belt Hyundai Sonata 2003 Owner's Guide

FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI 1- 31
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B990A04Y-AATPASSENGER PRESENCE DETECTION
The passenger presence detection system
detects the presence of a passenger in the right
front seat. If no passenger is recognized on the
front passenger seat, the deployment of the
front passenger and/or side airbag and seat belt
pretensioner will be prevented.
This system is designed to prevent the replace-
ment of airbag components that deploy need-
lessly in an accident.
NOTE:Luggage or other cargo heavier than 33 lbs
(15 kg) should not be placed on the passen-
ger front seat. This can allow the deploy-
ment of the front passenger and/or side air
bag in the case of an accident.
WARNING:The Passenger Presence Detection system
is not intended to prevent airbag deploy-
ment while a child is in the front passen-
ger's seat. It is intended only as a means to
reduce unnecessary collision damage re-
pair expense by preventing airbag and seat
belt pretensioner deployment when the
right front passenger seat is unoccupied.
Deployment is still possible if only a few
pounds are placed upon the seat. There-
fore, children must not be transported inthe front seat. All children must be seated
in the rear seat and properly restrained with
the vehicle's restraint system or a child
restraint system appropriate for the child's
size and weight.
B990B03Y-AATSide Impact Airbag (If installed)
Your Hyundai is equipped with a side impact
airbag in each front seat. The purpose of the
airbag is to provide the vehicle's driver and/or
the front passenger with additional protection
than that offered by the seat belt alone. The side
impact airbags are designed to deploy only
during certain side-impact collisions, depend-
ing on the crash severity, angle, speed and point
of impact. The side impact air bags are not
designed to deploy in all side impact situations.
WARNING:o For best protection from the side impact
airbag system and to avoid being injured
by the deploying side impact airbag,
both front seat occupants should sit in
an upright position with the seat belt
properly fastened. The driver's hands
should be placed on the steering wheel
at the 9:00 and 3:00 o'clock positions.
The passenger's arms and hands should
be placed in their laps.
o Do not use any accessory seat covers.
o Use of seat covers could reduce or pre-
vent the effectiveness of the system.
o Do not install any accessories on the
side or near the side impact airbag.
o Do not use excessive force on the side of
the seat.
B990B02YHTB072
Side airbag
sensor

1- 34 FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
B260A05Y-GATINSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND INDICATOR LIGHTS
1. Malfuction Indicator Light (If installed)
2. Tachometer
3. Turn Signal Indicator Light
4. Coolant Temperature Gauge
5. Fuel Gauge
6. Speedometer
7. Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light (If installed)
8. SRS (Airbag) Warning Light (If installed)
9. Seat Belt Warning Light (If installed)10.Trunk Lid Open Warning Light
11.Door Ajar Warning Light
12.Trip odometer or Trip computer (If installed)
reset switch
13.High Beam Indicator Light
14.Front Fog Indicator Light (If installed)
15.Automatic Transaxle Position Indicator Light
(If installed)
16.Odometer/Trip odometer/Trip Computer
(If installed)17.Low Fuel Warning Light
18.Trip odometer or Trip computer (If installed)
mode convert switch
19.Parking Brake/Brake Fluid Level Warning
Light
20.Charging System Warning Light
21.Oil Pressure Warning Light
22.Cruise Indicator (If installed)
23.Traction Control Indicator Light (If installed)
B260A04Y-A1
12345637
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI 1- 35
B260B01A-AATSRS (Airbag) Service
Reminder Indicator (SRI)
The SRS service reminder indicator (SRI) comes
on and flashes for about 6 seconds after the
ignition key is turned to the "ON" position or after
the engine is started, after which it will go out.
This light also comes on when the SRS is not
working properly. If the SRI does not come on,
or continuously remains on after flashing for
about 6 seconds when you turned the ignition
key to the "ON" position or started the engine,
or if it comes on while driving, have the SRS
inspected by an authorized Hyundai Dealer.
B260D01A-AATTurn signal Indicator Lights
The blinking green arrows on the instrument
panel show the direction indicated by the turn
signals. If the arrow comes on but does not blink,
blinks more rapidly than normal, or does not
illuminate at all, a malfunction in the turn signal
system is indicated. Your dealer should be
consulted for repairs.
B260E01L-AATSeat Belt Reminder Light
And Chime
Seat belt reminder light comes and stays on until
the seat belt is fastened when the ignition key is
turned "ON" or "START".
And, the warning chime will also sound for about
6 seconds.
B260F01A-AATHigh Beam Indicator Light
The high beam indicator light comes on when-
ever the headlights are switched to the high
beam or flash position.
B260G01A-AATOil Pressure Warning Light
CAUTION:
If the oil pressure warning light stays on
while the engine is running, serious engine
damage may result. The oil pressure warn-
ing light comes on whenever there is insuf-
ficient oil pressure. In normal 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 engine off imme-
diately. 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.
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1- 36 FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
B260H02A-AATParking Brake/Brake Fluid Level
Warning Lightadding 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 or some other safe method.
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.
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 sys-
tem or brake hydraulic system is danger-
ous, 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 re-
leased.
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.
The brake 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
B260J01A-AATCharging 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 malfunc-
tion in the electrical charging system. If the light
comes on while you are driving, stop, turn off the
engine and check under the hood. First, make
certain the generator drive belt is in place. If it is,
check the tension of the belt. Do this as shown
on page 6-18 by pushing down on the center of
the belt. And then have the system checked by
your Hyundai dealer.
B260K01S-AATTrunk Lid Open Warning Light
This light remains on unless the trunk lid is
completely closed.
B260L01Y-AAT
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 driver's side front door is not completely
closed.
NOTE:To remind you not to lock the key inside the
car, the warning light comes on whenever
the key is in the "LOCK" position and a door
is open. The warning chime only sounds
whenever the key is in the "LOCK" position
and driver's side front door is open. The
chime sounds and the light remains on
until the key is removed from the ignition.

1- 38 FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
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B290A01A-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 needle on the engine coolant temperature
gauge should stay in the normal range. 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 check the coolant
reservoir level 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.
B300A01A-AATSPEEDOMETER
Your Hyundai's speedometer is calibrated in
miles per hour (on the outer scale) and kilome-
ters per hour (on the inner scale).HEF-009HEF-008B
B280A01A-AATFUEL GAUGE
The needle on the gauge indicates the approxi-
mate fuel level in the fuel tank. The fuel capacity
is given in Section 9.
HEF-010 B270A01A-AAT
BRAKE PAD WEAR WARNING SOUND
The front disc brake pads have wear indicators
that should make a high-pitched squealing or
scraping noise when new pads are needed. The
sound may come and go or be heard all the time
when the vehicle is moving. It may also be heard
when the brake pedal is pushed down firmly.
Excessive rotor damage will result if the worn
pads are not replaced. See your Hyundai dealer
immediately.

DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI 2- 3
C020A01A-AATBEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
Before 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 headrest 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.
C030A01A-AATCOMBINATION IGNITION SWITCH
To Start the Engine
Before starting the engine:
o If your Hyundai is equipped with a manual
transaxle, place the shift lever in neutral and
depress the clutch.
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
shift lever is not in "P" or "N" Position.
o The ignition key cannot be turned from
"ACC" position to "LOCK" position un-
less the shift lever is in the "P" (Park)
position or the negative battery terminal
is disconnected from the battery. To
remove the key, always confirm that the
shift lever is securely positioned in "P"
(Park).
o For additional information about start-
ing, see page 2-3.
C040A01Y-AATKEY POSITIONS
CAUTION:
The engine should not be turned off or the
key removed from the ignition key cylinder
while the car is in motion.
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o "ON"
When the key is in the "ON" position, the ignition
is on and all accessories may be turned on. If
the engine is not running, the key should not be
left in the "ON" position. This will discharge the
battery and may also damage the ignition sys-
tem.LOCKACC
ON
START

DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI 2- 5
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C050B01A-AATNormal Conditions:
The Starting Procedure:
1. Insert key, and fasten the seat belt.
2. Depress the clutch pedal fully and place the
gearshift lever (manual transaxle) in neutral
or the selector lever (automatic transaxle) in
"P" (park) position.
3. After turning the ignition key to the "ON"
position, make certain all warning lights and
gauges are functioning properly before start-
ing the engine.
WARNING:Be sure that the clutch is fully depressed
when starting a manual transaxle vehicle.
Your manual transaxle equipped vehicle
will not start unless the clutch pedal is fully
depressed. On a manual transaxle equipped
vehicle that can be started without de-
pressing the clutch, there is the potential to
cause
damage to the vehicle or injury to someone
inside or outside the vehicle as a result of
the forward or backward movement of the
vehicle that will occur if the clutch is not
depressed when the vehicle is started.4. Turn the ignition key to the "Start" position
and release it when the engine starts.
After the engine has started, allow the engine
to run for 10 to 20 seconds prior to placing
the vehicle in gear.
The starter should not be operated for more
than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 15-30 sec-
onds between starting attempts to protect
the starter from overheating.
C070A02A-AAT
OPERATING THE MANUAL
TRANSAXLE
Your Hyundai's manual transaxle has a con-
ventional shift pattern. This shift pattern is im-
printed on the shift knob. The transaxle is fully
synchronized in all forward gears so shifting to
either a higher or a lower gear is easily accom-
plished.
NOTE:o To shift into reverse, rest the lever in
neutral for at least 3 seconds after your
car is completely stopped. Then move
the lever into the reverse position.
o During cold weather, shifting may be
difficult until the transaxle lubricant has
warmed up. This is normal and not harm-
ful to the transaxle.
o If you've come to a complete stop and
it's hard to shift into 1st or R(Reverse),
put the shift lever in N(Neutral) position
and release the clutch. Press the clutch
pedal back down, and then shift into 1st
or R(Reverse) gear position.
o Do not use the shift lever as a handrest
during driving, as this can result in pre-
mature wear of the transaxle shift forks.
!CAUTION:When downshifting from fifth gear to fourth
gear, caution should be taken not to inad-
vertently press the gear lever sideways in
such a manner that second gear is en-
gaged. Such a drastic downshift may cause
the engine speed to increase to the point
that the tachometer will enter the red-zone.
Such over-revving of the engine may pos-
sibly cause engine damage.
HEF-238

2- 6 DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
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shift into reverse, depress the clutch, move
the shift lever to neutral, wait three seconds,
then shift to the reverse position.
o Exercise extreme caution when driving on a
slippery surface. Be especially careful when
braking, accelerating or shifting gears. On a
slippery surface, an abrupt change in ve-
hicle speed can cause the drive wheels to
lose traction and the vehicle to go out of
control.C070E02A-AATRecommended Shift Points
The shift points as shown on the chart are
recommended for optimum fuel economy and
performance.
Shift
from-to
1-2
2-3
3-4
4-5Recommended
mph (km/h)
15 (20)
25 (40)
35 (55)
45 (75)
C070B01A-AATUsing the Clutch
The clutch should be pressed all the way to the
floor before shifting, then released slowly. The
clutch pedal should always be used after fully
returning to the original position. Do not rest your
foot on the clutch pedal while driving. This can
cause unnecessary wear.
Do not partially engage the clutch to hold the car
on an incline. This causes unnecessary wear.
Use the parking brake to hold the car on an
incline. Do not operate the clutch pedal rapidly
and repeatedly.
C070D02A-AATGood Driving Practices
o Never take the car out of gear and coast
down a hill. This is extremely hazardous.
Always leave the car in gear.
o Don't "ride" the brakes. This can cause them
to overheat and malfunction. Instead, when
you are driving down a long hill, slow down
and shift to a lower gear. When you do this,
engine braking will help slow the car.
o Slow down before shifting to a lower gear.
This will help avoid over-revving the engine,
which can cause damage.
o Slow down when you encounter cross winds.
This gives you much better control of your
car.
o Be sure the car is completely stopped before
you attempt to shift into reverse. The
transaxle can be damaged if you do not. To
WARNING:o Avoid high cornering speeds.
o Do not make quick steering wheel move-
ments, such as sharp lane changes or
fast, sharp turns.
o Always wear your seat belts.
o The risk of rollover is greatly increased if
you lose control of your vehicle at high-
way speeds.
o Loss of control often occurs if two or
more wheels drop off the roadway and
the driver oversteers to reenter the road-
way.
o In the event your vehicle leaves the road-
way, do not steer sharply. Instead, slow
down before pulling back into the travel
lanes.
o In a collision crash, un unbelted person
is significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seatbelt.

2- 10 DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
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C120A02A-AATANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(If installed)
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is designed
to prevent wheel lock-up during sudden braking
or on hazardous road surfaces. The ABS con-
trol module monitors the wheel speed and con-
trols the pressure applied to each brake. Thus,
in emergency situations or on slick roads, ABS
will increase vehicle control during braking.
NOTE:During ABS operation, a slight pulsation
may be felt in the brake pedal when the
brakes are applied. Also, a noise may be
heard in the engine compartment while
braking. These conditions are normal and
indicate that the anti-lock brake system is
functioning properly.
C090N01O-AATGood Driving Practices
o Never move the gear selector lever from "P"
or "N" to any other position with the accelera-
tor pedal depressed.
o Never move the gear selector lever into "P"
when the vehicle is in motion.
o Be sure the car is completely stopped before
you attempt to shift into "R".
o Never take the car out of gear and coast
down a hill. This may be extremely hazard-
ous. Always leave the car in gear when
moving.
o Do not "ride" the brakes. This can cause
them to overheat and malfunction. Instead,
when you are driving down a long hill, slow
down and shift to a lower gear. When you do
this, engine braking will help slow the car.
o Slow down before shifting to a lower gear.
Otherwise, the lower gear may not be en-
gaged.
o Always use the parking brake. Do not de-
pend on placing the transaxle in "P" to keep
the car from moving.
o Exercise extreme caution when driving on a
slippery surface. Be especially careful when
braking, accelerating or shifting gears. On a
slippery surface, an abrupt change in ve-
hicle speed can cause the drive wheels to
lose traction and the vehicle to go out of
control.
WARNING:ABS will not prevent accidents due to im-
proper or dangerous driving maneuvers.
Even though vehicle control is improved
during emergency braking, always main-
tain a safe distance between you and ob-
jects ahead. Vehicle speeds should always
be reduced during extreme road condi-
tions.
The braking distance for cars equipped
with an anti-lock braking system may be
longer than for those without it in the
following road conditions.
WARNING:o Avoid high cornering speeds.
o Do not make quick steering wheel move-
ments, such as sharp lane changes or
fast, sharp turns.
o Always wear your seat belts.
o The risk of rollover is greatly increased if
you lose control of your vehicle at high-
way speeds.
o Loss of control often occurs if two or
more wheels drop off the roadway and
the driver oversteers to reenter the road-
way.
o In the event your vehicle leaves the road-
way, do not steer sharply. Instead, slow
down before pulling back into the travel
lanes.
o In a collision crash, un unbelted person
is significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seatbelt.

DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI 2- 15
C160J01A-AATDon't Let Ice and Snow Accumulate
Underneath
Under some conditions, snow and ice can build
up under the fenders and interfere with the
steering. When driving in severe winter condi-
tions where this may happen, you should peri-
odically check underneath the car to be sure the
movement of the front wheels and the steering
components is not obstructed.
C160I01A-AAT
Don't Let Your Parking Brake Freeze
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 the
parking brake may freeze, apply it only tempo-
rarily 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.
C160H01A-AATUse Approved Anti-Freeze in Window
Washer System
To keep the water in the window washer system
from freezing, add an approved anti-freeze
solution in accordance with instructions on the
container. Window washer anti-freeze is avail-
able from Hyundai dealers and most auto parts
outlets. Do not use engine coolant or other types
of anti-freeze as these may damage the finish.
C160K01A-AAT
Carry Emergency Equipment
Depending on the severity of the weather where
you drive your car, you should carry appropri-
ate 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.
C170A01A-AATHIGHER SPEED MOTORING
Pre-Trip Inspections
1. Tires:
Adjust the tire inflation pressures to specifica-
tion. 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 1.5 times 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.