service 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.
!

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- 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- 27
NOTE:o Both the driver's and front passenger's
pre-tensioner seat belts will be activated
in certain frontal collisions. The pre-
tensioner seat belts can be activated
alone or, where the frontal collision is
severe enough, together with the
airbags.
o When the pre-tensioner seat belts are
activated, a loud noise may be heard and
fine dust, which may appear to be smoke,
may be visible in the passenger com-
partment. These are normal operating
conditions and are not hazardous.
o Although it is harmless, the fine dust
may cause skin irritation and should not
be breathed for prolonged periods. Wash
your hands and face thoroughly after an
accident in which the pre-tensioner seat
belts were activated.
CAUTION:o Because the sensor that activates the
SRS airbag is connected with pre-
tensioner seat belt, the SRS airbag warn-
ing light on the instrument panel will
blink for approximately 6 seconds after
the ignition key has been turned to the
"ON" position, and then it should turn
off.
o If the pre-tensioner seat belt is not work-
ing properly, this warning light will illu-
minate even if there is no malfunction of
SRS airbag system. If the SRS airbag
warning light does not illuminate when
the ignition key is turned to "ON" or if it
remains illuminated after blinking for
approximately 6 seconds, or if it illumi-
nates while the vehicle is being driven,
please have an authorized Hyundai dealer
inspect the pre-tensioner seat belt or
SRS airbag system as soon as possible.
!
AIR
BAG
WARNING:o Pre-tensioners are designed to operate
only one time. After activation, pre-
tensioner seat belts must be replaced.
All seat belts, of any type, should always
be replaced after they have been worn
during a collision.
o The pre-tensioner seat belt assembly
mechanisms become hot during activa-
tion. Do not touch the pre-tensioner seat
belt assemblies for several minutes after
they have been activated.
o Do not attempt to inspect or replace the
pre-tensioner seat belts yourself. This
must be done by an authorized Hyundai
dealer.
o Do not strike the pre-tensioner seat belt
assemblies.
o Do not attempt to service or repair the
pre-tensioner seat belt system in any
manner.
o Improper handling of the pre-tensioner
seat belt assemblies, and failure to heed
the warnings to not strike, modify, in-
spect, replace, service or repair the pre-
tensioner seat belt assemblies may lead
to improper operation or inadvertent
activation and serious injury.
o Always wear the seat belts when driving
or riding in a motor vehicle.

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- 32 FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
!
B240C01A-AATSRS Care
o The SRS is virtually maintenance free and
there are no parts you can safely service by
yourself. The entire SRS system must be
inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealer
10 years after the date that the vehicle was
manufactured.
o Any work on the SRS system, such as
removing, installing, repairing, or any work
on the steering wheel must be performed by
a qualified Hyundai technician. Improper
handling of the airbag system may result in
serious personal injury.WARNING: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
baby could be severely injured by an
airbag deployment in case of an acci-
dent.
o Modification to SRS components or wir-
ing, including the addition of any kind of
badges to the pad covers or modifica-
tions to the body structure, can ad-
versely affect SRS performance and lead
to possible injury.
o For cleaning the airbag pad covers, use
only a soft, dry cloth or one which has
been moistened with plain water. Sol-
vents or cleaners could adversely affect
the airbag covers and proper deploy-
ment of the system.
o No objects should be placed over or near
the airbag modules on the steering
wheel, instrument panel, and the front
passenger’s panel above the glove box,
because any such object could cause
harm if the vehicle is in a crash severe
enough to cause the airbags to inflate.
o If the airbags inflate, they must be re-
placed by an authorized Hyundai dealer. o Do not place any objects over the airbag
or between the airbag and yourself.
o Do not place any objects (an umbrella,
bag, etc.) between the front door and the
front seat. Such objects may become
dangerous projectiles and cause injury
if the supplemental side impact air bag
inflates.
o To prevent unexpected deployment of
the side impact air bag that may result in
personal injury,avoid impact to the side
airbag sensor when the ignition key is
on.
HSM393

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.
!

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.

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.

DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI 2- 13
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.
C140A01A-AATDRIVING FOR ECONOMY
You 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 unnec-
essarily. Avoid heavy traffic whenever pos-
sible. Always maintain a safe distance from
other vehicles so you can avoid unneces-
sary 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 high-
way, 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 over-heat, which reduces their effectiveness and
may lead to more serious consequences.
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 cor-
rectly. 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 impor-
tant 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 corro-
sion.
o Travel lightly. Don't carry unnecessary
weight in your car. Weight reduces fuel
economy.
o Don't let the engine idle longer than neces-
sary. 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 require
extended warm-up. As soon as the engine
is running smoothly, you can drive away. In
very cold weather, however, give your en-
gine 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 result-
ing 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.
C160A01A-AATWINTER DRIVING
The more severe weather conditions of winter
result in greater wear and other problems. To
minimize the problems of winter driving, you
should follow these suggestions:
C150A01A-AAT
SMOOTH CORNERING
Avoid braking or gear changing in corners,
especially when roads are wet. Ideally, corners
should always be taken under gentle accelera-
tion. If you follow these suggestions, tire wear
will be held to a minimum.