check engine light Hyundai Sonata

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
19
!
C160K01A-AATCarry Emergency EquipmentDepending on the severity of the weather
where you drive your car, you should carry
appropriate emergency equipment. Some
of the items you may want to carry include
tire chains, tow straps or chains, flashlight,
emergency flares, sand, a shovel, jumper
cables, a window scraper, gloves, ground
cloth, coveralls, a blanket, etc.
HIGHER SPEED MOTORINGC170A02A-AATPre-Trip Inspections1. Tires:
Adjust the tire inflation pressures to speci-
fication. Low tire inflation pressures will
result in overheating and possible failure
of the tires.
Avoid using worn or damaged tires which
may result in reduced traction or tire failure.NOTE:Never exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure shown on the tires.2. Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil:
High speed travel consumes more fuel
than urban motoring. Do not forget to check
both engine coolant and engine oil.
3. Drive belt:
A loose or damaged drive belt may result
in overheating of the engine.
WARNING:
o Underinflated or overinflated tires
can cause poor handling, loss of
vehicle control, and sudden tire failure
leading to accidents, injuries, and
even death. Always check tires are
properly inflated before driving. Refer
to pages 2-23 and 8-3 for proper tire
pressures and further information.
o Driving on tires with no or insufficient
tread is dangerous. Worn-out tires
can result in loss of vehicle control,
collisions, injury, and even death.
Worn-out tires should be replaced as
soon as possible and should never be
used for driving. Always check tire
tread before driving your car. Refer
to 8-10 for further information and
tread limits.

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".

3
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
3
JUMP STARTING!
o If you should accidentally get acid on
your skin or in your eyes, immediately
remove any contaminated clothing and
flush the area with clean water for at
least 15 minutes. Then promptly obtain
medical attention. If you must be trans-
ported to an emergency facility, continue
to apply water to the affected area with
a sponge or cloth.
o The gas produced by the battery during
the jump-start operation is highly
explosive. Do not smoke or allow a
spark or an open flame in the vicinity.
o The battery being used to provide the
jump start must be 12-volt. If you cannot
determine that it is a 12-volt battery, do
not attempt to use it for the jump start.
o To jump start a car with a discharged
battery, follow this procedure exactly:
1. If the booster battery is installed in
another vehicle, be sure the two vehicles
are not touching.
2. Turn off all unnecessary lights and
acces-sories in both vehicles.
3. Attach the clamps of the jumper cable in
the exact location shown on the illustra-
tion. First, attach one clamp of the jumper
cable to the positive (+) post or cable of
the discharged battery.Then attach the other end of the same
cable to the positive (+) post or cable of
the booster battery. Next, using the other
cable, attach one clamp to the negative
(-) post or cable of the booster battery.
Then attach the other end of that cable
to a solid metal part of the engine of the
vehicle with the discharged battery
away from the battery. Do not connect
the cable to any moving part.
4. Start the engine in the car with the
booster battery and let it run for a few
minutes. This will help to assure that the
booster battery is fully charged. During
the jumping operation, run the engine
in this vehicle at about 2,000 rpm.
5. Start the engine in the car with the
discharged battery using the normal
starting procedure. After the engine
starts, leave the jumper cables con-
nected and let the engine run at fast idle
or about 2,000 rpm for several minutes.
6. Carefully remove the jumper cables in
the reverse order of attachment.
If you do not know why your battery became
discharged (because the lights were left
on, etc.), have the charging system checked
by your Hyundai dealer.
D020A03A-AAT
WARNING:
The gas produced by the battery during
the jump-start operation is highly
explosive. If these instructions are not
followed exactly, serious personal injury
and damage to the vehicle may occur! If
you are not sure how to follow this
procedure, seek qualified assistance.
Automobile batteries contain sulfuric
acid. This is poisonous and highly
corrosive. When jump starting, wear pro-
tective glasses and be careful not to get
acid on yourself, your clothing or on the
car.
HNF4001
Booster
batteryDischarged
battery

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)

6
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
23
!
CAUTION:
When replacing a fusible link, never use
anything but a new fusible link with the
same or lower amperage rating. Never
use a piece of wire or a higher-rated
fusible link. This could result in serious
damage and create a fire hazard.
G200B02NF
4. Replace the blown fuse by pressing a
new fuse of the same rating into place.
The fuse should be a snug fit. If it is not,
have the fuse clip repaired or replaced
by a Hyundai dealer. If you do not have
a spare fuse, you may be able to borrow
a fuse of the same or lower rating from
an accessory you can temporarily get
along without (the radio or cigarette
lighter, for example). Always remember
to replace the borrowed fuse.
G200B01NF-AATReplacing Accessory FuseThe fuse box for the lights and other elec-
trical accessories will be found on the left
side of the instrument panel. Inside the box
you will find a list showing the circuits
protected by each fuse.
If any of your car's lights or other electrical
accessories stop working, a blown fuse
could be the reason. If the fuse has burned
out, you will see that the metal strip inside
the fuse has burned through. If you suspect
a blown fuse, follow this procedure:
1. Turn off the ignition and all other
switches.
2. Open the fuse box and examine each
fuse. Remove each fuse by pulling it
toward you (a small "fuse puller" tool is
contained in the relay and fuse box of
the engine room to simplify this
operation).
ONF078018
3. Be sure to check all other fuses, even if
you find one that appears to have burned
out.