check engine light Hyundai Sonata

YOUR VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
F12
B255A02NF-AATINDICATOR SYMBOLS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
High Beam Indicator Light
Door Ajar Warning LightSeat Belt Reminder Light and ChimeTurn Signal Indicator Lights
ABS Service Reminder Indicator (If Installed)
Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
Parking Brake/Low Brake Fluid Level
Warning Light
Charging System Warning Light
SRS (Airbag) Warning Light
Cruise Indicator Light Check Engine - Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Indicator
Lights
Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level Warning LightFront Fog Light Indicator Light (If Installed)
Cruise SET Indicator LightLow Fuel Level Warning Light
Trunk Lid Open Warning Light
* More detailed explanations of these items will be found beginning on page 1-50.
Low Tire Pressure Telltale (If Installed)TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Malfunction
Telltale (If Installed)

1FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI2
!
B010A01NF-A
FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS
CAUTION:
Your Hyundai's New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty may not cover damage to the fuel
system and any performance problems
that are caused by the use of fuels con-
taining methanol or fuels containing
MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) over
15.0% vol. (Oxygen Content 2.7% weight.)
B010B01A-AATWhat About Gasohol?Gasohol (a mixture of 90% unleaded
gasoline and 10% ethanol or grain alcohol)
may be used in your Hyundai. However, if
your engine develops driveability
problems, the use of 100% unleaded
gasoline is recommended. Fuels with
unspecified quantities of alcohol, or
alcohols other than ethanol, should not be
used.
B010A02NF-AATUse Unleaded GasolineUnleaded gasoline with a Pump Octane
Rating of 87 (Research Octane Number
91) or higher must be used in your
Hyundai.
B010C01A-AATUse of MTBEHyundai recommends that fuels
containing MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl
Ether) over 15.0% vol. (Oxygen Content
2.7% weight) should not be used in your
Hyundai.
Fuel containing MTBE over 15.0% vol.
(Oxygen Content 2.7% weight) may reduce
vehicle performance and produce vapor
lock or hard starting.
B010D01A-AATDo Not Use MethanolFuels containing methanol (wood alcohol)
should not be used in your Hyundai. This
type of fuel can reduce vehicle
performance and damage components of
the fuel system.
!
UNLEADED
FUEL ONLY
WARNING:
o Do not "top off" after the nozzle auto-
matically shuts off when refueling.
o Tighten the cap until it clicks, otherwise
the "
" light will illuminate.
o Always check that the fuel cap is
installed securely to prevent fuel
spillage in the event of an accident.

1
FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
49
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

1
FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
51
B260F01A-AAT
High Beam Indicator Light
The high beam indicator light comes on
whenever the headlights are switched to
the high beam or flash position.
B260G01A-AAT
Low Oil Pressure Warning
Light
CAUTION:
If the low oil pressure warning light stays
on while the engine is running, serious
engine damage may result. The oil pres-
sure warning light comes on whenever
there is insufficient oil pressure. In nor-
mal 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 is 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 en-
gine off immediately. 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.
!
B260A01Y-GAT
Front Fog Light Indicator Light
(If Installed)
This fog indicator light comes on when the
ignition key is turned to the "ON" position
and the front fog light switch is on.NOTE:o You can find the front passenger's
seat belt warning light on the center
fascia panel.
o Although the front passenger seat is
not occupied, the seat belt warning
light will blink for 6 seconds.
o The seat belt warning light can blink
when a briefcase or purse is placed
on the front passenger seat.
!
B260H02A-AAT
Parking Brake/Low Brake Fluid
Level Warning Light
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
system or brake hydraulic system is
dangerous, and could result in a serious
injury or death.Warning Light OperationThe 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 released.
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.

1FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI52
B260L02HP-GAT
Door Ajar Warning Light and
Chime
The door ajar warning light warns you that
a door is not completely closed and the
chime warns you that the key is in the
ignition switch.NOTE :The warning chime only sounds
whenever the key is in the ignition switch
and the driver's side front door is open
simultaneously. The chime sounds until
the key is removed from the ignition
switch or the driver's side front door is
closed.
B260M01A-AAT
Low Fuel Level Warning Light
The low fuel level warning light comes on
when the fuel tank is approaching empty.
When it comes on, you should add fuel as
soon as possible. Driving with the fuel
level warning light on or with the fuel level
below "E" can cause the engine to misfire
and damage the catalytic converter.B260N02A-AAT
Check Engine - Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)
This light illuminates when there is a
malfunction of an exhaust gas related
component, and the system is not
functioning properly so that the exhaust
gas regulation values are not satisfied. This
light will also illuminate when the ignition key
is turned to the "ON" position, and will go out
in a few seconds after the engine is started.
If it illuminates while driving, or does not
illuminate when the ignition key is turned to
the "ON" position, take your car to your
nearest authorized Hyundai dealer and have
the system checked. 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 carefully 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.
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.
B260J01NF-AAT
Charging System Warning
Light
The charging system warning light should
come on when the ignition is turned on,
then go out when the engine is running. If
the light stays on while the engine is
running, there is a malfunction in the
electrical charging system. If the light comes
on while you are driving, have the system
checked by your Hyundai dealer as soon
as possible.
B260K01S-AAT
Trunk Lid Open Warning Light
This light remains on unless the trunk lid is
completely closed and latched.

1FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI60
MULTI-FUNCTION LIGHT
SWITCHB340A01A-AATCOMBINATION TURN SIGNAL,
HEADLIGHT AND HIGH-BEAM
SWITCH
Turn Signal OperationPulling down on the lever causes the turn
signals on the left side of the car to blink.
Pushing upwards on the lever causes the
turn signals on the right side of the car to
blink. As the turn is completed, the lever
will automatically return to the center
position and turn off the turn signals at the
same time. If either turn signal indicator
light blinks more rapidly than usual, goes
on but does not blink, or does not go on at
all, there is a malfunction in the system.
Check for a burned-out fuse or bulb or see
your Hyundai dealer.
4. Drive Timeo This mode indicates the total time from
the starting of the engine to the ignition
key "OFF" after resetting. When the
RESET switch is pushed, it will be
initialized to '0:00'. If the ignition switch
is turned to OFF for more than 2 hours,
it will be reset automatically.
o The drive time will be initialized to '0:00'
after being displayed to '99:59'.
ONF048055N
3. Average Fuel Consumption (MPG)o This mode calculates the average fuel
consumption from the total fuel used
and the distance since the last average
consumption reset.
o The total fuel used is calculated from the
fuel consumption input.
o Average fuel consumption is reset to
zero if the battery is disconnected.
o To reset the average fuel consumption
to zero (--), press the RESET switch for
more than 1 second. If the fuel is refilled
more than 1.36 gallons (6 liters), it will
be reset automatically.
o When you drive 0.5 mile and less after
resetting, the average fuel consumption
will be displayed to '--'.
ONF048122N

1FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI86
!
WARNING:
- When using a portable fuel container,
be sure to place the container on the
ground while refueling. Static elec-
tricity discharge from the container
can ignite fuel vapors causing a fire.
While starting refueling, contact
should be maintained until the filling
is complete.
- Do not use cellular phones around a
gas station. The electric current or
electronic interference from cellular
phones can ignite fuel vapors caus-
ing a fire.
- When refueling, always turn the en-
gine off. Sparks by engine compart-
ment electrical equipment can ignite
fuel vapors causing a fire. After re-
fueling, check to make sure the fuel
filler cap is securely closed, and
then start the engine.
- Do not smoke or try to light cigarettes
around a gas station. Automotive
fuels are flammable.
o After refueling, make sure the fuel
cap is installed securely to prevent
fuel spillage in the event of an accident
o Tighten the cap until it clicks, otherwise
the "
" light will illuminate
o If you open the fuel filler cap during
high ambient temperatures, a slight
"pressure sound" may be heard. This
is normal and not a cause for concern.
Whenever you open the fuel filler cap,
turn it slowly.
o Do not "top off" after the nozzle auto-
matically shuts off when refueling.
o Automotive fuels are flammable/ex-
plosive materials. When refueling,
please note the following guidelines
carefully.
- Before touching the fuel nozzle or
fuel filler cap, have one's hands in
contact with metal parts away from
the filler neck to discharge static
electricity.
- Do not get back in the vehicle while
refueling. Do not operate anything
that can produce static electricity.
Static electricity discharge can ignite
fuel vapors resulting in an explosion.
!
!
WARNING:
o Gasoline vapors are dangerous.
Before refueling, always stop the
engine and never smoke or allow
sparks and open flames near the filler
area.
o Never operate your vehicle without a
filler cap properly installed, flammable
vapors and gasoline could leak out in
dangerous situations such as a
collision or rollover. If the filler cap
must be replaced, only use genuine
Hyundai replacement parts.
HNF2021
WARNING:

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
3
!
BEFORE STARTING
THE ENGINEC020A01NF-AATBefore you start the engine, you should
always:
1. Look around the vehicle to be sure
there are no flat tires, puddles of oil,
water or other indications of possible
trouble.
2. After entering the car, check to be sure
the parking brake is engaged.
3. Check that all windows and lights are
clean.
4. Check that the interior and exterior
mirrors are clean and in position.
5. Check your seat, seatback and head-
rest to be sure they are in their proper
positions.
6. Lock all the doors.
7. Fasten your seat belt and be sure that all
other occupants have fastened theirs.
8. Turn off all lights and accessories that
are not needed.
9. When you turn the ignition switch to
"ON", check that all appropriate warning
lights are operating and that you have
sufficient fuel.
10. Check the operation of warning lights
and all bulbs when key is in the "ON"
position.
TO START THE ENGINEC030A01E-AATCOMBINATION IGNITION SWITCHo If your Hyundai is equipped with a
manual transaxle, place the shift lever
in neutral and depress the clutch pedal
fully.
o If your Hyundai has an automatic
transaxle, place the shift lever in "P"
(Park).
o To start the engine, insert the ignition
key and turn it to the "START" position.
Release it as soon as the engine starts.
Do not hold the key in the "START"
position for more than 15 seconds.NOTE:o For safety, the engine will not start if
the clutch pedal is not depressed fully
(Manual Transaxle) or the shift lever
is not in "P" or "N" Position (Automatic
Transaxle).
o The ignition key cannot be turned from
"ACC" position to "LOCK" position
unless the shift lever is in the "P"
(Park) position or the negative battery
terminal is disconnected from the bat-
tery. To remove the key, always
confirm that the shift lever is securely
positioned in "P" (Park) (For Automatic
Transaxle).
o For additional information about start-
ing, see page 2-5.
WARNING:
o All passengers must be properly
belted whenever the vehicle is moving.
Refer to pages: 1-21 through 1-33 for
more information on their proper use.
o Always check the surrounding areas
near your vehicle for people,
especially children, before putting a
car into 'drive'.
!
WARNING:
Always wear appropriate shoes when
operating your vehicle.
Unsuitable shoes (high heels, ski boots,
etc.) may interfere with your ability to
use the brake and accelerator pedal,
and the clutch (if installed).
!
WARNING:
When you intend to park or stop the
vehicle with the engine on, be careful not
to depress the accelerator pedal for a
long period of time. It may overheat the
engine or exhaust system and cause
fire.

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.