towing Hyundai Elantra 2004 Owner's Manual

1FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
46
B260G01A-AAT
Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
B260H03A-AAT
Parking Brake/Low Brake Fluid
Level Level Warning Light
CAUTION:
If the oil pressure warning light stays on
while the engine is running, serious engine
damage may result. The oil pressure warn-
ing light comes on whenever there is insuf-
ficient oil pressure. In normal operation, it
should come on when the ignition switch
is turned on, then go out when the engine
is started. If the oil pressure warning light
stays on while the engine is running, there
may be a serious malfunction.
If this happens, stop the car as soon as it is
safe to do so, turn off the engine and check
the oil level. If the oil level is low, fill the
engine oil to the proper level and start the
engine again. If the light stays on with the
engine running, turn the engine off imme-
diately. In any instance where the oil light
stays on when the engine is running, the
engine should be checked by a Hyundai
dealer before the car is driven again.
!
Warning Light Operation
The parking brake/brake fluid level warning light
should come on when the parking brake is
applied and the ignition switch is turned to "ON"
or "START". After the engine is started, the light
should go out when the parking brake is re-
leased.
If the parking brake is not applied, the warning
light should come on when the ignition switch is
turned to "ON" or "START", then go out when
the engine starts. If the light comes on at any
other time, you should slow the vehicle and bring
it to a complete stop in a safe location off the
roadway.The brake fluid level warning light indicates that
the brake fluid level in the brake master cylinder
is low and hydraulic brake fluid conforming to
DOT 3 or DOT 4 specifications should be
added. After adding fluid, if no other trouble is
found, the car should be immediately and care-
fully driven to a Hyundai dealer for inspection.
If further trouble is experienced, the vehicle
should not be driven at all but taken to a dealer
by a professional towing service or some other
safe method.
Your Hyundai is equipped with dual-diagonal
braking systems. This means you still have
braking on two wheels even if one of the dual
systems should fail. With only one of the dual
systems working, more than normal pedal travel
and greater pedal pressure are required to stop
the car. Also, the car will not stop in as short a
distance with only half of the brake system
working. If the brakes fail while you are driving,
shift to a lower gear for additional engine braking
and stop the car as soon as it is safe to do so.
!WARNING:If you suspect brake trouble, have your
brakes checked by a Hyundai dealer as
soon as possible. Driving your car with a
problem in either the brake electrical sys-
tem or brake hydraulic system is danger-
ous, and could result in a serious injury or
death.

Before Starting the Engine ............................................ 2-3
To Start The Engine ...................................................... 2-3
Key Positions ................................................................ 2-3
Starting ..........................................................................2-4
Operating the Manual Transaxle ................................... 2-5
Automatic Transaxle ..................................................... 2-7
Good Braking Practices..............................................2-10
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ..................................2-11
Traction Control System (TCS) ..................................2-12
Driving for Economy...................................................2-13
Smooth Cornering.......................................................2-14
Winter Driving.............................................................2-15
Trailer or Vehicle Towing ............................................2-17
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
2
2

2DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
8
C090E01A-AATo D (Drive):
Use for normal driving. The transaxle will auto-
matically shift through a four-gear sequence.
Never downshift manually to "2" position or "L"
position when vehicle speed is more than 60
mph (96 km/h).
C090D02A-AAT
o N (Neutral):
In the "N" position, the transaxle is in neutral,
which means that no gears are engaged. The
engine can be started with the shift lever in "N"
position, although this is not recommended
except if the engine stalls while the car is
moving.
C090Q01A-GATo 3 (Third gear):
Use for towing a trailer during hill climbing or to
use engine braking downhill.
"3" automatically shifts between 1st, 2nd and
3rd gears. This means that no shift-up to 4th
gear is performed. However, the shift-up to 4th
gear is done when the car speed exceeds a
certain value to prevent the engine from over-
revving. Manually move the selector to "D"
when returning to normal driving condition.
NOTE:Depress the brake pedal and push the
button when shifting.
Push the button when shifting.
The selector lever can be shifted freely.
The first few shifts on a new vehicle, or if the
battery has been disconnected, may be some-
what abrupt. This is a normal condition, and the
shifting sequence will adjust after shifts are
cycled a few times by the T.C.M (Transaxle
Control Module.)
!
C090B01A-AAT
The function of each position is as fol-
lows:
o P (Park):
Use to hold the vehicle in place when parked or
while starting the engine; shift the selector lever
to the "P" (Park) position. Whenever parking the
car, apply the parking brake and shift the selec-
tor lever to the "P" (Park) position.
CAUTION:Never place the selector lever in the "P"
(Park) position unless the vehicle is fully
stopped. Failure to observe this caution
will cause severe damage to the transaxle.
C090C01A-AATo R (Reverse):
Use for backing up the vehicle. Bring the car to
a complete stop before shifting the selector
lever to "R" position.
HXD007

2DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
17TRAILER OR VEHICLE TOWING
C190A02S-AAT
If you are considering towing with your car, you
should first check with your State's Department
of Motor Vehicles to determine their legal re-
quirements.
Since laws vary from State to State, the require-
ments for towing trailers, cars, other types of
vehicles, or apparatus may differ. Ask your
Hyundai dealer for further details before towing.
CAUTION:Do not do any towing with your car during
its first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) in order to
allow the engine to properly break in. Fail-
ure to heed this caution may result in seri-
ous engine or transaxle damage.
!
C190B01S-AAT
Trailer Hitches
Select the proper hitch and ball combination,
making sure that it's location is compatible with
that of the trailer or vehicle being towed.
Use a quality non-equalizing hitch which distrib-
utes the tongue load uniformly throughout the
chassis.
The hitch should be bolted securely to the car
and installed by a qualified technician. DO NOT
USE A HITCH DESIGNED FOR TEMPORARY
INSTALLATION AND NEVER USE ONE THAT
ATTACHES ONLY TO THE BUMPER.
C190C03S-AATTrailer Brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed and
operating correctly.
NOTE:If you tow a trailer or vehicle, your car will
require more frequent maintenance due to
the additional load. See "Maintenance Un-
der Severe Usage Conditions" on page 5-6.
C190D01S-AAT
Safety Chains
Should the hitch connection between your car
and the trailer or vehicle you are towing fail, the
trailer or vehicle could wander dangerously
across other lanes of traffic and ultimately leave
the roadway. To eliminate this potentially dan-
gerous situation, safety chains, attached be-
tween your car and the trailer or towed vehicle,
are required in most states.
!CAUTION:o Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
o When towing a trailer on steep grades (in
excess of 12%) pay close attention to the
engine coolant temperature gauge to
ensure the engine does not overheat. If
the needle of the coolant temperature
gauge moves across the dial towards
"H" (HOT), pull over and stop as soon as
it is safe to do so, and allow the engine
to idle until it cools down. You may
proceed once the engine has cooled
sufficiently.

2DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
18
C190E02L
Gross Axle WeightGross Vehicle
Weight
C190E01L
Tongue
187.4 (85)
100 (45.3)Lbs. (kg)Trailer
1874(850)
1000(453) Maximum Towable Weight
With Brake
Without Brake
!CAUTION:The following specifications are recom-
mended when towing a trailer. The loaded
trailer weight cannot safely exceed the val-
ues in the following chart.
NOTE:1. Never load the trailer with more weight in
the back than in the front. About 60% of
the trailer load should be in the front half
on the trailer and the remaining 40% in
the rear.
2. The total gross vehicle weight with trailer
must not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) shown on the
vehicle identification plate (see page 8-
2). The total gross vehicle weight is the
combined weight of the vehicle, driver,
all passengers and their luggage, cargo,
hitch, trailer tongue load and other op-
tional equipment.
3. The front or rear axle weight must not
exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) shown on the vehicle identifi-
cation plate (see page 8-2). It is possible
that your towing package does not ex-
ceed the GVWR but exceeds the GAWR.
Improper trailer loading and/or too much
luggage in the trunk can overload the
rear axle. Redistribute the load and check
the axle weight again.
C190E01E-AAT
Trailer Weight Limit
o Keep the tongue load 10% of the total trailer
load.
Tongue load
Total trailer weight
o Tongue loads can be increased or de-
creased by redistributing the load in the
trailer.
This can be verified by checking the total
weight of the loaded trailer and then checking
the load on the tongue.Tongue load
x 100 = 10% (MAX)Total trailer weight

2DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
19
!WARNING:Improperly loading your car and trailer can
seriously affect its steering and braking
performance causing a crash which could
cause serious injury or death.
C190F01S-AAT
Trailer or Vehicle Towing Tips
1. Before towing, check hitch and safety chain
connections as well as proper operation of
the trailer running lights, brake lights, and
turn signals.
2. Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed. (Less than 60 mph)
3. Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
conditions.
4. To maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
fifth gear (manual transaxle) or overdrive
(automatic transaxle).
5. Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
6. Check the condition and air pressure of all
tires on the trailer and your car. Low tire
pressure can seriously affect the handling.
Also check the spare tire.7. The vehicle/trailer combination is more af-
fected by crosswind and buffeting.
When being passed by a large vehicle, keep
a constant speed and steer straight ahead.
If there is too much wind buffeting slow down
to get out of the other vehicle's air turbulence.
8. When parking your car and trailer, especially
on a hill, be sure to follow all the normal
precautions. Turn your front wheel into the
curb, set the parking brake firmly, and put the
transaxle in 1st or Reverse (manual) or Park
(automatic). In addition, place wheel chocks
at each of the trailer's tires.
9. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your
vehicle and trailer moving, and then apply the
trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the
brakes are working. This lets you check
your electrical connection at the same time.
10. During your trip, occasionally check to be
sure that the load is secure, and that the
lights and any trailer brakes are still work-
ing.
11. Avoid jerky starts, sudden acceleration or
sudden stops.
12. Avoid sharp turns and rapid lane changes.
13. Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
!
14. When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transaxle to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
15. If you have to stop while going uphill, do not
hold the vehicle in place by pressing on the
accelerator. This can cause the automatic
transaxle to overheat. Use the parking
brake or footbrake.
NOTE:When towing check transaxle fluid more
frequently.
CAUTION:If overheating should occur when towing,
(the temperature gauge reads near red zone),
taking the following action may reduce or
eliminate the problem.
1. Turn off the air conditioner.
2. Reduce highway speed.
3. Select a lower gear when going uphill.
4. While in stop and go traffic, place the
gear selector in park or neutral and idle
the engine at a higher speed.

If the Engine will not Start .............................................. 3-2
Jump Starting ................................................................ 3-3
If the Engine Overheats ................................................ 3-4
Spare Tire ..................................................................... 3-5
If You Have a Flat Tire .................................................. 3-6
Changing A Flat Tire ..................................................... 3-6
If Your Car Must be Towed.........................................3-10
Emergency Towing.....................................................3-11
If You Lose Your Keys................................................3-12
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
3
3

3WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
10
D080C01ED080B01E
D080A01E
IF YOUR CAR MUST BE TOWED
D080C02A-AAT
Towing a Car with an Automatic Transaxle
CAUTION:
A car with an automatic transaxle should
never be towed from the rear with the front
wheels on the ground. This can cause se-
rious damage to the transaxle. If the car
must be towed from the rear, a towing dolly
must be used under the front wheels.
o NOT OK FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
EQUIPPED VEHICLE
o OK FOR MANUAL TRANSAXLE
!
If the car is being towed with the rear wheels on
the ground, be sure the parking brake is re-
leased.
D080B01A-AAT
Towing a Car with a Manual Transaxle
o If the car is being towed with the rear wheels
on the ground, be sure the parking brake is
released.
o If the car is being towed with the front wheels
on the ground, be sure that the transaxle is
in neutral. Also, be sure that the ignition key
is in the "ACC" position. This is necessary to
prevent damage to the steering lock mecha-
nism, which is not designed to hold the front
wheels straight while the car is being towed.
o If any of the loaded wheels or suspension
components are damaged, a towing dolly
must be used. o OK FOR AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL
TRANSAXLE EQUIPPED VEHICLE
WITH NO DAMAGE!
D080A01A-AAT
CAUTION:Your car can be damaged if towed incor-
rectly!
If your car has to be towed, it should be done by
your Hyundai dealer or a commercial tow truck
service. This will help assure that your car is not
damaged in towing. Also, professionals are
generally aware of state and local laws govern-
ing towing. In any case, rather than risk damage
to your car, it is suggested that you show this
information to the tow truck operator. Be sure
that a safety chain system is used and that all
state and local laws are observed.o OK FOR AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL
TRANSAXLE EQUIPPED VEHICLE

3WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
11
D080D02E-AD080C02E
EMERGENCY TOWING
NOTE:
Before towing, check the level of the
transaxle fluid. If it is below the "HOT" mark
on the dipstick, add fluid. If you cannot add
fluid, a towing dolly must be used as de-
scribed above. o OK FOR AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL
TRANSAXLE EQUIPPED VEHICLE
!
D080D01E-AAT
For emergency towing when no commercial
tow vehicle is available, attach a tow cable,
chain or strap to one of the towing hooks under
the front of your car. Do not attempt to tow your
vehicle in this manner on any unpaved surface.
This could result in serious damage to your car.
Nor should towing be attempted if the wheels,
drive train, axles, steering or brakes are dam-
aged. Before towing, be sure the transaxle is in
neutral and the key is in "ACC" (with the engine
off) or in the "ON" position (with the engine
running). A driver must be in the towed car to
steer it and operate the brakes.
CAUTION:If the car is being towed with all four wheels
on the ground, it can be towed only from the
front. Be sure that the transaxle is in neutral.
Do not tow at speeds greater than 30 mph
(50 km/h) and for more than 15 miles (25
km). Be sure the steering is unlocked by
placing the key in the "ACC" position. A
driver must be in the towed vehicle to
operate the steering and brakes.

5VEHICLE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
6
SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONSA - Repeated short distance driving
B - Extensive idling
C - Driving in dusty, rough roads
D - Driving in areas using salt or other corrosive materials or
in very cold weather
E - Driving in sandy areas
F040A03E-AAT
MAINTENANCE UNDER SEVERE USAGE CONDITIONS
The following items must be serviced more frequently on cars normally used under severe driving conditions. Refer to the chart below for the appropriate
maintenance intervals.
R : Replace I : Inspect and, after inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary
F - More than 50% driving in heavy city traffic during hot
weather above 90°F (32°C)
G - Driving in mountainous areas
H - Towing a trailer
I - Driving as a patrol car, taxi, or other commercial use or vehicle towing
J - Driving over 100 MPH ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
AIR CLEANER FILTER
SPARK PLUGS
BRAKE PADS, CALIPERS AND ROTORS
REAR BRAKE DRUMS/LININGS/PADS,
PARKING BRAKE
STEERING GEAR RACK, LINKAGE & BOOTS/
LOWER ARM BALL JOINT
DRIVESHAFTS AND BOOTS
MANUAL TRANSAXLE OIL
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID
AIR FILTER (IN FRONT OF BLOWER UNIT)
MAINTENANCE ITEM
R
R
R
I
I
I
I
R
R
REVERY 3,000 MILES (4,800 KM) OR 3 MONTHS
MORE FREQUENTLY
MORE FREQUENTLY
MORE FREQUENTLY
MORE FREQUENTLY
MORE FREQUENTLY
EVERY 7,500 MILES (12,000 KM) OR 6 MONTHS
EVERY 60,000 MILES (96,000 KM)
EVERY 30,000 MILES (48,000 KM)
MORE FREQUENTLY
DRIVING
CONDITION MAINTENANCE
INTERVALS MAINTENANCE
OPERATION
A, B, C, F, H
C, E
B, H
C, D, G, H
C, D, G, H
C, D, E, F, G
C, D, E, F
A, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J
A, C, E, F, G, H, I
C, E