vent Hyundai Santa Fe 2008 Repair Manual

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
25
C160D01A-AATCheck Battery and CablesWinter puts additional burdens on the
battery system. Visually inspect the battery
and cables as described in Section 6. The
level of charge in your battery can be
checked by your Hyundai dealer or a ser-
vice station.
C160F01A-AATCheck Spark Plugs and Ignition
SystemInspect your spark plugs as described in
Section 6 and replace them if necessary.
Also check all ignition wiring and compo-
nents to be sure they are not cracked, worn
or damaged in any way.C160E01A-AATChange to "Winter Weight" Oil if
NecessaryIn some climates it is recommended that a
lower viscosity "winter weight" oil be used
during cold weather. See Section 9 for
recommendations. If you aren't sure what
weight oil you should use, consult your
Hyundai dealer.
C160G01A-GATTo Keep Locks from FreezingTo keep the locks from freezing, squirt an
approved de-icer fluid or glycerine into the
key opening. If a lock is covered with ice,
squirt it with an approved de-icing fluid to
remove the ice. If the lock is frozen inter-
nally, you may be able to thaw it out by
using a heated key. Handle the heated key
with care to avoid injury.NOTE:The proper temperature for using the
immobilizer key is from -40°F (-40°C) to
176°F (80°C). If you heat the immobilizer
key over 80°C to open the frozen lock, it
may cause damage to the transponder
in its head.
C160C01A-AATUse High Quality Ethylene Glycol
CoolantYour Hyundai is delivered with high qual-
ity ethylene glycol coolant in the cooling
system. It is the only type of coolant that
should be used because it helps prevent
corrosion in the cooling system, lubricates
the water pump and prevents freezing. Be
sure to replace or replenish your coolant in
accordance with the maintenance sched-
ule in Section 5. Before winter, have your
coolant tested to assure that its freezing
point is sufficient for the temperatures an-
ticipated during the winter.

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
30
C190F01CM-AATTrailer or Vehicle Towing Tips1. Before towing, check hitch and safety
chain connections as well as proper
operation of the trailer running lights,
brake lights, and turn signals.
2. Trailer towing requires more fuel than
normal conditions.
3. To maintain engine braking efficiency,
do not tow a trailer with the transaxle in
fifth gear (manual transaxle).
4. Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
5. 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.
6. The vehicle/trailer combination is more
affected 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 buffet-
ing, slow down to get out of the other
vehicle's air turbulence.7. When parking your car and trailer, es-
pecially 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.
8. 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 con-
nection at the same time.
9. During your trip, check occasionally to
be sure that the load is secure, and that
the lights and any trailer brakes are still
working.
10. Avoid jerky starts, sudden accelera-
tion or sudden stops.
11. Avoid sharp turns and rapid lane
changes.
12. Avoid holding the brake pedal down
too long or too frequently. This could
cause the brakes to overheat, resulting
in reduced braking efficiency.
!
WARNING:
o Improperly loading your vehicle and
trailer can seriously affect its steer-
ing and braking performance causing
a crash which could cause serious
injury or death.
o Towing a trailer affects vehicle han-
dling and braking.
o Drive more slowly when towing a trailer
and allow more distance when brak-
ing.
o Be careful when driving in slippery
and windy conditions.
o Be careful when turning and while
driving up and down hills.

34WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
IF THE ENGINE OVERHEATS
!!
!
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.
5. If the water pump drive belt is broken or
engine coolant is leaking out, stop the
engine immediately and call the near-
est Hyundai dealer for assistance.
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 se-
rious burns.6. If you cannot find the cause of the over-
heating, wait until the engine tempera-
ture has returned to normal. Then, if
coolant has been lost, carefully add
coolant to the reservoir (page 6-7) 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 a Hyundai
dealer for assistance.
CAUTION:
Serious loss of coolant indicates there is
a leak in the cooling system and this
should be checked as soon as possible
by a Hyundai dealer.
D030A02A-AATIf 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 happens, you
should:
1. Pull off the road and stop as soon as it
is safe to do so.
2. Place the gear selector lever in "P"
(automatic), or neutral (manual
transaxle) and set the parking brake. If
the air conditioning is on, turn it off.
3. If engine coolant is running out under
the car 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 operating. 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 un-
der the car. (If the air conditioning had
been in use, it is normal for cold water
to be draining from it when you stop).

3
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
5
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
OCM053202A C320A02CM-AAT
(1) TPMS Malfunction Indicator
(2) Low Tire Pressure Position telltale
(3) Low Tire Pressure telltale
Each tire, including the spare, should
be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pres-
sure label. (If your vehicle has tires of
a different size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine
the proper tire inflation pressure for
those tires.)As an added safety feature, your ve-
hicle has been equipped with a Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure tell-
tale when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. Accordingly,
when the low tire pressure telltale illumi-
nates, you should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on
a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if
under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low
tire pressure telltale.Your vehicle has also been equipped
with a TPMS malfunction indicator to
indicate when the system is not operat-
ing properly. The TPMS malfunction
indicator is provided by a separate tell-
tale, which displays the symbol "TPMS"
when illuminated. When the malfunc-
tion indicator is illuminated, the system
may not be able to detect or signal low
tire pressure as intended. TPMS mal-
functions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels
on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check
the TPMS malfunction telltale after re-
placing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replace-
ment or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function prop-
erly.

4
Corrosion Protection ..................................................... 4-2
To Help Prevent Corrosion ........................................... 4-3
Washing and Waxing .................................................... 4-4
Cleaning the Interior ...................................................... 4-5
4
CORROSION PREVENTION & APPEARANCE CARE

4
CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE2
CORROSION PROTECTION
E010D01A-AATMoisture Breeds CorrosionMoisture creates the conditions in which
corrosion is most likely to occur. For ex-
ample, corrosion is accelerated by high
humidity, particularly when temperatures
are just above freezing. In such conditions,
the corrosive material is kept in contact
with the car surfaces by moisture that is
slow to evaporate.
Mud is particularly corrosive because it is
slow to dry and holds moisture in contact
with the vehicle. Although the mud ap-
pears to be dry, it can still retain the mois-
ture and promote corrosion.
High temperatures can also accelerate
corrosion of parts that are not properly
ventilated so the moisture can be dis-
persed. For all these reasons, it is particu-
larly important to keep your car clean and
free of mud or accumulations of other
materials. This applies not only to the vis-
ible surfaces but particularly to the under-
side of the car.
E010C01A-AATHigh-Corrosion AreasIf you live in an area where your car is
regularly exposed to corrosive materials,
corrosion protection is particularly impor-
tant. Some of the common causes of accel-
erated corrosion are road salts, dust con-
trol chemicals, ocean air and industrial
pollution.
E010B01A-AATCommon Causes of CorrosionThe most common causes of corrosion on
your car are:
o Road salt, dirt and moisture that is al-
lowed to accumulate underneath the
car.
o Removal of paint or protective coatings
by stones, gravel, abrasion or minor
scrapes and dents which leave unpro-
tected metal exposed to corrosion.E010A01A-AATProtecting Your Hyundai from Cor-
rosionBy using the most advanced design and
construction practices to combat corro-
sion, Hyundai produces cars of the highest
quality. However, this is only part of the job.
To achieve the long-term corrosion resis-
tance your Hyundai can deliver, the owner's
cooperation and assistance is also re-
quired.

4
CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE
3
E020B01A-AATKeep Your Car CleanThe best way to prevent corrosion is to
keep your car clean and free of corrosive
materials. Attention to the underside of the
car is particularly important.
o If you live in a high-corrosion area —
where road salts are used, near the
ocean, areas with industrial pollution,
acid rain, etc.—, you should take extra
care to prevent corrosion. In winter,
hose off the underside of your car at
least once a month and be sure to clean
the underside thoroughly when winter
is over.
o When cleaning underneath the car, give
particular attention to the components
under the fenders and other areas that
are hidden from view. Do a thorough
job; just dampening the accumulated
mud rather than washing it away will
accelerate corrosion rather than pre-
vent it.E020A01A-AATYou can help prevent corrosion from get-
ting started by observing the following:TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION
E020C02A-AATKeep Your Garage DryDon't park your car in a damp, poorly
ventilated garage. This creates a favor-
able environment for corrosion. This is
particularly true if you wash your car in the
garage or drive it into the garage when it is
still wet or covered with snow, ice or mud.
Even a heated garage can contribute to
corrosion unless it is well ventilated so
moisture is dispersed.Water under high pressure and steam
are particularly effective in removing
accumulated mud and corrosive mate-
rials.
o When cleaning lower door panels,
rocker panels and frame members, be
sure that drain holes are kept open so
that moisture can escape and not be
trapped inside to accelerate corrosion.
E020E01A-AATDon't Neglect the InteriorMoisture can collect under the floor mats
and carpeting to cause corrosion. Check
under the mats periodically to be sure the
carpeting is dry. Use particular care if you
carry fertilizers, cleaning materials or
chemicals in the car.
These should be carried only in proper
containers and any spills or leaks should
be cleaned up, flushed with clear water
and thoroughly dried.E020D02A-AATKeep Paint and Trim in Good Condi-
tionScratches or chips in the finish should be
covered with "touch-up" paint as soon as
possible to reduce the possibility of corro-
sion. If bare metal is showing through, the
attention of a qualified body and paint
shop is recommended.
Bird droppings : Bird droppings are highly
corrosive and may damage painted sur-
faces in just a few hours. Always remove
bird droppings as soon as possible.

4
CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE4
After rinsing, dry the car using a damp
chamois or soft, absorbent cloth. The rea-
son for drying the car is to remove water
from the car so it will dry without water
spots. Don't rub, this can damage the fin-
ish.
If you find any nicks or scratches in the
paint, use touch-up paint to cover them to
prevent corrosion. To protect the paintwork
of the car against corrosion, you must
clean your Hyundai (at least once a month).
Give special attention to the removal of
salt, mud and other substances on the
underside of the splashboards of the car.
Make sure that the outlets and the under-
side of the doors are open. Paint damage
can be caused by small accumulation of
tar, industrial precipitation, tree resin, in-
sects and bird droppings, when not re-
moved immediately. If water alone is not
strong enough to remove the accumulated
dirt, use a mild car washing solution. Be
sure to rinse the surface after washing to
remove the solution. Never allow the solu-
tion to dry on the painted surfaces. Use a clean sponge or cloth, rinse it fre-
quently and don't damage the finish by
rubbing too hard. For stubborn spots,
dampen them frequently and remove them
a little at a time.
To clean whitewall tires, use a stiff brush or
soapy steel-wool scouring pad.
To clean plastic wheel covers, use a clean
sponge or soft cloth and water.
To clean cast aluminum alloy wheels, use
a mild soap or neutral detergent. Do not
use abrasive cleaners. Protect the bare-
metal surfaces by cleaning, polishing and
waxing. Because aluminum is subject to
corrosion, be sure to give aluminum alloy
wheels special attention in winter. If you
drive on salted roads, clean the wheels
thoroughly afterwards.
After washing, be sure to rinse thoroughly.
If soapy water dries on the finish, streaking
will result.
When the weather is warm and the humid-
ity low, you may find it necessary to rinse
each section immediately after washing to
avoid streaking.
WASHING AND WAXINGE030A02A-AATWashing Your HyundaiNever wash your car when the surface is
hot from being in the sun. Always wash
your car in the shade.
Wash your car frequently. Dirt is abrasive
and can scratch the paint if it is not re-
moved. Air pollution or acid rain may dam-
age the paint and trim through chemical
action if pollutants are allowed to remain in
contact with the surface. If you live near the
ocean or in an area where road salts or
dust control chemicals are used, you
should pay particular attention to the un-
derside of the car. Start by rinsing the car
to remove dust and loose dirt. In winter, or
if you have driven through mud or muddy
water, be sure to thoroughly clean the
underside as well. Use a hard direct stream
of water to remove accumulations of mud
or corrosive materials. Use a good quality
car-washing solution and follow the
manufacturer's directions on the package.
These are available at your Hyundai dealer
or auto parts outlet. Don't use strong house-
hold detergents, gasoline, strong solvents
or abrasive cleaning powders as these
may damage the finish.

4
CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE
5
E030D01A-AATWhen to Wax AgainYou should polish and wax the car again
when water no longer beads on a clean
surface but spreads out over a larger area.
E030C01A-AATPolishing and WaxingAlways wash and dry the car before polish-
ing or waxing or using a combination
cleaner and wax. Use a good quality com-
mercial product and follow the
manufacturer's directions on the container.
Polish and wax the bright trim pieces as
well as the paint.E030B01A-AATSpot CleaningDon't use gasoline, strong solvents or cor-
rosive cleaning agents. These can dam-
age the finish of the car. To remove road
tar, use turpentine on a clean, soft cloth. Be
gentle.
To remove dead insects or tree sap, use
warm water and mild soap or car-washing
solution. Soak the spot and rub gently. If
the paint has lost its luster, use a commer-
cial car-cleaning polish.
E030E01A-AATMaintaining BumpersSpecial precautions must be observed to
preserve the appearance of the bumpers
on your Hyundai. They are:
o Be careful not to spill battery electrolyte
or hydraulic brake fluid on the bumpers.
If you do, wash it off immediately with
clear water.
o Be gentle when cleaning the bumper
surfaces. They are made of soft plastic
and the surface can be damaged if
mistreated. Do not use abrasive clean-
ers. Use warm water and mild soap or
car-washing solution.
o Do not expose the bumpers to high tem-
peratures. For example, if you have
your car repainted, do not leave the
bumpers on the car if the car is going to
be placed in a high-temperature paint
booth.
!
CAUTION:
o Water washing in the engine compart-
ment including high pressure water
washing may cause the failure of elec-
trical circuits located in the engine
compartment.
o Never allow water or other liquids to
come in contact with electrical/elec-
tronic components inside the vehicle
as this may damage them.
ojb037800

4
CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE6
E040D01A-AATCleaning the Seat BeltsTo clean the seat belts, use a cloth or
sponge with mild soap or detergent and
warm water. Do not use strong detergents,
dye, bleach or abrasive materials on the
seat belts as this may weaken the fabric.
While cleaning the belts, inspect them for
excessive wear, cuts, fraying or other signs
of damage and replace them if necessary.E040C01A-AATCleaning the CarpetsUse a foam-type carpet cleaner. Cleaners
of this type are available in aerosol cans in
liquid form or powder. Read the instruc-
tions and follow them exactly. Using a
vacuum cleaner with the appropriate at-
tachment, remove as much dirt from the
carpets as possible. Apply the foam follow-
ing the manufacturer's directions, then rub
in overlapping circles. Do not add water.
These cleaners work best when the carpet
is kept as dry as possible.
E040B01A-AATTo Clean the Leather Upholstery
(If installed)In the normal course of use, leather uphol-
stered surfaces will, like any material, pick-
up dust and dirt. This dust and dirt must be
cleaned off or it may work into the surface
of the leather, causing damage.
Fine leather needs care, and should be
cleaned when necessary. Washing leather
thoroughly with soap and water will keep
your leather lustrous, beautiful and ensure
you have many years of wear.
Take a piece of cheese cloth and using any
mild soap and lukewarm water, work up a
good lather. Thoroughly wash the leather.
Wipe clean with a slightly damp cloth and
dry with soft cloth. Do this as often as the
leather becomes soiled.
During tanning operations, sufficient oils
are incorporated through processing that
none need be applied during the life of the
leather. Oil applied to the finished surface
will in no way help the leather and may do
more harm than good. Varnishes and fur-
niture polishes should never be used un-
der any conditions.
CLEANING THE INTERIORE040A01A-AATCleaning the upholstery and interior
trimVinyl
Remove dust and loose dirt from vinyl with
a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner. Clean
vinyl surfaces with a vinyl cleaner.
Fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt from fabric
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean with a mild soap solution recom-
mended for upholstery or carpets. Re-
move fresh spots immediately with a fabric
spot cleaner. If fresh spots do not receive
immediate attention, the fabric can be
stained and its color can be affected. Also,
its fire-resistant properties can be reduced
if the material is not properly maintained.
CAUTION:
Using anything but recommended clean-
ers and procedures may affect the
fabric’s appearance and fire-resistant
properties.
!