check engine light Hyundai Sonata 2006 Owner's Manual

YOUR VEHICLE AT A GLANCEB255A01NF-AATINDICATOR SYMBOLS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
High Beam Indicator LightDoor Ajar Warning LightSeat Belt Reminder LightTurn 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
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 1-52.
nfhma-0.p659/16/2005, 10:40 AM 14

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 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.
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 per-
formance 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 in-
stalled securely to prevent fuel spillage
in the event of an accident.

1
FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
51
1. Tachometer
2. Door Ajar Warning Light
3. Seat Belt Warning Light (Driver's side)
4. High Beam Indicator Light
5. Turn Signal Indicator Lights
6. Speedometer
7. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Indicator Lights
(If Installed)
8. Front Fog Light Indicator Light
9. ABS Service Reminder Indicator (SRI) (If Installed)
10. Coolant Temperature Gauge
11. Fuel Gauge12. Parking Brake/Low Brake Fluid Level Warning Light
13. Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
14. Charging System Warning Light
15. Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level Warning Light
16. Check Engine - Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
17. SRS (Airbag) Warning Light
18. Automatic Transaxle Position Indicator Light (If Installed)
19. Odometer/ Trip Odometer/ Trip Computer (If Installed)
20. CRUISE Indicator Light
21. Cruise SET Indicator Light
22. Trunk Lid Open Warning Light
23. Low Fuel Warning Light

1
FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
53
B260F01A-AAT
High Beam Indicator Light
The high beam indicator light comes on when-
ever 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 pressure warning
light comes on whenever there is insufficient
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 malfunc-
tion.
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 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
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 luggage 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 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.

1FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI54
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 simulta-
neously. 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.
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 care-
fully 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.
B260J02A-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 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 6-19 by pushing down on the center of
the belt. 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.

1
FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
55
!
B260P02Y-GAT
ABS Service Reminder
Indicator (SRI) (If Installed)
When the key is turned to the "ON" position, the
Anti-Lock Brake System indicator 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.
WARNING:
If both the 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.
B260N02A-AAT
Check Engine - Malfunction In-
dicator 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.
B265C01NF-AAT
Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) Indicator Lights
(If Installed)
The electronic stability control indicators change
operation according to the ignition switch posi-
tion and whether the system is in operation or
not.
They will illuminate when the ignition key is
turned to the "ON" position, but should go out
after three seconds. If the ESC or ESC-OFF
indicator stays on, take your car to your autho-
rized Hyundai dealer and have the system
checked. See section 2 for more information
about the ESC.B260Q02NF-GAT
CRUISE Indicator Light
The cruise indicator light in the instrument clus-
ter is illuminated when the cruise control ON/
OFF button on the steering wheel is pulled.
The indicator light turns off when the cruise
control ON/OFF button is pushed again. Infor-
mation about the use of cruise control begins on
page 1-93.

1FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI90
!
WARNING:
- When using a portable fuel container,
be sure to place the container on the
ground while refueling. Static electric-
ity 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 elec-
tronic interference from cellular phones
can ignite fuel vapors causing a fire.
- When refueling, always turn the engine
off. Sparks by engine compartment
electrical equipment can ignite fuel
vapors causing a fire. After refueling,
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.
B560B01L-GATManual Fuel Filler Lid ReleaseIf the fuel filler lid cannot be opened using the
remote opener, a manual opener handle is
located inside the trunk on the left side. Open the
fuel filler lid by pulling on this handle as shown
in the illustration.
HNF2022
HOOD RELEASEB570A01NF-GAT1. Pull the release knob to unlatch the hood.
2. Pull the secondary latch up and lift the hood.
B570A01NF
HNF2024-E

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
3
!
BEFORE STARTING
THE ENGINEC020A02A-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 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.
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 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) (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 1-28 for more infor-
mation on their proper use.
o Always check the surrounding areas near
your vehicle for people, especially chil-
dren, before putting a car into 'drive.'
!
WARNING:
Always wear appropriate shoes when oper-
ating 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).

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. Ve-
hicles 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 park-
ing brake fully engaged when parking to
avoid inadvertent movement of the car
which can injure occupants or pedestri-
ans.
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 occu-
pants.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 com-
ponents.
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. Farmly
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 Remember, your Hyundai does not require
extended warm-up. After the engine 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 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. 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.
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 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.