engine Hyundai Sonata 2003 Owner's Manual

A040A01A-AAT
FOREWORD
Thank you for choosing Hyundai. We are pleased to welcome you to the growing number of discriminating people who
drive Hyundais. The advanced engineering and high-quality construction of each Hyundai we build is something of which
we're very proud.
Your Owner's Manual will introduce you to the features and operation of your new Hyundai. It is suggested that you read
it carefully since the information it contains can contribute greatly to the satisfaction you receive from your new car.
The manufacturer also recommends that all service and maintenance on your car be performed by an authorized Hyundai
dealer. Hyundai dealers are prepared to provide high-quality service, maintenance and any other assistance that may
be required.
A050A04A-AATHYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
Note:Because future owners will also need the information included in this manual, if you sell this Hyundai, please leave
the manual in the vehicle for their use. Thank you.
CAUTION:Severe engine and transaxle damage may result from the use of poor quality fuels and lubricants that do not
meet Hyundai specifications. You must always use high quality fuels and lubricants that meet the specifica-
tions listed on Page 9-3 in the Vehicle Specifications section of the Owner's Manual and which also appear
in the Service Station Information on the back cover of the Owner's Manual.
Copyright 2002 Hyundai Motor Company. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in
any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Hyundai Motor
Company.
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A100A03A-AATGuide to Hyundai Genuine Parts1. What are Hyundai Genuine Parts?
Hyundai Genuine Parts are the same parts
used by Hyundai Motor Company to manu-
facture vehicles. They are designed and
tested for the optimum safety, performance,
and reliability to our customers.
2. Why should you use genuine parts?
Hyundai Genuine Parts are engineered and
built to meet rigid original manufacturing
requirements. Using imitation, counterfeit or
used salvage parts is not covered under the
Hyundai New Vehicle Limited Warranty or
any other Hyundai warranty. In addition, any
damage to or failure of Genuine HyundaiParts caused by the installation or failure of
an imitation, counterfeit or used salvage part
is not covered by any Hyundai Warranty.
3. How can you tell if you are purchasing
Hyundai Genuine Parts?
Look for the Hyundai Genuine Parts Logo on
the package (see below).
Hyundai Genuine Parts exported to the United
States are packaged with labels written only
in English.
Hyundai Genuine Parts are only sold through
authorized Hyundai Dealerships.
" To find the closest authorized dealer
call 1-800-826-CARS "
A100A01L A100A02L A100A04LA100A03L

1- 2 FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
!
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 containing
methanol or fuels containing MTBE (Methyl
Tertiary Butyl Ether) over 15.0% vol. (Oxy-
gen 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 devel-
ops 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.
B010A02A-AATFUEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Use Unleaded Gasoline
Unleaded gasoline with a Pump Octane Rating
of 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher
must be used in your Hyundai.
If leaded gasoline is used, it will cause the
catalytic converter to become ineffective and
the emission control system to malfunction.
This can also result in increased maintenance
expense.
To avoid accidental use of leaded fuel, the larger
nozzle used with leaded gasoline at service
stations cannot be inserted into the fuel tank
opening of your Hyundai.
B010C01A-AAT
Use of MTBE
Hyundai 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 per-
formance and produce vapor lock or hard
starting.
B010D01A-AATDo Not Use Methanol
Fuels 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.
B010F01A-AAT
Operation in Foreign CountriesIf you are going to drive your Hyundai in another
country, be sure to:
o Observe all regulations regarding registra-
tion and insurance.
o Determine that acceptable fuel is available.
!
WARNING:o Do not "TOP-OFF" after the first nozzle
shut off when refueling.
o The fuel cap must be tightened at least
3 clicks, otherwise " " light may
illuminate.
B010A03Y-1
UNLEADED
FUEL ONLY

FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI 1- 3
B010E01A-AATGasolines for Cleaner AirTo help contribute to cleaner air, Hyundai rec-
ommends that you use gasolines treated with
detergent additives, which help prevent deposit
formation in the engine. These gasolines will
help the engine run cleaner and the Emission
Control System performance.
B020A01S-AATBREAKING IN YOUR NEW HYUNDAI
During the First 1,200 Miles (2,000 Km)
No formal "break-in" procedure is required with
your new Hyundai. However, you can contrib-
ute to the economical operation and durability of
your Hyundai by observing the following recom-
mendations during the first 1,200 miles (2,000
km).
o Don't drive faster than 55 MPH (88 km/h).
o While driving, keep your engine speed (rpm,
or revolutions per minute) between 2,000
rpm and 4,000 rpm.
o Use moderate acceleration. Don't start
quickly or depress the accelerator pedal
fully.
o For the first 200 miles (300 km), try to avoid
hard stops.
o Don't lug the engine (in other words, don't
drive so slowly in too high a gear that the
engine "bucks"-shift to a lower gear).
B030A01Y-AATKEYS
B030B01A-AAT
Record Your Key Number
o Whether going fast or slow, vary your speed
from time to time.
o Don't let the engine idle longer than 3 minutes
at one time.
o Don't tow a trailer during the first 1,200 miles
(2,000 km) of operation.
A code number is stamped on the number plate
that came with the keys to your Hyundai. This
key number plate should not be left with the keys
but kept in a safe place, not in the vehicle. The
key number should also be recorded in a place
where it can be found in an emergency.
If you need additional keys, or if you should lose
your keys, your authorized Hyundai dealer can
make new keys if you can supply the key
number. For greater convenience, your Hyundai has
two master keys and a sub key. The master
keys will open all locks on your vehicle. The sub
key will only function in the ignition and the door
locks.
Leaving your sub key with a parking attendant
will ensure that your vehicle's trunk, trunk lid
release, glovebox compartment and rear trunk
access may not be unlocked in your absence.NOTE:Before leaving your sub key with a parking
attendant, make sure that the lock levers of
the rear seat back lock and the trunk lid lock
are switched to the "LOCK" position.
B030A01YB030B01B
Master key Sub key

FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI 1- 7
B070B03Y-AATArmed StagePark the car and stop the engine. Arm the
system as described below.
1) Remove the ignition key from the ignition
switch.
2) Make sure that the engine hood and trunk lid
are locked.
3) Lock the doors using the transmitter of the
keyless entry system.
After completion of the steps above, the turn
signal lamp will blink once to indicate that the
system is armed
NOTE:1) If any door, trunk lid or engine hood
remains open, the system will not be
armed.
2) If this happens, rearm the system as
described above.
CAUTION:Do not arm the system until all passengers
have left the car. If the system is armed while
a passenger(s) remains in the car, the alarm
may be activated when the remaining
passenger(s) leaves the car.
B070C03L-AATAlarm Stage
The alarm will be activated if any of the following
occurs while the car is parked and the system
is armed.
1) A front or rear door is opened without the
transmitter.
2) The trunk lid is opened without using the key.
3) The engine hood is opened.
The siren will sound for 30 seconds (This
happens 3 times). To turn off the system, unlock
the door or trunk lid with the transmitter.
CAUTION:Avoid trying to start the engine while the
system is armed.
B070D05Y-AATDisarmed Stage
The system will be disarmed when the following
step is taken:
The driver's or passenger's door is unlocked by
depressing the "UNLOCK" button on the trans-
mitter.
After completion of the steps above, the turn
signal lamp will blink twice to indicate that the
system is disarmed.
HEF-218
B070D02Y
!
!
LockUnlock
Trunk

FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI 1- 29
o Do not tamper with or disconnect SRS
wiring, or other components of the SRS
system. Doing so could result in injury,
due to accidental firing of the airbags or
by rendering the SRS inoperative.
o Do not install a child restraint system in
the front passenger seat position. A
child restraint system must never be
placed in the front seat. The infant or
child could be severely injured or killed
by an airbag deployment in case of an
accident.
Do not allow children to ride in the front
passenger seat. If older children (teen-
agers and older) must ride in the front
seat, make sure they are always properly
belted and that the seat is moved back as
far as possible.
o For maximum safety protection in all
types of crashes, all occupants includ-
ing the driver should always wear their
seat belts whether or not an airbag is
also provided at their seating position to
minimize the risk of severe injury or
death in the event of a crash. Do not sit
or lean unnecessarily close to the airbag
while the vehicle is in motion.
o The SRS airbag system must deploy very
rapidly to provide protection in a crash.
If an occupant is out of position because
of not wearing a seat belt, the airbag may
forcefully contact the occupant causing
serious or fatal injuries.B240B02A-AATSRS Components and Functions
The SRS service reminder indicator (SRI) on
the instrument panel will blink for about 6 sec-
onds after the ignition key is turned to the "ON"
position or after the engine is started, after which
the SRI should go out. The SRS consists of the following components:
- Driver's Airbag Module
- Passenger's Airbag Module
- Knee Bolster
- SRS Service Reminder Indicator (SRI)
- SRS Control Module (SRSCM)
The SRSCM continually monitors all elements
while the ignition is "ON" to determine if a frontal
or near-frontal impact is severe enough to
require airbag deployment.B240B01L
B240B02L
B240B03L

1- 30 FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
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The airbag modules are located both in the
center of the steering wheel and in the front
passenger's panel above the glove box.
When the SRSCM detects a considerable im-
pact to the front of the vehicle, it will automatically
deploy the airbags.
Upon deployment, tear seams molded directly
into the pad covers will separate under pres-
sure from the expansion of the airbags. Further
opening of the covers then allows full inflation of
the airbags.
A fully inflated airbag in combination with a
properly worn seat belt slows the driver's or the
passenger's forward motion, thus reducing the
risk of head or chest injury.
After complete inflation, the airbag immediately
starts deflating, enabling the driver to maintain
forward visibility.
CAUTION:When installing the container of liquid air
freshener inside a vehicle, do not place it
near the instrument cluster nor on the in-
strument panel pad surface. If there is any
leakage from the air freshener onto these
areas (Instrument cluster, instrument panel
pad or air ventilator), it may damage these
parts. If the liquid from the air freshener
does leak onto these areas, wash them with
water immediately.
WARNING:o When the SRS is activated, there may be
a loud noise and fine dust will be re-
leased throughout the vehicle. These
conditions are normal and are not haz-
ardous. However, the fine dust gener-
ated during airbag deployment may
cause skin irritation. Be sure to wash
your hands and face thoroughly with
lukewarm water and a mild soap after an
accident in which the airbags were de-
ployed.
o The SRS can function only when the
ignition key is in the "ON" position. If the
SRS SRI does not come on, or continu-
ously remains on, after flashing for about
6 seconds when the ignition key is
turned to the "ON" position, or after the
engine is started, or comes on while
driving, the SRS is not working properly.
If this occurs, have your vehicle immedi-
ately inspected by your Hyundai dealer.
o Before you replace a fuse or disconnect
a battery terminal, turn the ignition key
to the "LOCK" position or remove the
ignition key. Never remove or replace the
air bag related fuse(s) when the ignition
key is in the "ON" position. Failure to
heed this warning will cause the SRS SRI
to illuminate.
!
B240B04YB240B05L
Passenger's AirbagPassenger's Airbag

FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI 1- 33
o Do not tamper with or disconnect SRS
wiring, or other components of the SRS
system. Doing so could result in injury,
due to accidental firing of the airbags or
by rendering the SRS inoperative.
o If components of the airbag system must
be discarded, or if the vehicle must be
scrapped, certain safety precautions
must be observed. Your Hyundai dealer
knows these precautions and can give
you the necessary information. Failure
to follow these precautions and proce-
dures could increase the risk of personal
injury.
o If you sell your vehicle, be sure to inform
the new owner of these important points
and make certain that this manual is
transferred to the new owner.
o If your car was flooded and has soaked
carpeting or water on the floor, you
shouldn't try to start the engine; have
the car towed to an authorized Hyundai
dealer.

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.