Hyundai Sonata 2012 Owner's Manual

715
Maintenance
NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (CONT.)
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 96 months
❑Inspect vacuum hose❑Inspect air conditioning refrigerant❑Inspect brake hoses and lines❑Inspect drive shafts and boots❑Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler❑Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers❑Inspect rear brake disc/pads❑Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball joint,
upper arm ball joint❑ Inspect suspension mounting bolts❑Inspect brake/clutch (if equipped) fluid ❑Inspect fuel filter *
1
❑Inspect fuel lines, fuel hoses and connections❑Inspect fuel tank air filter (if equipped) *
1
❑Inspect parking brake❑Inspect vapor hose and fuel filler cap❑Inspect valve clearance *
2
❑Inspect drive belts
(First, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 72 months
after every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 24 months)❑ Replace climate control air filter (for evaporator and blower unit)❑Replace air cleaner filter❑Replace engine oil and filter (2.4 GDI) *
3
(120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 192 months)❑Replace coolant (First, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 60 months after
every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months)❑ Add fuel additive *
4
*1Fuel filter & Fuel tank air filter are considered to be maintenance free\
but peri-
odic inspection is recommended for this maintenance schedule depends on
fuel quality. If there are some important safety matters like fuel flow restric-
tion, surging, loss of power, hard starting problem etc, replace the fuel filter
immediately regardless of maintenance schedule and consult an authorized
HYUNDAI dealer for details.
*2Inspect for excessive tappet noise and/or engine vibration and adjust if nec-
essary.
*3Engine oil (2.0 TGDI) At first, replace at 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 6 months,
after that, every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months.
*4If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is not available, one bottle of additive is rec-
ommended. Additives are available from your authorized HYUNDAI dealer
along with information on how to use them. Do not mix other additives.
127,500 miles (204,000 km) or 102 months
❑ Inspect air cleaner filter❑Inspect vacuum hose❑Replace engine oil and filter (2.4 GDI) *
3
(127,500 miles (204,000 km) or 204 months)❑ Add fuel additive *
4

Maintenance16
7NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (CONT.)
135,000 miles (216,000 km) or 108 months
❑ Inspect air cleaner filter❑Inspect vacuum hose❑Inspect air conditioning refrigerant❑Inspect brake hoses and lines❑Inspect drive shafts and boots❑Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler❑Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers❑Inspect rear brake disc/pads❑Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball joint,
upper arm ball joint❑ Inspect suspension mounting bolts❑Inspect drive belts
(First, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 72 months
after every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 24 months)❑ Replace climate control air filter (for evaporator and blower unit)❑Replace engine oil and filter (2.4 GDI) *
3
(135,000 miles (216,000 km) or 216 months)❑Replace spark plugs (iridium coated), 2.0TGDI❑ Add fuel additive *
4
142,500 miles (228,000 km) or 114 months
❑Inspect air cleaner filter❑Inspect vacuum hose❑Replace engine oil and filter (2.4 GDI) *
3
(142,500 miles (228,000 km) or 228 months)❑ Add fuel additive *
4
*3Engine oil (2.0 TGDI) At first, replace at 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 6 months,
after that, every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months.
*4If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is not available, one bottle of additive is rec-
ommended. Additives are available from your authorized HYUNDAI dealer
along with information on how to use them. Do not mix other additives.

717
Maintenance
150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 120 months
❑Inspect vacuum hose❑Inspect air conditioning refrigerant❑Inspect brake hoses and lines❑Inspect drive shafts and boots❑Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler❑Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers❑Inspect rear brake disc/pads❑Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball joint,
upper arm ball joint❑ Inspect suspension mounting bolts❑Inspect brake/clutch (if equipped) fluid ❑Inspect fuel filter *
1
❑Inspect fuel lines, fuel hoses and connections❑Inspect fuel tank air filter (if equipped) *
1
❑Inspect parking brake❑Inspect vapor hose and fuel filler cap❑Inspect manual transaxle fluid (if equipped)❑Inspect drive belts
(First, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 72 months
after every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 24 months)❑ Replace climate control air filter (for evaporator and blower unit)❑Replace air cleaner filter❑Replace engine oil and filter (2.4 GDI) *
3
(150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 240 months)
(Continued)
(Continued)❑Replace coolant (First, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 60 months
after every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months)❑ Add fuel additive *
4
NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (CONT.)
No check, No service required
❑Automatic transaxle fluid (if equipped)*1Fuel filter & Fuel tank air filter are considered to be maintenance free\
but peri-
odic inspection is recommended for this maintenance schedule depends on
fuel quality. If there are some important safety matters like fuel flow restric-
tion, surging, loss of power, hard starting problem etc, replace the fuel filter
immediately regardless of maintenance schedule and consult an authorized
HYUNDAI dealer for details.
*3Engine oil (2.0 TGDI) At first, replace at 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 6 months,
after that, every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months.
*4If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is not available, one bottle of additive is rec-
ommended. Additives are available from your authorized HYUNDAI dealer
along with information on how to use them. Do not mix other additives.

Maintenance18
7MAINTENANCE UNDER SEVERE USAGE CONDITIONSSEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS
A - Repeatedly driving short distance of less than 5 miles (8 km) in normal
temperature or less than 10 miles (16 km) 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 areas 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 106 mph (170 km/h)
K - Frequently driving in stop-and-go conditionsThe 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 neces\
sary
MAINTENANCE ITEM
MAINTENANCE
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
DRIVING CONDITION
ENGINE OIL AND FILTER (2.4 GDI)
R
EVERY 3,750 MILES (6,000 KM) OR 6 MONTHS
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K
ENGINE OIL AND FILTER (2.0 TGDI)
R
EVERY 3,000 MILES (5,000 KM) OR 3 MONTHS
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K
AIR CLEANER FILTER
R
MORE FREQUENTLY
C, E
SPARK PLUGS
R
MORE FREQUENTLY
B, H
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID
R
EVERY 60,000 MILES (96,000 KM)
A, C, E, F, G, I
MANUAL TRANSAXLE FLUID
R
EVERY 75,000 MILES (120,000 KM)
A, C, E, F, G, I
FRONT BRAKE DISC/PADS, CALIPERS
I
MORE FREQUENTLY
C, D, G, H
REAR BRAKE DISC/PADS
I
MORE FREQUENTLY
C, D, G, F
PARKING BRAKE
I
MORE FREQUENTLY
C, D, G, H
STEERING GEAR BOX, LINKAGE & BOOTS/
LOWER ARM BALL JOINT, UPPER ARM BALL JOINT
I
MORE FREQUENTLY
C, D, E, F, G, H, I
DRIVE SHAFTS AND BOOTS
I
EVERY 7,500 MILES (12,000 KM) OR 6 MONTHS
C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J
CLIMATE CONTROL AIR FILTER
(FOR EVAPORATOR AND BLOWER UNIT)
R
MORE FREQUENTLY
C, E

719
Maintenance
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE ITEMSEngine oil and filterThe engine oil and filter should be
changed at the intervals specified in the
maintenance schedule. If the car is being
driven in severe conditions, more fre-
quent oil and filter changes are required.Drive beltsInspect all drive belts for evidence of
cuts, cracks, excessive wear or oil satu-
ration and replace if necessary. Drive
belts should be checked periodically for
proper tension and adjusted as neces-
sary.
Fuel filterA clogged filter can limit the speed at
which the vehicle may be driven, damage
the emission system and cause multiple
issues such as hard starting. If an exces-
sive amount of foreign matter accumu-
lates in the fuel tank, the filter may
require replacement more frequently.
After installing a new filter, run the engine
for several minutes, and check for leaks
at the connections. Fuel filters should be
installed by an authorized HYUNDAI
dealer.Fuel lines, fuel hoses and con-
nectionsCheck the fuel lines, fuel hoses and con-
nections for leakage and damage. Have
an authorized HYUNDAI dealer replace
any damaged or leaking parts immedi-
ately.
Vapor hose and fuel filler capThe vapor hose and fuel filler cap should
be inspected at those intervals specified
in the maintenance schedule. Make sure
that a new vapor hose or fuel filler cap is
correctly replaced.Vacuum crankcase ventilation
hosesInspect the surface of hoses for evidence
of heat and/or mechanical damage. Hard
and brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts,
abrasions, and excessive swelling indi-
cate deterioration. Particular attention
should be paid to examine those hose
surfaces nearest to high heat sources,
such as the exhaust manifold.
Inspect the hose routing to assure that
the hoses do not come in contact with
any heat source, sharp edges or moving
component which might cause heat dam-
age or mechanical wear. Inspect all hose
connections, such as clamps and cou-
plings, to make sure they are secure, and
that no leaks are present. Hoses should
be replaced immediately if there is any
evidence of deterioration or damage.

Maintenance20
7Air cleaner filterA Genuine HYUNDAI air cleaner filter is
recommended when the filter is
replaced.Spark plugsMake sure to install new spark plugs of
the correct heat range.Valve clearance Inspect excessive valve noise and/or
engine vibration and adjust if necessary.
An authorized HYUNDAI dealer should
perform the operation.Cooling systemCheck cooling system components, such
as radiator, coolant reservoir, hoses and
connections for leakage and damage.
Replace any damaged parts.
CoolantThe coolant should be changed at the
intervals specified in the maintenance
schedule.Manual transaxle fluid
(if equipped)Inspect the manual transaxle fluid
according to the maintenance schedule.Automatic transaxle fluid
(if equipped)Automatic transaxle fluid should not be
checked under normal usage conditions.
But in severe conditions, the fluid should
be changed at an authorized HYUNDAI
dealer in accordance to the scheduled
maintenance at the beginning of this
chapter.✽ ✽
NOTICEAutomatic transaxle fluid color is basi-
cally red.
As the vehicle is driven, the automatic
transaxle fluid will begin to look darker.
It is normal condition and you should
not judge the need to replace the fluid
based upon the changed color.
Brake hoses and linesVisually check for proper installation,
chafing, cracks, deterioration and any
leakage. Replace any deteriorated or
damaged parts immediately.Brake/clutch fluidCheck brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir. The level should be between
“MIN” and “MAX” marks on the side of
the reservoir. Use only hydraulic brake
fluid conforming to DOT 3 or DOT 4
specification.
CAUTION
The use of a non-specified fluid
could result in transaxle malfunc- tion and failure.
Use only specified automatic trans -
axle fluid. (Refer to “Recommended lubricants and capacities” in sec-tion 8.)

721
Maintenance
Parking brakeInspect the parking brake system includ-
ing the parking brake pedal and cables.Brake discs, pads, calipers and
rotorsCheck the pads for excessive wear, discs
for run out and wear, and calipers for fluid
leakage.Exhaust pipe and mufflerVisually inspect the exhaust pipes, muf-
fler and hangers for cracks, deterioration,
or damage. Start the engine and listen
carefully for any exhaust gas leakage.
Tighten connections or replace parts as
necessary.Suspension mounting boltsCheck the suspension connections for
looseness or damage. Retighten to the
specified torque.
Steering gear box, linkage &
boots/lower arm ball jointWith the vehicle stopped and engine off,
check for excessive free-play in the
steering wheel.
Check the linkage for bends or damage.
Check the dust boots and ball joints for
deterioration, cracks, or damage.
Replace any damaged parts.
Drive shafts and bootsCheck the drive shafts, boots and clamps
for cracks, deterioration, or damage.
Replace any damaged parts and, if nec-
essary, repack the grease.Air conditioning refrigerant Check the air conditioning lines and con-
nections for leakage and damage.

Maintenance22
7ENGINE OILChecking the engine oil level 1. Be sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Start the engine and allow it to reach
normal operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for a few minutes (about 5 minutes) for the oil to
return to the oil pan.
4. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, and re-insert it fully. 5. Pull the dipstick out again and check
the level. The level should be between
F and L.
If it is near or at L, add enough oil to bring
the level to F.Do not overfill.
Use a funnel to help prevent oil from
being spilled on engine components.
Use only the specified engine oil. (Refer to “Recommended lubricants and capaci-ties” in section 8.)
WARNING -
Radiator hose
Be very careful not to touch the
radiator hose when checking or
adding the engine oil as it may be
hot enough to burn you.
OYF071003NOYF071003N-1
2.4 engine2.0 engine
OYF071004NOYF071004N-1
2.4 engine2.0 engine
CAUTION
 Do not overfill with engine oil. Engine damage may result.
 Do not spill engine oil, when adding or changing engine oil. Ifyou drop the engine oil on theengine room, wipe it off immedi- ately.

723
Maintenance
Changing the engine oil and filterHave engine oil and filter changed by an
authorized HYUNDAI dealer according to
the Maintenance Schedule at the begin-
ning of this section.
CALIFORNIA
PROPOSI-
TION 65 WARNING
Engine oil contains chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects, and
reproductive harm.
Used engine oil may cause irrita-
tion 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 ani-
mals. Always protect your skin by
washing your hands thoroughly
with soap and warm water as soon
as possible after handling used oil.

Maintenance24
7The high-pressure cooling system has a
reservoir filled with year-round antifreeze
coolant. The reservoir is filled at the factory.
Check the antifreeze protection and
coolant level at least once a year, at the
beginning of the winter season, and
before traveling to a colder climate.
Checking the coolant level
(Continued)
 Even if the engine is not operat-
ing, do not remove the radiator
cap or the drain plug while the
engine and radiator are hot. Hot
coolant and steam may still blow
out under pressure, causing seri-
ous injury.
ENGINE COOLANT
WARNING
Removing radiator
cap
 Never attempt to remove the radi-ator cap while the engine is oper-
ating or hot. Doing so might lead
to cooling system and engine
damage and could result in seri-
ous personal injury from escap-
ing hot coolant or steam.
 Turn the engine off and wait until it cools down. Use extreme care
when removing the radiator cap.
Wrap a thick towel around it, and
turn it counterclockwise slowly to
the first stop. Step back while the
pressure is released from the cool-
ing system. When you are sure all
the pressure has been released,
press down on the cap, using a
thick towel, and continue turning
counterclockwise to remove it.
(Continued)
WARNING
The electric motor
(cooling fan) is con-
trolled by engine
coolant temperature,
refrigerant pressure
and vehicle speed. It may some-
times operate even when the
engine is not running. Use extreme
caution when working near the
blades of the cooling fan so that
you are not injured by a rotating fan
blades. As the engine coolant tem-
perature decreases, the electric
motor will automatically shut off.
This is a normal condition. If your
vehicle is equipped with GDI, the
electric motor (cooling fan) may
operate until you disconnect the
negative battery cable.