check engine Hyundai Sonata 2008 Owner's Guide

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Engine Compartment .................................................... 6-2
General Checks ............................................................ 6-4
Checking the Engine Oil ............................................... 6-4
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter ................................ 6-6
Checking and Changing the Engine Coolant ................ 6-8
Changing the Air Cleaner Filter ...................................6-11
Checking the Transaxle Oil (Manual) .........................6-14
Checking the Transaxle Fluid (Automatic)..................6-15
Checking the Brakes ..................................................6-17
Air Conditioning Care..................................................6-18
Changing the Climate Control Air Filter .......................6-19
Checking Drive Belts ..................................................6-21
Checking and Replacing Fuses..................................6-22
Checking the Battery..................................................6-24
Power Steering Fluid Level .........................................6-26
Headlight Aiming Adjustment......................................6-27
Replacement of Light Bulbs ........................................6-28
Bulb Wattages.............................................................6-35
Fuse Panel Description...............................................6-36
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
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G020C01A-AATVehicle InteriorThe following should be checked each time
when the vehicle is driven:
o Lights operation
o Windshield wiper operation
o Horn operation
o Defroster, heating system operation (and air
conditioning, if installed)
o Steering operation and condition
o Mirror condition and operation
o Turn signal operation
o Accelerator pedal operation
o Brake operation, including parking brake
o Manual transaxle operation, including clutch
operation
o Automatic transaxle operation, including
"Park" mechanism operation
o Seat control condition and operation
o Seat belt condition and operation
o Sun visor operation
If you notice anything that does not operate
correctly or appears to be functioning correctly,
inspect it carefully and seek assistance from
your Hyundai dealer if service is needed.
G020B01A-AATVehicle ExteriorThe following should be checked monthly:
o Overall appearance and condition
o Wheel condition and wheel nut torque
o Exhaust system condition
o Light condition and operation
o Windshield glass condition
o Wiper blade condition
o Paint condition and body corrosion
o Fluid leaks
o Door and hood lock condition
o Tire pressure and condition
(including spare tire)GENERAL CHECKSG020A01NF-AATEngine CompartmentThe following should be checked regularly:
o Engine oil level and condition
o Transaxle fluid level and condition
o Brake fluid level
o Engine coolant level
o Windshield washer fluid level
o Accessory drive belt condition
o Engine coolant hose condition
o Fluid leaks (on or below components)
o Power steering fluid level
o Battery condition
o Air filter condition
o Engine vibration
CHECKING THE ENGINE OILG030B01O-AATRecommended OilThe engine oil quality should meet the following
classification.
API SJ, SL or ABOVE,
ILSAC GF-3 or ABOVE
G030B01JM-U G030A01A-AAT
Engine oil is essential to the performance and
service of the engine. It is suggested that you
check the oil level at least once a week in normal
use and more often if you are on a trip or driving
in severe conditions.

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G030C01JM-AATTo Check the Oil Level
Before checking the oil, warm up the engine to
the normal operating temperature and be sure
your car is parked on level ground. Turn the
engine off.
Wait five minutes, then remove the dipstick,
wipe it off, fully reinsert the dipstick and withdraw
it again. Then note the highest level the oil has
reached on the dipstick. It should be between
the upper ("F") and lower ("L") range.
!
WARNING:
Be very careful not to touch the radiator
hose when checking the engine oil as it may
be hot enough to burn you.
G030C01NF
G030C02NF
(2.4L)
(3.3L)
NOTE:o For good fuel economy, SAE 5W-20 (5W-
30), ILSAC GF-3 engine oil is preferred
regardless of regional option and en-
gine variation.
o If SAE 5W-20, ILSAC GF-3 engine oil is
not available, secondary recommended
engine oil for corresponding tempera-
ture range can be used.

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!!
G030D01O-AATAdding Oil
1. Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counter-
clockwise.
2. Add oil, then check the level again. Do not
overfill.
3. Replace the cap by turning it clockwise.
The distance between the "F" and "L" marks is
equal to about 1 quart of oil.
CAUTION:
Slowly pour the recommended oil into a
funnel. Do not overfill to avoid damage to
the engine.
WARNING:
Be very careful not to touch the radiator
hose when adding the engine oil as it may
be hot enough to burn you.
If the oil level is close to or below the "L" mark,
add oil until it reaches the "F" mark. To add oil:
G030D01NF
G030D02NF
(3.3L)(2.4L)
CHANGING THE ENGINE OIL AND
FILTERG040A02NF-AAT
HNF5005(3.3L)(2.4L)
G040A01NFOil filter
Oil filler
cap
Oil level
dipstick Oil filler
cap
Oil filter

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CHECKING AND CHANGING THE
ENGINE COOLANT!
G050A01A-AAT
WARNING:
Do not remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. When the engine is hot, the
engine coolant is under pressure and may
erupt through the opening if the cap is
removed. You could be seriously burned if
you do not observe this precaution. Do not
remove the radiator cap until the radiator is
cool to the touch.
!
5. Remove the oil filter by turning it counter-
clockwise with a oil filter wrench of the proper
size. A certain amount of oil will come out
when you remove the filter. So be sure to
have your drain pan in place underneath it.
6. Install a new oil filter in accordance with the
instructions on the carton or on the filter itself.
Do not over-tighten.
Tightening torque:
8.7 ~ 11.6 lb.ft (1.2 ~ 1.6 kgf.m)
Be sure that the mounting surface on the
engine is clean and that the old gasket is
removed completely. Lubricate the new
gasket on the filter with clean engine oil
before installation.
7. Remove the engine oil level dipstick.
8. Refill the crankcase with the recommended
engine oil. Refer to the specification in chap-
ter 9 for engine oil capacity.
CAUTION:
Slowly pour the recommended oil into a
funnel. Do not overfill to avoid damage to
the engine.
NOTE:Always dispose of used engine oil in an
environmentally acceptable manner. It is
suggested that it be placed in a sealed
container and taken to a service station for
reclamation. Do not pour the oil on the
ground or put it into the household trash.
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING:
This product contains a chemical known to
the State of California to cause cancer.
Used engine oil may cause irritation or
cancer of the skin if left in contact with the
skin for prolonged periods of time. Used
engine oil contains chemicals that have
caused cancer in laboratory animals. Al-
ways protect your skin by washing your
hands thoroughly with soap and warm
water as soon as possible after handling
used oil.
!
9. Start the engine and check to be sure no oil
is leaking from the drain plug or oil filter.
10.Shut off the engine and recheck the oil level.

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G050B01A-AATRecommended Engine CoolantUse a high quality ethylene-glycol coolant in a
50/50 mix with water. The engine coolant should
be compatible with aluminum engine parts.
Additional corrosion inhibitors or additives should
not be used. The cooling system must be
maintained with the correct concentration and
type of engine coolant to prevent freezing and
corrosion. Never allow the concentration of
antifreeze to exceed the 60% level or go below
the 35% level, or damage to the cooling system
may result. For proper concentration when
adding or replacing the engine coolant, refer to
the following table.
Ambient
temperature
°F (°C)
5 (-15)
-13 (-25)
-31 (-35)
-49 (-45)
65%
60%
50%
40% 35%
40%
50%
60%Water Antifreeze
solution Engine Coolant concentration
G050C01NF-GATTo Check the Coolant LevelThe coolant level can be seen on the side of the
plastic coolant reservoir. The level of the cool-
ant should be between the "L" and "F" lines on
the reservoir when the engine is warm with it at
idle . If the level is below the "L" mark, add engine
coolant to bring it up to "F". If the level is low,
inspect for coolant leaks and recheck the fluid
level frequently. If the level drops again, visit
your Hyundai dealer for an inspection and
diagnosis of the reason.
G050C01NFG050D01NF-GAT
To Change the Engine CoolantThe engine coolant should be changed at those
intervals specified in the vehicle maintenance
schedule in Section 5.
CAUTION:
o Engine coolant can damage the finish of
your car. If you spill engine coolant on
the car, wash it off thoroughly with clean
water.
o The engine in your vehicle has alumi-
num engine parts and must be protected
by an ethylene-glycol base coolant to
prevent corrosion and freezing.
Do not use hard water. Hard water can
cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
!
1. Park the car on level ground, set the parking
brake and remove the radiator cap when
cool.

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3. Be sure your drain receptacle is in place.
Open the drain cock on the radiator. Allow all
the engine coolant to drain from the cooling
system, and then securely close the drain
cock.
4. Check Section 9 for the capacity of the
cooling system in your car. Then, following
the manufacturer's directions on the engine
coolant container, add the appropriate quan-
tity of coolant to the radiator.
5. Slowly fill the radiator with the proper coolant
mixture (see the "Recommended Engine
Coolant in previous page) until the fluid level
stays up in the radiator neck. And pump the
radiator hose in order to bleed the air.
HNF5008
2. Wrap a thick cloth around the radiator cap
and slowly turn the radiator cap counter-
clockwise without pressing down on it, until
it stops. This relieves any pressure remain-
ing in the cooling system. When you are sure
that all the pressure has been released,
remove the radiator cap by pushing down
and turning counterclockwise.
G050D02NF-A
G050D01NF
6. Run the engine at idle until the coolant circu-
lates. If the cooling fan operates and the
coolant starts to circulate, add the coolant to
the reservoir.
7. To bleed the air in the cooling system, repeat
procedure 6 until the cooling fan operates
3~5 times.
8. Replace the radiator cap and turn it until
tightly installed. And then, add coolant to the
reservoir until the level is between "L" and
"F".
9. Stop the engine and check the coolant level
when the engine is cool. The level of the
coolant should be the "L" and "F" lines on the
reservoir. If the level is below the "L" line,
repeat the procedure 4~8 until the level
between "L" and "F".

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!!
10.Replace the reservoir cap and check to be
sure the drain cock and the radiator cap are
fully closed and not leaking.
CAUTION:
Recheck after a few days and add the cool-
ant if the level is below the "L" level.
WARNING:
The cooling fan is controlled by engine
coolant temperature and may sometimes
operate even when the engine is not run-
ning. Use extreme caution when working
near the blades of the coolant fan so that
you are not injured by a rotating fan blade.
As the engine coolant temperature de-
creases, the fan will automatically shut off.
This is a normal condition.
CAUTION:
o Operating your vehicle without using a
proper air cleaner filter in place can result
in excessive engine wear.
o When removing the air cleaner filter, be
careful that dust or dirt does not enter
the air intake. These may result in dam-
age to the air cleaner filter.
!
CHANGING THE AIR
CLEANER FILTERG070A03Y-AATThe replacement of the air cleaner filter is
performed in the following manner.
1. Unsnap the clips around the cover.
2. When this is done, the cover can be lifted off,
the old filter removed and the new filter put in
its place.
Genuine Hyundai replacement parts are rec-
ommended.
HNF5011

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CAUTION:
o Radiator antifreeze (engine coolant)
should not be used in the washer system
because it will damage the car's finish.
o The washer lever should not be pulled
and the washer should not be operated
if the washer reservoir is empty. This can
damage the washer fluid pump.
!
A good quality washer fluid should be used to fill
the washer reservoir. The fluid level should be
checked more frequently during bad weather or
whenever the washer system is in more fre-
quent use.
The capacity of the washer reservoir is 3.2 U.S.
quarts (4.0 liters).
!
WARNING:
It is always better to check the transaxle oil
level when the engine is cool or cold. If the
engine is hot, you should exercise great
caution to avoid burning yourself on hot
engine or exhaust parts.
CHECKING THE TRANSAXLE OIL
(MANUAL)G100A02NF-AAT
HNF5010
Filler plug
Drain plug
Transaxle lubricant in the manual transaxle
should be checked at those intervals specified
in the vehicle maintenance schedule in Section
5.Recommended OilUse only HYUNDAI GENUINE PARTS MTF
75W/85 (API GL-4) in the manual transaxle.Manual Transaxle Oil CapacityThe oil capacity of the manual transaxle is 2.0
U.S. quarts (1.9 liters).
!
WARNING:
o Windshield washer fluid agents contain
some amounts of alcohol and can be
flammable under certain circumstances.
Do not allow sparks or flame to contact
the washer fluid or the washer fluid
reservoir. Damage to the vehicle or its
occupants could occur.
o Windshield washer fluid is poisonous to
humans and animals. Do not drink wind-
shield washer fluid. Serious injury or
death could occur.
NOTE:It is recommended that the manual transaxle
fluid should be checked by an authorized
Hyundai Dealer.

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CHECKING THE TRANSAXLE
FLUID (AUTOMATIC)G110A01E-AATTransaxle fluid in the automatic transaxle should
be checked at those intervals specified in the
vehicle maintenance schedule in Section 5.NOTE:Automatic transaxle fluid is basically red in
color. As driving distance increases, the
fluid color turns darkish red gradually. It is
a normal condition and you should not
judge the need to replace based upon the
changing color.
You must replace the automatic transaxle
fluid in accordance with intervals specified
in the vehicle maintenance schedule in
section 5.
!
G110B05A-AATRecommended FluidYour Hyundai automatic transaxle is specially
designed to operate with HYUNDAI GENUINE
ATF SP III, DIAMOND ATF SP III, SK ATF SP
III or other brands meeting the SP III specifica-
tion approved by Hyundai Motor Co.. Damage
caused by a nonspecified fluid is not covered by
your new vehicle limited warranty.
CAUTION:
Use of aftermarket ATF additives may cause
damage to the automatic transaxle.
Only use HYUNDAI GENUINE ATF SP III,
DIAMOND ATF SP III, SK ATF SP III or other
brands meeting the SP III specification ap-
proved by Hyundai Motor Co.. If you are
having your vehicle serviced at a facility
other than a Hyundai dealer, verify that the
correct ATF is used for your vehicle.
!
G110C01NF-AATTransaxle Fluid CapacityThe fluid capacity of the automatic transaxle is:
WARNING:
The transaxle fluid level should be checked
when the engine is at normal operating
temperature. This means that the engine,
radiator, radiator hose, exhaust system etc.,
are very hot. Exercise great care not to burn
yourself during this procedure.2.4L
3.3L
8.24 U.S. quarts (7.8 liters)
11.52 U.S. quarts (10.9 liters)