fuel Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2011 Owner's Guide

453
Features of your vehicle
Warnings and indicators
All warning lights are checked by turning
the engine start/stop button ON (do not
start the engine). Any light that does not
illuminate should be checked by an
authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
After starting the Hybrid system, check to
make sure that all warning lights are off.
If any are still on, this indicates a situa-
tion that needs attention. When releasing
the parking brake, the brake system
warning light should go off. The fuel
warning light will stay on if the fuel level
is low.
EV mode
This light illuminates if the vehicle only is
moved by the electric motor.
Service indicator
This indicator comes on when any mal-
function occurs in the hybrid system. If
this occurs, have your vehicle checked by
an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
Air bag warning light
This warning light will illuminate for
approximately 6 seconds each time you
turn the engine start/stop button to the
ON position.
This light also comes on when the
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is
not working properly. If the SRS air bag
warning light does not come on, or
continuously remains on after operating
for about 6 seconds when you turned the
engine start/stop button to the ON posi-
tion or started the engine, or if it comes
on while driving, have the SRS inspected
by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

459
Features of your vehicle
Low fuel level warning light
This warning light indicates the fuel tank
is nearly 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.
Engine coolant
temperature warning light
(if equipped)
The warning light illuminates if the tem-
perature of the engine coolant is above
257±4.5°F (125±2.5°C).
Do not continue driving with an overheat-
ed engine. If your vehicle overheats, refer
to “Overheating” in section 6.
Malfunction indicator light
(MIL) (check engine light)
This indicator light is part of the Engine
Control System which monitors various
emission control system components. If
this light illuminates while driving, it indi-
cates that a potential malfunction has
been detected somewhere in the emis-
sion control system.
This light will also illuminate when the
engine start/stop button is turned to the
ON position, and will go out in a few sec-
onds after the engine is started. If it illu-
minates while driving, or does not illumi-
nate when the engine start/stop button is
turned to the ON position, take your vehi-
cle to your nearest authorized HYUNDAI
dealer and have the system checked.
Generally, your vehicle will continue to be
drivable, but have the system checked by
an authorized HYUNDAI dealer promptly.
CAUTION
Prolonged driving with the
Malfunction Indicator Light illumi-
nated may cause damage to the
emission control systems which
could effect drivability and/or fuel
economy.

If the Malfunction Indicator Light
illuminates, potential catalytic
converter damage is possible.
This could result in loss of engine
power. Have the Engine Control
System inspected as soon as pos-
sible by an authorized HYUNDAI
dealer.

467
Features of your vehicle
✽ ✽
NOTICE
In winter, the warning may not illumi-
nate immediately.
The active air flap system is even nor-
mal condition, the warning or warning
indicator(MIL) may be turned on. In
that time, check the flap frozen condi-
tion or attached materials.
If the flap is frozen in winter, the warn-
ing indicator(MIL) may be turned on
without warning contents.
State of charge
This State of Charge(SOC) gauge indi-
cates the left Hybrid battery power. If the
SOC is near L level, the vehicle automat-
ically operates the engine to charge the
battery. However, if the service indicator
and MIL(Malfunction indicator lamp) turn
on when the State of Charge(SOC) is
near L(Low), the vehicle should be
towed. Refer to the chapter 6.
OYFH041311N
WARNING
Never try to start the vehicle if the
fuel tank is empty. The engine is
impossible to charge the high volt-
age battery of hybrid system. If you
try to start the vehicle when the fuel
is empty, the high voltage battery
will become discharged and be
damaged.

487
Features of your vehicle
Air conditioning
Push the A/C button to turn the air condi-
tioning system on (indicator light will illu-
minate).
Push the button again to turn the air con-
ditioning system off.
OFF mode
Push the OFF button to turn off the air cli-
mate control system. However, you can
still operate the mode and air intake but-
tons as long as the engine start/stop but-
ton is in the ON position.
Economy air conditioning button
1. If you push the ECON button while the
air conditioning system is working, the
air conditioning system will work less
and it could improve the fuel efficiency.
2. If you want maximum air conditioning
while ECON system is working, turn
the ECON system off by pushing the
ECON button.
OYFH041127AOYFH041128AOYFH041340A

Features of your vehicle
98 4
Climate information screen selection
(if equipped)
Press the climate information screen
selection button to display climate infor-
mation on the screen.
OFF mode
Push the OFF button to turn off the air cli-
mate control system. However, you can
still operate the mode and air intake but-
tons as long as the engine start/stop but-
ton is in the ON position.
Economy air conditioning button
1. If you push the ECON button while the
air conditioning system is working, the
air conditioning system will work less
and it could improve the fuel efficiency.
2. If you want maximum air conditioning
while ECON system is working, turn
the ECON system off by pushing the
ECON button.
OYFH041300NOYFH041128AOYFH041342A

511
Driving your vehicle
R (Reverse)
Use this position to drive the vehicle
backward.N (Neutral)
The wheels and transaxle are not
engaged. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or service brakes are applied.
D (Drive)
This is the normal forward driving posi-
tion. The transaxle will automatically shift
through a 6-gear sequence, providing the
best fuel economy and power.
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing grades, depress the
accelerator fully, at which time the
transaxle will automatically downshift to
the next lower gear.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
• Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into D (Drive).
• When you shift the transaxle D to N
while decelerating, the surge may
occur in the vehicle.
This is normal situation when the
regenerative brake system stopped by
shifting to N while regenerative brake
system operation.
Sports mode
Whether the vehicle is stationary or in
motion, sports mode is selected by push-
ing the shift lever from the D (Drive) posi-
tion into the manual gate. To return to D
(Drive) range operation, push the shift
lever back into the main gate.
In sports mode, moving the shift lever
backwards and forwards will allow you to
make gearshifts rapidly.
Up (+) : Push the lever forward once to
shift up one gear.
Down (-) : Pull the lever backwards once
to shift down one gear.
CAUTION
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into or out of R
(Reverse); you may damage the
transaxle if you shift into R
(Reverse) while the vehicle is in
motion, except as explained in
“Rocking the vehicle” in this sec-
tion.
OYF059008N
+ (UP)
- (DOWN)Sports mode

Driving your vehicle
28 5
Your vehicle's fuel economy depends
mainly on your style of driving, where you
drive and when you drive.
Each of these factors affects how many
miles (kilometers) you can get from a gal-
lon (liter) of fuel. To operate your vehicle
as economically as possible, use the fol-
lowing driving suggestions to help save
money in both fuel and repairs:
Drive smoothly. Accelerate at a moder-
ate 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 unneces-
sarily. Avoid heavy traffic whenever
possible. Always maintain a safe dis-
tance from other vehicles so you can
avoid unnecessary braking. This also
reduces brake wear.
Drive at a moderate speed. The faster
you drive, the more fuel your car uses.
Driving at a moderate speed, especial-
ly on the highway, is one of the most
effective ways to reduce fuel consump-
tion. Don't "ride" the brake pedal. This can
increase fuel consumption and also
increase wear on these components.
In addition, driving with your foot rest-
ing on the brake pedal may cause the
brakes to overheat, which reduces
their effectiveness and may lead to
more serious consequences.
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.
Be sure that the wheels are aligned
correctly. Improper alignment can
result from hitting curbs or driving too
fast over irregular surfaces. Poor align-
ment causes faster tire wear and may
also result in other problems as well as
greater fuel consumption. 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 7. If you drive your
car in severe conditions, more frequent
maintenance is required (see section 7
for details).
Keep your car clean. For maximum
service, your vehicle should be kept
clean and free of corrosive materials. It
is especially important that mud, dirt,
ice, etc. not be allowed to accumulate
on the underside of the car. This extra
weight can result in increased fuel con-
sumption and also contribute to corro-
sion.
Travel lightly. Don't carry unnecessary
weight in your car. Weight reduces fuel
economy.
Don't let the engine idle longer than
necessary. If you are waiting (and not
in traffic), turn off your engine and
restart only when you're ready to go.
ECONOMICAL OPERATION

529
Driving your vehicle
Use your air conditioning sparingly.
The air conditioning system is operat-
ed by engine power so your fuel econ-
omy is reduced when you use it.
Open windows at high speeds can
reduce fuel economy.
Fuel economy is less in crosswinds
and headwinds. To help offset some of
this loss, slow down when driving in
these conditions.
Keeping a vehicle in good operating con-
dition is important both for economy and
safety. Therefore, have an authorized
HYUNDAI dealer perform scheduled
inspections and maintenance.
WARNING - HEV system
off during motion
Never turn the HEV system off to
coast down hills or anytime the
vehicle is in motion. The power
steering and power brakes will not
function properly without the HEV
system running. Instead, keep the
HEV system on and downshift to an
appropriate gear for engine braking
effect. In addition, turning off the
ignition while driving could engage
the steering wheel lock resulting in
loss of vehicle steering which
could cause serious injury or
death.

533
Driving your vehicle
Highway driving
Tires
Adjust the tire inflation pressures to
specification. Low tire inflation pressures
will result in overheating and possible
failure of the tires.
Avoid using worn or damaged tires which
may result in reduced traction or tire fail-
ure.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
Never exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure shown on the tires.
Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil
High speed travel consumes more fuel
than urban motoring. Do not forget to
check both engine coolant and engine
oil.
Drive belt
A loose or damaged drive belt may result
in overheating of the engine.
WARNING
Underinflated or overinflated
tires can cause poor handling,
loss of vehicle control, and sud-
den tire failure leading to acci-
dents, injuries, and even death.
Always check tires for proper
inflation before driving. For prop-
er tire pressures, refer to “Tires
and wheels” in section 8.
Driving on tires with no or insuffi-
cient tread is dangerous. Worn-
out tires can result in loss of
vehicle control, collisions, injury,
and even death. Worn-out tires
should be replaced as soon as
possible and should never be
used for driving. Always check
the tire tread before driving your
car. For further information and
tread limits, refer to “Tires and
wheels” in section 7.
OMG015008

541
Driving your vehicle
Certification label
The certification label is located on
the driver's door sill at the center pil-
lar.
This label shows the maximum
allowable weight of the fully loaded
vehicle. This is called the GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The
GVWR includes the weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, fuel and
cargo.
This label also tells you the maxi-
mum weight that can be supported
by the front and rear axles, called
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).To find out the actual loads on your
front and rear axles, you need to go
to a weigh station and weigh your
vehicle. Your dealer can help you with
this. Be sure to spread out your load
equally on both sides of the center-
line.
The label will help you decide how
much cargo and installed equipment
your vehicle can carry.
If you carry items inside your vehicle
- like suitcases, tools, packages, or
anything else - they are moving as
fast as the vehicle. If you have to stop
or turn quickly, or if there is a crash,
the items will keep going and can
cause an injury if they strike the driv-
er or a passenger.
OBH059070
WARNING -Over loading
Never exceed the GVWR for
your vehicle, the GAWR for
either the front or rear axle
and vehicle capacity weight.
Exceeding these ratings can
cause an accident or vehicle
damage. You can calculate the
weight of your load by weigh-
ing the items (or people)
before putting them in the
vehicle. Be careful not to over-
load your vehicle.
(Continued)
(Continued)
Do not load your vehicle any
heavier than the GVWR, either
the maximum front or rear
GAWR and vehicle capacity
weight. If you do, parts,
including tires on your vehicle
can break, and it can change
the way your vehicle handles
and braking ability. This could
cause you to lose control and
crash. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehi-
cle.