 304 of 382
Maintenance
18
7
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Engine oil and filter
The engine oil and filter should be 
changed at the intervals specified in the 
maintenance schedule. If the vehicle is 
being driven in severe conditions, morefrequent oil and filter changes arerequired.
Drive belts
Inspect all drive belts for evidence of
cuts, cracks, excessive wear or oil satu-
ration and replace if necessary. Drive 
belts should be checked periodically for proper tension and adjusted as neces-
sary.
Fuel filter (cartridge)
A clogged filter can limit the speed at
which the vehicle may be driven, damage 
the emission system and cause multiple 
issues such as hard starting. If an exces-
sive amount of foreign matter accumu-
lates in the fuel tank, the filter may 
require replacement more frequently. 
After installing a new filter, run the engine 
for several minutes, and check for leaks 
at the connections. Fuel filters should be 
installed by an authorized HYUNDAI
dealer.
Fuel lines, fuel hoses and con- nections
Check the fuel lines, fuel hoses and con- 
nections for leakage and damage. Have 
an authorized HYUNDAI dealer replace 
any damaged or leaking parts immedi-
ately.
Vapor hose and fuel filler cap
The vapor hose and fuel filler cap should
be inspected at those intervals specified
in the maintenance schedule. Make sure
that a new vapor hose or fuel filler cap is correctly replaced.  
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719
Maintenance
Vacuum crankcase ventilation hoses
Inspect the surface of hoses for evidence 
of heat and/or mechanical damage. Hard 
and brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, 
abrasions, and excessive swelling indi-
cate deterioration. Particular attention
should be paid to examine those hose 
surfaces nearest to high heat sources, 
such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect the hose routing to assure that the hoses do not come in contact with 
any heat source, sharp edges or movingcomponent which might cause heat dam-
age or mechanical wear. Inspect all hose 
connections, such as clamps and cou- 
plings, to make sure they are secure, and
that no leaks are present. Hoses should 
be replaced immediately if there is any 
evidence of deterioration or damage.
Air cleaner filter
A Genuine HYUNDAI air cleaner filter isrecommended when the filter is replaced.
Spark plugs
Make sure to install new spark plugs of 
the correct heat range.
Valve clearance
Inspect for excessive valve noise and/or
engine vibration and adjust if necessary. 
An authorized HYUNDAI dealer should 
perform the operation.
Cooling system
Check for cooling system components, 
such as radiator, coolant reservoir, hoses 
and connections for leakage and dam-
age. Replace any damaged parts.
Coolant
The coolant  should  be  changed at the
intervals specified in the maintenance 
schedule.
Manual transaxle fluid  (if equipped)
Inspect the manual transaxle fluid 
according to the maintenance schedule.
Automatic transaxle fluid  (if equipped)
Automatic transaxle fluid should not be 
checked under normal usage conditions. 
But in severe conditions, the fluid should 
be changed at an authorized HYUNDAIdealer    in accordance to the scheduledmaintenance at the beginning of this 
chapter.
✽✽NOTICE
Automatic transaxle fluid color is basi- 
cally red. 
As the vehicle is driven, the automatic 
transaxle fluid will begin to look darker. 
It is normal condition and you should
not judge the need to replace the fluid
based upon the changed color.  
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Maintenance
20
7
Brake hoses and lines
Visually check for proper installation, 
chafing, cracks, deterioration and any 
leakage. Replace any deteriorated or
damaged parts immediately.
Brake/Clutch* fluid
Check the brake fluid level in the brake 
fluid reservoir. The level should be 
between “MIN” and “MAX” marks on the
side of the reservoir. Use only hydraulic
brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 or DOT 4 specification. 
* : if equipped
Parking brake
Inspect the parking brake system includ- 
ing the parking brake pedal and cables.
Brake discs, pads, calipers and 
rotors
Check the pads for excessive wear, discs 
for run out and wear, and calipers for fluid 
leakage.
Exhaust pipe and muffler
Visually inspect the exhaust pipes, muf-
fler and hangers for cracks, deterioration, 
or damage. Start the engine and listen 
carefully for any exhaust gas leakage.
Tighten connections or replace parts as 
necessary.
Suspension mounting bolts
Check the suspension connections for 
looseness or damage. Retighten to the 
specified torque.
Steering gear box, linkage & 
boots/lower arm ball joint
With the vehicle stopped and engine off, 
check for excessive free-play in the 
steering wheel. 
Check the linkage for bends or damage. 
Check the dust boots and ball joints for
deterioration, cracks, or damage. 
Replace any damaged parts.
Drive shafts and boots
Check the drive shafts, boots and clamps
for cracks, deterioration, or damage. 
Replace any damaged parts and, if nec-
essary, repack the grease.
Air conditioning refrigerant 
Check the air conditioning lines and con- 
nections for leakage and damage.
CAUTION
The use of a non-specified fluid
could result in transaxle malfunc-tion and failure.
Use only specified automatictransaxle fluid. (Refer to “Recommended lubricants andcapacities” in section 8.)  
Page 307 of 382
721
Maintenance
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil level  
1. Be sure the vehicle is on level ground. 
2. Start the engine and allow it to reachnormal operating temperature. 3. Turn the engine off and wait for a few
minutes (about 5 minutes) for the oil to 
return to the oil pan.
4. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, and re-insert it fully.
5. Pull the dipstick out again and check the level. The level should be between F and L. If it is near or at L, add enough oil to bring 
the level to F.
Do not overfill.
Use a funnel to help prevent oil frombeing spilled on engine components.
Use only the specified engine oil. (Refer to “Recommended lubricants and capaci-
ties” in section 8.)
WARNING - Radiator hose
Be very careful not to touch the 
radiator hose when checking or
adding the engine oil as it may be
hot enough to burn you.
OLM079003NOLM079004N
CAUTION
Do not overfill with engine oil.Engine damage may result.