brake light Hyundai Sonata

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
8
NOTE:
Depress the brake pedal when shift-
ing.
The selector lever can be shifted
freely.
The first few shifts on a new vehicle, or
if the battery has been disconnected,
may be somewhat 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).
!
C090A02NF
CAUTION:
Never shift into "R" or "P" position while
the vehicle is moving.
The indicator lights in the instrument cluster
indicate the selector lever position when
the ignition is switched "ON". During sports
mode operation, the gear currently in use
displays in the numeral indicator.C090B02A-AATThe function of each position is as
follows:
o P (Park):Use to hold the vehicle in place when
parked or while starting the engine.
Whenever parking the car, apply the
parking brake and shift the selector 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.
!
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLEC090A01NF-GAT(If Installed)The highly efficient Hyundai automatic
transaxle has five forward speeds and one
reverse speed. The individual speeds are
selected automatically, depending on the
position of the speed selector lever. The
selector lever has 2 gates; the main gate
and the manual gate.NOTE:For information on manual gate
operation, refer to "Sports Mode".
In the main gate, the selector lever has 4
positions.
ONF058006

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
15
!GOOD BRAKING PRACTICESC130A02A-AAT
WARNING:
o Whenever leaving vehicle or parking,
always set the parking brake as far as
possible and fully engage the
vehicle's transaxle into the park
position. Vehicles not fully engaged
in park with the parking brake set are
at risk for moving inadvertently and
injuring yourself or others.
o All vehicles should always have the
parking brake fully engaged when
parking to avoid inadvertent
movement of the car which can injure
occupants or pedestrians.
o Nothing should be carried on top of
the shelf panel behind the rear seat. If
there were an accident or a sudden
stop, such objects could move forward
and cause damage to the vehicle or
injure the occupants.o After being parked, check to be sure the
parking brake is not engaged and that the
parking brake indicator light is out before
driving away.
o Driving through water may get the brakes
wet. They can also get wet when the car is
washed. Wet brakes can be dangerous!
Your car will not stop as quickly if the brakes
are wet. Wet brakes may cause the car to
pull to one side. To dry the brakes, apply
the brakes lightly until the braking action
returns to normal, taking care to keep the
car under control at all times. If the braking
action does not return to normal, stop as
soon as it is safe to do so and call your
Hyundai dealer for assistance.
o Don't coast down hills with the car out of
gear. This is extremely hazardous. Keep
the car in gear at all times, use the brakes
to slow down, then shift to a lower gear so
that engine braking will help you maintain
a safe speed.
o Don't "ride" the brake pedal. Resting your
foot on the brake pedal while driving can
be dangerous because it can result in the
brakes overheating and losing their
effectiveness. It also increases the wear of
the brake components.
o If a tire goes flat while you are driving, apply
the brakes gently and keep the car pointed
straight ahead while you slow down. When
you are moving slowly enough for it to be
safe to do so, pull off the road and stop in
a safe place.o If your car is equipped with an automatic
transaxle, don't let your car creep
forward. To avoid creeping forward,
keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal
when the car is stopped.
o Use caution when parking on a hill.
Firmly engage the parking brake and
place the gear selector lever in "P"
(automatic transaxle) or in first or reverse
gear (manual transaxle). If your car is
facing downhill, turn the front wheels
into the curb to help keep the car from
rolling. If your car is facing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the curb to
help keep the car from rolling. If there is
no curb or if it is required by other
conditions to keep the car from rolling,
block the wheels.
o Under some conditions your parking
brake can freeze in the engaged
position. This is most likely to happen
when there is an accumulation of snow
or ice around or near the rear brakes or
if the brakes are wet. If there is a risk that
the parking brake may freeze, apply it
only temporarily while you put the gear
selector lever in "P" (automatic) or in first
or reverse gear (manual transaxle) and
block the rear wheels so the car cannot
roll. Then release the parking brake.
o Do not hold the vehicle on the upgrade
with the accelerator pedal. This can
cause the transaxle to overheat. Always
use the brake pedal or parking brake.

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
16
o Travel lightly. Don't carry unnecessary
weight in your car. Weight reduces fuel
economy.
o Don't let the engine idle longer than
necessary. If you are waiting (and not in
traffic), turn off your engine and restart
only when you're ready to go.
o Remember, your Hyundai does not re-
quire extended warm-up. After the en-
gine has started, allow the engine to run
for 10 to 20 seconds prior to placing the
vehicle in gear. In very cold weather,
however, give your engine a slightly
longer warm-up period.
o Don't "lug" or "over-rev" the engine.
Lugging is driving too slowly in too high
a gear resulting in the engine bucking.
If this happens, shift to a lower gear.
Over-revving is racing the engine
beyond its safe limit. This can be avoided
by shifting at the recommended speeds.
o Use your air conditioning sparingly. The
air conditioning system is operated by
engine power so your fuel economy is
reduced when you use it. o Take care of your tires. Keep them
inflated to the recommended pressure.
Incorrect inflation, either too much or
too little, results in unnecessary tire
wear. Check the tire pressures at least
once a month.
o Be sure that the wheels are aligned
correctly. Improper alignment can result
from hitting curbs or driving too fast over
irregular surfaces. Poor alignment
causes faster tire wear and may also
result in other problems as well as
greater fuel consumption.
o Keep your car in good condition. For
better fuel economy and reduced
maintenance costs, maintain your car
in accordance with the maintenance
schedule in Section 5. If you drive your
car in severe conditions, more frequent
maintenance is required (see Section 5
for details).
o Keep your car clean. For maximum
service, your Hyundai should be kept
clean and free of corrosive materials. It
is especially important that mud, dirt,
ice, etc. not be allowed to accumulate
on the underside of the car. This extra
weight can result in increased fuel
consumption and also contribute to cor-
rosion.
DRIVING FOR ECONOMYC140A02A-AATYou can save fuel and get more miles from
your car if you follow these suggestions:
o Drive smoothly. Accelerate at a
moderate rate. Don't make "jack-rabbit"
starts or full-throttle shifts and maintain
a steady cruising speed. Don't race
between stoplights. Try to adjust your
speed to that of the other traffic so you
don't have to change speeds unneces-
sarily. Avoid heavy traffic whenever pos-
sible. Always maintain a safe distance
from other vehicles so you can avoid
unnecessary braking. This also reduces
brake wear.
o Drive at a moderate speed. The faster
you drive, the more fuel your car uses.
Driving at a moderate speed, especially
on the highway, is one of the most
effective ways to reduce fuel
consumption.
o Don't "ride" the brake or clutch pedal.
This can increase fuel consumption and
also increase wear on these
components. In addition, driving with
your foot resting on the brake pedal may
cause the brakes to overheat, which
reduces their effectiveness and may
lead to more serious consequences.

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
20
C190B01S-AATTrailer HitchesSelect the proper hitch and ball
combination, making sure that its location
is compatible with that of the trailer or
vehicle being towed.
Use a quality non-equalizing hitch which
distributes 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.C190C01Y-AATTrailer BrakesIf 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
Under Severe Usage Conditions" on
page 5-6.
TRAILER OR VEHICLE TOWING!
C190A01TG-AATIf you are considering towing with your car,
you should first check with your State's
Department of Motor Vehicles to determine
their legal requirements.
Since laws vary from State to State the
requirements for towing trailers, cars, or
other types of vehicles or apparatus may
differ. Ask your Hyundai dealer for further
details before towing.
CAUTION:
o 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. Failure to heed this caution
may result in serious engine or
transaxle damage.
o When towing a trailer, be sure to con-
sult your Hyundai dealer for further
information on additional require-
ments such as a towing kit, etc.
USE OF LIGHTSC180A01A-AATCheck your lights regularly for correct op-
eration and always keep them clean. When
driving during the day in conditions of poor
visibility, it is helpful to drive with headlights
on low beam. This enables you to be seen,
as well as to see.

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
22
C190F01Y-GATTrailer 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. 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 tow a trailer with the transaxle in
fifth gear (manual 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
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
buffeting, slow down to get out of the
other vehicle's air turbulence.
!
lbs(kg)
!
Tongue
100 (45)
- With3.3L
Brake 2.4L
Without BrakeMaximum Towable Weight
Trailer
1000 (450)
1000 (450)
500 (225)
CAUTION:
The following specifications are recom-
mended when towing a trailer. The loaded
trailer weight cannot safely exceed the
values in the chart below.
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
braking.
o Be careful when driving in slippery
and windy conditions.
o Be careful when turning and while
driving up and down hills. 3. The front or rear axle weight must not
exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) shown on the vehicle identi-
fication plate (see page 8-2). It is
possible that your towing package
does not exceed 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.

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
23
8. 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.
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, check occasionally to
be sure that the load is secure, and that
the lights and any trailer brakes are still
working.
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, down-
shift the transaxle to a lower gear and
reduce speed to reduce chances of
engine overloading and/or overheat-
ing.
CAUTION:
If overheating should occur when tow-
ing, (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.
!
VEHICLE LOAD LIMITC190F02JM-AATTire and Loading Information Label
ONF058021N
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 over-
heat. Use the parking brake or
footbrake.NOTE:When towing check transaxle fluid more
frequently.
Type A
Type B
ONF058022N

32WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
IF THE ENGINE WILL NOT START!
D010A01A-AAT
D010B02A-AATIf Engine Doesn't Turn Over or Turns
Over Slowly
D010C02Y-AATIf Engine Turns Over Normally but
Does Not Start1. Check fuel level.
2. With the key in the "OFF" position, check
all connectors at ignition, coil and spark
plugs. Reconnect any that may be dis-
connected or loose.
3. Check the fuel line in the engine com-
partment.
4. If the engine still does not start, call a
Hyundai dealer or seek other qualified
assistance.
D010D01A-AATIf Engine Stalls While Driving1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping
a straight line. Move cautiously off the
road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try to start the engine again. If your
vehicle will not start, contact a Hyundai
dealer or seek other qualified assis-
tance.If the engine stalls at a crossroad and
crossingIf the engine stalls at a crossroad or cross-
ing, set the shift lever in the N (Neutral)
position and then push the vehicle to a safe
place.
WARNING:
If the engine will not start, do not push or
pull the car to start it. This could result in
a collision or cause other damage. In
addition, push or pull starting may cause
the catalytic converter to be overloaded
and create a fire hazard.
1. If your car has an automatic transaxle,
be sure the gear selector lever is in "N"
or "P" and the emergency brake is set.
2. Check the battery connections to be
sure they are clean and tight.
ONF078017
3. Turn on the interior light. If the light dims
or goes out when you operate the starter,
the battery is discharged.
4. Check the starter connections to be
sure they are securely tightened.
5. Do not push or pull the vehicle to start it.
See instructions for "Jump Starting".

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 SJ, SL or ABOVE,
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
21
G170A01A-AATBRAKE PEDALWith the engine off, press down on the
brake pedal several times to reduce the
vacuum in the brake booster.
Then, using your hand, press down slowly
on the brake pedal until you feel a change
in resistance. This is the brake pedal free-
play.
The free-play should be within the limits
specified in the illustration above. If it is not,
have it inspected by your Hyundai dealer
and adjusted or repaired if necessary.
G160A01HR
0.12 ~ 0.31 in.
(3 ~ 8 mm)
CHECKING BRAKE PEDAL
CLEARANCEG180A01A-AATYou need a helper to check the brake
pedal clearance. With the engine running,
have your helper press down on the brake
pedal several times and then hold it down
with a force of about 110 lbs (50 kg, 490 N).
The brake pedal clearance is the distance
from the top surface of the brake pedal to
the asphalt sheeting under the floor mat.
If the brake pedal clearance is not within
the limits specified in the illustration, have
it inspected by your Hyundai dealer and
adjusted or repaired if necessary.
G180A01L
2.95 in.
(75 mm)
G160A01A-GATCLUTCH PEDALWith the engine off, press lightly on the
clutch pedal until you feel a change in
resistance. This is the clutch pedal free-
play. The free-play should be within the
limits specified in the illustration. If it is not,
have it inspected by your Hyundai dealer
and adjusted or repaired if necessary.
G160A01HR
0.24~0.51 in.
(6~13 mm)