coolant level Hyundai Sonata

1
FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
51
1. Tachometer
2. Low Tire Pressure Telltale
3. TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Malfunction Telltale
4. Door Ajar Warning Light
5. Seat Belt Warning Light (Driver's side)
6. High Beam Indicator Light
7. Turn Signal Indicator Lights
8. Speedometer
9. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Indicator Lights
(If Installed)
10. Front Fog Light Indicator Light (If Installed)
11. ABS Service Reminder Indicator (SRI) (If Installed)
12. Coolant Temperature Gauge13. Fuel Gauge
14. Parking Brake/Low Brake Fluid Level Warning Light
15. Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
16. Charging System Warning Light
17. Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level Warning Light
18. Check Engine - Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
19. SRS (Airbag) Warning Light
20. Automatic Transaxle Position Indicator Light (If Installed)
21. Odometer/ Trip Odometer/ Trip Computer (If Installed)
22. CRUISE Indicator Light
23. Cruise SET Indicator Light
24. Trunk Lid Open Warning Light
25. Low Fuel Warning Light

1FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI58
!
B290A03A-AATENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
WARNING:Never remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. The engine coolant is under
pressure and could erupt and cause
severe burns. Wait until the engine is
cool before adding coolant to the
reservoir.The normal range is approximately in the
middle between "H" and "C". If it moves
across the dial to "H" (HOT), pull over and
stop as soon as possible and turn off the
engine. Then open the hood and, after the
engine has cooled, check the coolant level
(See "If the engine overheats" on the page
3-4.) and the water pump drive belt. If you
suspect cooling system trouble, have your
cooling system checked by a Hyundai dealer
as soon as possible.
ONF048043N
INSTRUMENT CLUSTERB280A02NF-AATFUEL GAUGEThe needle on the gauge indicates the
approximate fuel level in the fuel tank. The
fuel capacity is given in section 9.NOTE:The "
" symbol means, the fuel filler
lid is located on the left side of the ve-
hicle.
ONF048044N
CAUTION:
Avoid driving with a very low fuel level. If
you run out of fuel, it could cause the
engine to misfire and result in excessive
loading of the catalytic converter.
!

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
17
SMOOTH CORNERINGC150A01A-AATAvoid braking or gear changing in corners,
especially when roads are wet. Ideally,
corners should always be taken under
gentle acceleration. If you follow these
suggestions, tire wear will be held to a
minimum.
C160A01A-AATThe more severe weather conditions of
winter result in greater wear and other
problems. To minimize the problems of
winter driving, you should follow these
suggestions:C160B01A-AATSnowy or Icy ConditionsTo drive your vehicle in deep snow, it may
be necessary to use snow tires or to install
tire chains on your tires. If snow tires are
needed, it is necessary to select tires
equivalent in size and type of the original
equipment tires. Failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling of
your car. Furthermore, speeding, rapid
acceleration, sudden brake applications,
and sharp turns are potentially very
hazardous practices.
During deceleration, use engine braking to
the fullest extent. Sudden brake applications
on snowy or icy roads may cause skids to
occur. You need to keep sufficient distance
between the vehicle in operation in front
and your vehicle. Also, apply the brake
gently. It should be noted that installing tire
chains on the tire will provide a greater
driving force, but will not prevent side skids.NOTE:Tire chains are not legal in all states.
Check state laws before fitting tire
chains.WINTER DRIVING
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
service station.C160C01A-AATUse High Quality Ethylene Glycol
CoolantYour Hyundai is delivered with high quality
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
schedule in Section 5. Before winter, have
your coolant tested to assure that its
freezing point is sufficient for the
temperatures anticipated during the winter.

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 nearest
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
overheat-ing, wait until the engine
temperature has returned to normal.
Then, if coolant has been lost, carefully
add coolant to the reservoir (page 6-9)
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
overheating 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 under
the car. (If the air conditioning had been
in use, it is normal for cold water to be
draining from it when you stop).

5
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS8
F070G02A-AATo Brake FluidCheck 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.F070F01A-AATo Brake Hoses and LinesVisually check for proper installation,
chafing, cracks, deterioration and any
leakage. Replace any deteriorated or
damaged parts immediately.
F070E06A-AATo Automatic Transaxle FluidThe fluid level should be in the “HOT”
range of the dipstick, after the engine and
transaxle are at normal operating
temperature. Check the automatic
transaxle fluid level with the engine running
and the transaxle in neutral, with the
parking brake properly applied. Use
HYUNDAI GENUINE ATF SP III, DIAMOND
ATF SP III, SK ATF SP III or other brands
meeting the SP III specification approved
by Hyundai Motor Co. when adding or
changing fluid. Using the wrong ATF may
result in damage to the ATM.
F070H01A-AATo Rear Brake Drums and Linings/
Parking BrakeCheck the rear brake drums and linings for
scoring, burning, leaking fluid, broken parts,
and excessive wear. Inspect the parking
brake system including the parking brake
lever and cables. For detailed service
procedures, refer to the Shop Manual.
F070C01A-AATo CoolantThe coolant should be changed at the
intervals specified in the maintenance
schedule.
F060J01A-AATo Spark PlugsMake sure to install new spark plugs of the
correct heat range.F060H01A-AATo Air Cleaner FilterA Genuine Hyundai air cleaner filter is
recommended when the filter is replaced.F060G01A-AATo Vapor Hose and Fuel Filler CapThe 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.
F070D01A-AATo Manual Transaxle OilInspect the manual transaxle oil according
to the maintenance schedule.NOTE:If the oil level is low, check for possible
leaks before adding oil. Do not overfill.
F060N02E-AATo Valve ClearanceInspect excessive valve noise and/or
engine vibration and adjust if necessary. A
qualified technician should perform the
operation.

6
Engine Compartment .................................................... 6-2
General Checks ............................................................ 6-4
Checking the Engine Oil ............................................... 6-4
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter ................................ 6-6
Checking and Changing the Engine Coolant ................ 6-8
Changing the Air Cleaner Filter ...................................6-11
Checking the Transaxle Oil (Manual) ......................... 6-14
Checking the Transaxle Fluid (Automatic) ..................6-15
Checking the Brakes..................................................6-17
Air Conditioning Care..................................................6-18
Changing the Climate Control Air Filter.......................6-19
Checking Drive Belts..................................................6-22
Checking and Replacing Fuses ..................................6-22
Checking the Battery..................................................6-24
Power Steering Fluid Level .........................................6-26
Headlight Aiming Adjustment......................................6-27
Replacement of Light Bulbs ........................................6-28
Bulb Wattages.............................................................6-36
Fuse Panel Description...............................................6-37
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
6

6
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
4
G020C01A-AATVehicle InteriorThe 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 Sun visor operation
If you notice anything that does not operate
correctly or appears to be functioning
correctly, inspect it carefully and seek
assistance from your Hyundai dealer if
service is needed.
G020B01A-AATVehicle ExteriorThe 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)GENERAL CHECKSG020A01NF-AATEngine CompartmentThe following should be checked regu-
larly:
o Engine oil level and condition
o Transaxle fluid level and condition
o Brake 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
o Engine vibration
CHECKING THE ENGINE OILG030B01O-AATRecommended OilThe engine oil quality should meet the
following classification.
API SL or SM,
ILSAC GF-3 or ABOVE
G030B01JM-U G030A01A-AAT
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.

6
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
7
!
3. Slide underneath the car and loosen
the drain plug by turning it counter-
clockwise 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.
4. When the oil has stopped draining,
replace the drain plug using a new
gasket and retighten by turning it clock-
wise.
Oil pan drain plug tightening torque:
25.3 ~ 32.5 lb.ft (3.5 ~ 4.5 kgf.m)
HNF5006-1
(2.4L)
(3.3L)
The 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" (au-
tomatic) or reverse gear (manual
transaxle).
2. Open the hood and remove the engine
oil filler cap.NOTE:Loosen the oil filter cap by turning it
counterclockwise to drain well the oil in
the oil filter (3.3L only).
WARNING:
Be very careful when draining the engine
oil as it may be hot enough to burn you!
HNF5005-1
G040B01NF

6
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
8
CHECKING AND CHANGING THE
ENGINE COOLANT!
G050A01A-AAT
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.
!
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:
8.7 ~ 11.6 lb.ft (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. Remove the engine oil level dipstick.
8. Refill the crankcase with the recommended
engine oil. Refer to the specification in
chapter 9 for engine oil capacity.
CAUTION:
Slowly pour the recommended oil into a
funnel. Do not overfill to avoid damage to
the engine.
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 into the household trash.
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING:
Engine oil contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects and reproductive harm.
Used engine oil may cause irritation or
cancer of the skin if left in contact with
the skin for prolonged periods of time.
Always protect your skin by washing
your hands thoroughly with soap and
warm water as soon as possible after
handling used oil.
!
9. Start the engine and check to be sure no
oil is leaking from the drain plug or oil
filter.
10. Shut off the engine and recheck the oil
level.

6
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
9
G050B01A-AATRecommended Engine CoolantUse 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.
G050C01NF-GATTo Check the Coolant LevelThe coolant level can be seen on the side
of the plastic coolant reservoir. The level of
the coolant should be between the "L" and
"F" lines on the reservoir when the engine
is warm with it at idle . If the level is below
the "L" mark, add engine coolant to bring
it up to "F". If the level is low, 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.
G050C01NFG050D01NF-GAT
To Change the Engine CoolantThe engine coolant should be changed at
those intervals specified in the vehicle
maintenance schedule in Section 5.
CAUTION:
o Engine coolant can damage the finish
of your car. If you spill engine coolant
on the car, wash it off thoroughly with
clean water.
o The engine in your vehicle has alumi-
num engine parts and must be
protected by an ethylene-glycol base
coolant to prevent corrosion and freez-
ing.
Do not use hard water. Hard water can
cause engine damage from corro-
sion, overheating or freezing.
!
1. Park the car on level ground, set the
parking brake and remove the radiator
cap when cool. Ambient
temperature
°F (°C)
5 (-15)
-13 (-25)
-31 (-35)
-49 (-45)
65%
60%
50%
40% 35%
40%
50%
60%Water Antifreeze
solution Engine Coolant concentration