trailer Hyundai Sonata 2008 Owner's Manual

1
FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
3
KEYS
BREAKING IN YOUR NEW HYUNDAI
B010F01A-AATOperation 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.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 enhance per-
formance of the Emission Control System.
B020A01S-AATDuring 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).
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.
B030A01NF-GATFor 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, glove box 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 knobs of
the rear seatback lock and the trunk lid lock
are switched to the "LOCK" position.
B030A01NF-A
Master key Sub key

DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
2
Engine Exhaust Can Be Dangerous! ............................ 2-2
Before Starting the Engine ............................................ 2-3
Key Positions ................................................................ 2-3
Starting .........................................................................2-5
Operating the Manual Transaxle .................................. 2-6
Automatic Transaxle ..................................................... 2-8
Power Adjustable Pedals.............................................2-12
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ...................................2-12
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) System ..................2-13
Good Braking Practices..............................................2-15
Driving for Economy ....................................................2-16
Smooth Cornering........................................................2-17
Winter Driving..............................................................2-17
Trailer or Vehicle Towing .............................................2-20
Vehicle Load Limit........................................................2-23
2

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
20
C190B01S-AATTrailer HitchesSelect the proper hitch and ball combination,
making sure that its location is compatible with
that of the trailer or vehicle being towed.
Use a quality non-equalizing hitch which distrib-
utes the tongue load uniformly throughout the
chassis.
The hitch should be bolted securely to the car
and installed by a qualified technician. DO NOT
USE A HITCH DESIGNED FOR TEMPORARY
INSTALLATION AND NEVER USE ONE THAT
ATTACHES ONLY TO THE BUMPER.C190C01Y-AATTrailer BrakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed and
operating correctly.NOTE:If you tow a trailer or vehicle, your car will
require more frequent maintenance due to
the additional load. See Maintenance Under
Severe Usage Conditions" on page 5-6.
TRAILER OR VEHICLE TOWING!
C190A01TG-AATIf you are considering towing with your car, you
should first check with your State's Department
of Motor Vehicles to determine their legal re-
quirements.
Since laws vary from State to State the require-
ments for towing trailers, cars, or other types of
vehicles or apparatus may differ. Ask your
Hyundai dealer for further details before towing.
CAUTION:
o Do not do any towing with your car
during its first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) in
order to allow the engine to properly
break in. Failure to heed this caution may
result in serious engine or transaxle
damage.
o When towing a trailer, be sure to consult
your Hyundai dealer for further informa-
tion on additional requirements such as
a towing kit, etc.
USE OF LIGHTSC180A01A-AATCheck your lights regularly for correct opera-
tion and always keep them clean. When driving
during the day in conditions of poor visibility, it
is helpful to drive with headlights on low beam.
This enables you to be seen, as well as to see.

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
21
C190D01S-AATSafety ChainsShould the hitch connection between your car
and the trailer or vehicle you are towing fail, the
trailer or vehicle could wander dangerously
across other lanes of traffic and ultimately leave
the roadway. To eliminate this potentially dan-
gerous situation, safety chains, attached be-
tween your car and the trailer or towed vehicle,
are required in most states.
CAUTION:
o Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
o When towing a trailer on steep grades (in
excess of 6%) pay close attention to the
engine coolant temperature gauge to
ensure the engine does not overheat. If
the needle of the coolant temperature
gauge moves across the dial towards
"H" (HOT), pull over and stop as soon as
it is safe to do so, and allow the engine
to idle until it cools down. You may
proceed once the engine has cooled
sufficiently.
!
C190E02JM
Gross Axle WeightGross Vehicle
Weight
2. The total gross vehicle weight with trailer
must not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) shown on the
vehicle identification plate (see page 8-
2). The total gross vehicle weight is the
combined weight of the vehicle, driver,
all passengers and their luggage, cargo,
hitch, trailer tongue load and other op-
tional equipment.
C190E01NF-AATTrailer Weight Limit
Tongue Load Total Trailer Weight
o Keep the tongue load 10% of the total trailer
load.
o Tongue load
o Tongue loads can be increased or de-
creased by re-distributing the load in the
trailer.
This can be verified by checking the total
weight of the loaded trailer and then checking
the load on the tongue.
C190E01JM
x 100 = 10% (MAX)
Total trailer weight
NOTE:1. Never load the trailer with more weight in
the back than in the front. About 60% of
the trailer load should be in the front half
on the trailer and the remaining 40% in
the rear.

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
22
C190F01Y-GATTrailer or Vehicle Towing Tips1. Before towing, check hitch and safety chain
connections as well as proper operation of
the trailer running lights, brake lights, and
turn signals.
2. Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed. (Less than 60 mph)
3. Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
conditions.
4. To maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not tow
a trailer with the transaxle in fifth gear (manual
transaxle).
5. Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
6. Check the condition and air pressure of all
tires on the trailer and your car. Low tire
pressure can seriously affect the handling.
Also check the spare tire.
7. The vehicle/trailer combination is more af-
fected by crosswind and buffeting.
When being passed by a large vehicle, keep
a constant speed and steer straight ahead.
If there is too much wind buffeting, slow down
to get out of the other vehicle's air turbulence.
!
lbs(kg)
!
Tongue
200 (90)
- With3.3L
Brake 2.4L
Without BrakeMaximum Towable Weight
Trailer
2000 (900)
1500 (675)
1000 (450)
CAUTION:
The following specifications are recom-
mended when towing a trailer. The loaded
trailer weight cannot safely exceed the val-
ues in the chart below.
WARNING:
o Improperly loading your vehicle and
trailer can seriously affect its steering
and braking performance causing a
crash which could cause serious injury
or death.
o Towing a trailer affects vehicle handling
and braking.
o Drive more slowly when towing a trailer
and allow more distance when braking.
o Be careful when driving in slippery and
windy conditions.
o Be careful when turning and while driv-
ing up and down hills. 3. The front or rear axle weight must not
exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) shown on the vehicle identifi-
cation plate (see page 8-2). It is possible
that your towing package does not ex-
ceed the GVWR but exceeds the GAWR.
Improper trailer loading and/or too much
luggage in the trunk can overload the
rear axle. Redistribute the load and check
the axle weight again.

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
23
8. When parking your car and trailer, especially
on a hill, be sure to follow all the normal
precautions. Turn your front wheel into the
curb, set the parking brake firmly, and put the
transaxle in 1st or Reverse (manual) or Park
(automatic). In addition, place wheel chocks
at each of the trailer's tires.
9. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your
vehicle and trailer moving, and then apply the
trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the
brakes are working. This lets you check
your electrical connection at the same time.
10.During your trip, check occasionally to be
sure that the load is secure, and that the
lights and any trailer brakes are still working.
11.Avoid jerky starts, sudden acceleration or
sudden stops.
12.Avoid sharp turns and rapid lane changes.
13.Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the brakes
to overheat, resulting in reduced braking
efficiency.
14.When going down a hill, shift into a lower gear
and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift the
transaxle to a lower gear and reduce speed
to reduce chances of engine overloading
and/or overheating.
CAUTION:
If overheating should occur when towing,
(the temperature gauge reads near red zone),
taking the following action may reduce or
eliminate the problem.
1. Turn off the air conditioner.
2. Reduce highway speed.
3. Select a lower gear when going uphill.
4. While in stop and go traffic, place the
gear selector in park or neutral and idle
the engine at a higher speed.
!
VEHICLE LOAD LIMITC190F02JM-AATTire and Loading Information Label
I030A03NF-A
15.If you have to stop while going uphill, do not
hold the vehicle in place by pressing on the
accelerator. This can cause the automatic
transaxle to overheat. Use the parking brake
or footbrake.NOTE:When towing check transaxle fluid more
frequently.
I030A04NF-A
Type A
Type B

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
24
The tire label located on the driver's
side of the center pillar outer panel
gives the original tire size, cold tire
pressures recommended for your ve-
hicle, the number of people that can be
in your vehicle and vehicle capacity
weight.
Vehicle capacity weight:
880 lbs (400 kg)
Vehicle capacity weight is the maxi-
mum combined weight of occupants
and cargo. If your vehicle is equipped
with a trailer, the combined weight in-
cludes the tongue load.Seating capacity:
Total: 5 persons
(Front seat: 2 persons,
Rear seat: 3 persons)
Seating capacity is the maximum num-
ber of occupants including a driver,
your vehicle may carry. However the
seating capacity may be reduced based
upon the weight of all of the occupants,
and the weight of the cargo being car-
ried or towed.
Do not overload the vehicle as there is
a limit to the total weight, or load limit
including occupants and cargo, the
vehicle can carry.
Towing capacity:
Towing capacity is the maximum trailer
weight including its cargo weight, your
vehicle can tow. See the section "Trailer
or Vehicle Towing" for specifications
about the trailer weight.Cargo capacity:
The cargo capacity of your vehicle will
increase or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of occupants
and the tongue load, if your vehicle is
equipped with a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit
(1)Locate the statement "The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX pounds'' on your
vehicle's placard.
(2)Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
(3)Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX
kilograms or XXX pounds.
I030A05NF-A
Type C

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
25
C190F02JM
Example 2
Total
1400 lbs
(635 kg)
750 lbs
(340 kg)
650 lbs
(295 kg) Item
A
B
CDescription
Vehicle Capacity Weight
Subtract Occupant Weight
150 lbs (68 kg) x 5
Available Cargo and
Luggage Weight
ABC
C190F01JMTotal
1400 lbs
(635 kg)
300 lbs
(136 kg)
1100 lbs
(489 kg)
Example 1Item
A
B
CDescription
Vehicle Capacity Weight
Subtract Occupant Weight
150 lbs (68 kg) × 2
Available Cargo and
Luggage Weight
ABC
(4)The resulting figure equals the avail-
able amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the
"XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs, and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers
in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capac-
ity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs.)
(5)Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calcu-
lated in Step 4.
(6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be trans-
ferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this re-
duces the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle.

3
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
9
!
SPARE TIRED040A03GK-AATTEMPORARY SPARE TIRE
The following instructions for the tem-
porary spare tire should be observed:
1. Check inflation pressure as soon as
practical after installing the spare
tire, and adjust to the specified pres-
sure. The tire pressure should be
periodically checked and maintained
at the specified pressure while the
tire is stored.Tire Size
Inflation Pressure
T125/80 D16
420 KPA(60 PSI)
4. As the temporary spare tire is spe-
cifically designed for your car, it
should not be used on any other
vehicle.
5. The temporary spare tire should not
be used on any other wheels, nor
should standard tires, snow tires,
wheel covers or trim rings be used
with the temporary spare wheel. If
such use is attempted, damage to
these items or other car components
may occur.
6. The temporary spare tire pressure
should be checked once a month
while the tire is stored.
2. The spare tire should only be used
temporarily and should be returned
to the luggage compartment as soon
as the original tire can be repaired or
replaced.
3. Continuous use at speeds of over 50
mph (80 km/h) is not recommended. Spare Tire Pressure
CAUTION:
o Do not use snow chains with your
temporary spare tire.
o Do not use more than one tempo-
rary spare tire at a time.
o Do not tow a trailer while the tem-
porary spare tire is installed.
!
WARNING:
The temporary spare tire is for emer-
gency use only. Do not operate your
vehicle on this temporary spare at
speeds over 50 mph (80 kmh). The
original tire should be repaired or
replaced as soon as is possible to
avoid failure of the spare possibly
leading to personal injury or death.

5
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS6
MAINTENANCE UNDER SEVERE USAGE CONDITIONS
SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONSA - Repeatedly driving short distance of less than 5miles (8km) in normal
temperature or less than 10miles (16km) in freezing temperature
B - Extensive engine idling or low speed driving for long distances
C - Driving on rough, dusty, muddy, unpaved, graveled or salt- spread roads
D - Driving in areas using salt or other corrosive materials or in very cold weather
E - Driving in sandy areasF040A02NF-AATThe following items must be serviced more frequently on cars normally used under severe driving conditions. Refer to the chart below for the appropriate
maintenance intervals.
R : Replace I : Inspect and, after inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary
F - Driving in heavy traffic area over 90°F (32°C)
G - Driving on uphill, downhill, or mountain road
H - Towing a Trailer, or using a camper, or roof rack
I - Driving as a patrol car, taxi, other commercial use or vehicle towing
J - Driving over 100 MPH (170 Km/h)
K - Frequently driving in stop-and-go conditionsENGINE OIL AND FILTER
AIR CLEANER FILTER
SPARK PLUGS
BRAKE PADS, CALIPERS AND ROTORS
REAR BRAKE DRUMS/LININGS, PARKING BRAKE
STEERING GEAR BOX, LINKAGE & BOOTS/
LOWER ARM BALL JOINT, UPPER ARM BALL JOINT
DRIVE SHAFTS AND BOOTS
MANUAL TRANSAXLE OIL
CLIMATE CONTROL AIR FILTER
(FOR EVAPORATOR AND BLOWER UNIT)
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID
MAINTENANCE ITEM
R
R
R
I
I
I
I
R
R
R
EVERY 3,000 MILES (4,800 KM) OR 3 MONTHS
MORE FREQUENTLY
MORE FREQUENTLY
MORE FREQUENTLY
MORE FREQUENTLY
MORE FREQUENTLY
EVERY 7,500 MILES (12,000 KM) OR 6 MONTHS
EVERY 60,000 MILES (96,000 KM)
MORE FREQUENTLY
EVERY 30,000 MILES (48,000 KM)
DRIVING
CONDITION MAINTENANCE
INTERVALS MAINTENANCE
OPERATION
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K
C, E
B, H
C, D, G, H
C, D, G, H
C, D, E, F, G, H, I
C, D, E, F
A, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J
C, E
A, C, E, F, G, H, I