fuel 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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A070A01A-AATCAUTION: MODIFICATIONS TO YOUR HYUNDAI
Your Hyundai should not be modified in any way. Such modifications may adversely
affect the performance, safety or durability of your Hyundai and may, in addition, violate conditions of the limited
warranties covering the vehicle. Certain modifications may also be in violation of regulations established by the
U.S. Department of Transportation and other federal or state agencies.
A080A01S-AATTWO-WAY RADIO OR CELLULAR TELEPHONE INSTALLATION
Your vehicle is equipped with electronic fuel injection and other electronic components. It is possible for an
improperly installed/adjusted two-way radio or cellular telephone to adversely affect electronic systems. For this
reason, we recommend that you carefully follow the radio manufacturer's instructions or consult your Hyundai
dealer for precautionary measures or special instructions if you choose to install one of these devices.

YOUR VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
B255A01Y-AAT
INDICATOR SYMBOLS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
* A detail explanations of these items will be found on page 1-35
SRS (Airbag) Service Reminder
Indicator
Turn Signal Indicator Lights
High Beam Indicator Light
Oil Pressure Warning Light
Parking Brake/Brake Level
Warning Light
Charging System Warning Light
Tail Gate Open Warning LightDoor Ajar Warning Light and Chime
Low Fuel Level Warning Light
Malfunction Indicator Light
Seat Belt Reminder Light
Traction Control Indicator
Cruise Indicator
ABS Service Reminder Indicator
Front Fog Lamp Indicator Lamp

1.FEA 1.FEA1.FEA 1.FEA
1.FEA
TURES OF TURES OF TURES OF TURES OF
TURES OF
Y YY Y
Y
OUR HYUND OUR HYUNDOUR HYUND OUR HYUND
OUR HYUND
AI AIAI AI
AI
Fuel Recommendations .............................................................................. 1-2
Breaking in Your New Hyundai .................................................................... 1-3
Key (Immobilizer system) ........................................................................... 1-3
Door locks (Theft-alarm system) ................................................................. 1-4
Power windows........................................................................................... 1-9
Seat..........................................................................................................1-10
Seat Belt ...................................................................................................1-16
Child restraint system ...............................................................................1-22
Supplemental restraint (AIRBAG) system .................................................1-28
Instrument cluster and indicator lights .......................................................1-34
Warning Light and Indicator .......................................................................1-35
Trip computer ............................................................................................1-40
Multi-Function Light Switch .......................................................................1-41
Windshield wiper/Washer Switch ...............................................................1-42
Sunroof.....................................................................................................1-47
Mirror........................................................................................................1-50
Homelink Mirror .........................................................................................1-53
Hood Release...........................................................................................1-59
Cruise control ............................................................................................1-62
Heating and cooling control .......................................................................1-65
Stereo sound system ................................................................................1-78
Audio system ............................................................................................1-80
Antenna..................................................................................................1-100
1

1- 2 FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
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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

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- 37
B260M01A-AATLow 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.
B260N01A-AAT
Malfunction Indicator Light
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. 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.
B260P02Y-GATABS Service Reminder
Indicator (If installed)
When the key is turned to the "ON" position, the
Anti-Lock Brake System will come on and then
go off in a few seconds. If the ABS SRI remains
on, comes on while driving, or does not come on
when the key is turned to the "ON" position, this
indicates that there may be a problem with the
ABS.
If this occurs, have your vehicle checked by
your Hyundai dealer as soon as possible. The
normal braking system will still be operational,
but without the assistance of the anti-lock brake
system.
CAUTION:If both ABS SRI and Parking Brake/Brake
fluid level warning lights remain "ON" or
come on while driving, there may be a
problem with E.B.D (Electronic brake force
distribution).
If this occurs, avoid sudden stops and have
your vehicle checked by your Hyundai dealer
as soon as possible.
!
B260C02E-GATTraction Control Indicator
Light (If Installed)
The traction control indicator changes opera-
tion according to the ignition switch position and
whether or not the system is in operation.
It will also illuminate when the ignition key is
turned to the "ON" position, and then go off in a
few seconds. If the TCS indicator stays on, take
your car to your authorized Hyundai dealer and
have the system checked. See section 2 for
more information about the TCS system.
B260Q01HP-DATCruise Indicator (If installed)
The cruise indicator light in the instrument clus-
ter is illuminated only when the vehicle cruising
speed has been set using the control switch on
the steering wheel.
The indicator light does not illuminate when the
main cruise control switch is activated.
Information on the use of cruise control may be
found begins on page 1-62.
B260A01Y-GATFront Fog Lamp Indicator Light
(If installed)
This fog lamp indicator light comes on whenever
the front fog lamp switch is on, when the ignition
key is turned to the "ON" position.

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.

1- 40 FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
Selectable Function
Function ModeDisplay window
HEF-141B
HEF-142B
HEF-143A
HEF-144B
HEF-145B
HEF-146B
Trip A
Trip B
Drive time
Average Speed
Distance to Empty
Warning Light of
Distance to EmptyThis mode indicates first distance you have
traveled from your origination point to a first
destination.
This mode indicates a second distance from the
first destination to the final destination.
This mode indicates the total drive time that the
ignition has been switched on and the engine
has been running since the last "Drive time"
reset.
This mode indicates the average speed since the
last "Average speed" reset.
This mode indicates the estimated distance to
empty from the current fuel in the fuel tank and
distance to empty symbol.
When the distance to empty is less than 50 km
or 30 miles, the distance to empty digits
disappear and warning light [- -] blinks.
B315A02Y-GATTRIP COMPUTER (If installed)
o The trip computer is a microcomputer-con-
trolled driver information system that dis-
plays information related to driving, such as
tripmeter, average speed and distance to
empty on the LCD.
o Pushing in the mode switch under the left
side of the speedometer changes the dis-
play as follows;
o Trip A ® Trip B ® Drive time ® Average
Speed ® Distance to Empty
o Distance to Empty is presumed information.
Even though pressed for 1 second it will not
reset to 0
NOTE:o The distance to empty can differ from
the actual tripmeter according to driving
conditions.
o The distance to empty can vary accord-
ing to the driving conditions, driving
pattern or vehicle speed.

1- 58 FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
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B560A02Y-AATREMOTE FUEL-FILLER LID RELEASE
The fuel-filler lid may be opened from inside the
vehicle by pushing up on the fuel-filler lid opener
located on the driver side door.
NOTE:If the fuel-filler lid will not open because ice
has formed around it, tap lightly or push on
the lid to break the ice and release the lid. Do
not pry on the lid. If necessary, spray around
the lid with an approved de-icer fluid (do
not use radiator anti-freeze) or move the
vehicle to a warm place and allow the ice to
melt.
B550A02Y-AATHIGH-MOUNTED REAR STOP LIGHT
In addition to the lower-mounted rear stoplights
on either side of the car, the high mounted rear
stoplight in the center of the rear window also
lights when the brakes are applied.WARNING:o Gasoline vapors are dangerous. Before
refueling, always stop the engine and
never allow sparks or open flames near
the filler area. If you need to replace the
filler cap, use a genuine Hyundai re-
placement part.
o If you open the fuel filler cap during high
ambient temperatures, a slight "pres-
sure sound" may be heard. This is nor-
mal and not a cause for concern.
Whenever you open the fuel filler cap,
turn it slowly.
o Make sure the fuel filler cap is replaced
and securely seated after fueling. Failure
to replace or fully seat the fuel filler cap
will result in fuel vapors escaping into
the atmosphere and the check engine
(MIL) indicator illuminating.
B550A03Y
HEF-132AB560A02Y
Fuel Cap Holder