automatic transmission Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid 2016 User Guide

5-44
When ECO mode is activated:
The acceleration response may be
slightly reduced as the accelerator
pedal is depressed moderately.
The air conditioner performance
may be limited.
The shift pattern of the automatic
transmission may change.
The engine noise may get louder.
The above situations are normal
conditions when ECO mode is acti-
vated to improve fuel efficiency.
Driving your vehicle

5-81
Driving your vehicle
5
Hazardous driving conditions
When hazardous driving elements
are encountered such as water,
snow, ice, mud and sand, take the
below suggestions:
Drive cautiously and keep a longer
braking distance.
Avoid abrupt braking or steering.
When your vehicle is stuck in snow,
mud, or sand, use second gear.
Accelerate slowly to avoid unnec-
essary wheel spin.
Put sand, rock salt, tire chains or
other non-slip materials under the
wheels to provide additional trac-
tion while the vehicle becomes
stuck in ice, snow, or mud.
Rocking the vehicle
If it is necessary to rock the vehicle
to free it from snow, sand, or mud,
first turn the steering wheel right and
left to clear the area around your
front wheels. Then, shift back and
forth between R (Reverse) and a for-
ward gear.
Try to avoid spinning the wheels, and
do not race the engine.
To prevent transmission wear, wait
until the wheels stop spinning before
shifting gears. Release the accelera-
tor pedal while shifting, and press
lightly on the accelerator pedal while
the transmission is in gear. Slowly
spinning the wheels in forward and
reverse directions causes a rocking
motion that may free the vehicle.
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Downshifting with an automatic
transmission while driving on
slippery surfaces can cause an
accident. The sudden change in
tire speed could cause the tires
to skid. Be careful when down-
shifting on slippery surfaces.
WARNING
If the vehicle is stuck and
excessive wheel spin occurs,
the temperature in the tires can
increase very quickly. If the tires
become damaged, a tire blow
out or tire explosion can occur.
This condition is dangerous -
you and others may be injured.
Do not attempt this procedure if
people or objects are anywhere
near the vehicle.
If you attempt to free the vehi-
cle, the vehicle can overheat
quickly, possibly causing an
engine compartment fire or
other damage. Try to avoid spin-
ning the wheels as much as
possible to prevent overheating
of either the tires or the engine.
DO NOT allow the vehicle to
spin the wheels above 35 mph
(56 km/h).
WARNING

6-25
What to do in an emergency
Use a towing cable or chain less
than 16 feet (5 m) long. Attach a
white or red cloth (about 12 inches
(30 cm) wide) in the middle of the
cable or chain for easy visibility.
Drive carefully so the towing cable
or chain remains tight during tow-
ing.
Before towing, check the automat-
ic transmission for fluid leaks under
your vehicle. If the automatic trans-
mission fluid is leaking, flatbed
equipment or a towing dolly must
be used.
6
ODH063025
To avoid damage to your vehicle
and vehicle components when
towing:
Always pull straight ahead
when using the towing hooks.
Do not pull from the side or at
a vertical angle.
Do not use the towing hooks
to pull a vehicle out of mud,
sand or other conditions from
which the vehicle cannot be
driven out under its own
power.
Limit the vehicle speed to 10
mph (15 km/h) and drive less
than 1 mile (1.5 km) when tow-
ing to avoid serious damage
to the automatic transmis-
sion.
CAUTION

7-5
7
Maintenance
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The following lists are vehicle checks
and inspections that should be per-
formed by the owner or an authorized
HYUNDAI dealer at the frequencies
indicated to help ensure safe,
dependable operation of your vehicle.
Any adverse conditions should be
brought to the attention of your deal-
er as soon as possible.
These Owner Maintenance vehicle
checks are generally not covered by
warranties and you may be charged
for labor, parts and lubricants used.
Performing maintenance work
on a vehicle can be dangerous.
If you lack sufficient knowledge
and experience or the proper
tools and equipment to do the
work, have it done by an author-
ized HYUNDAI dealer. ALWAYS
follow these precautions for
performing maintenance work:
Park your vehicle on level
ground, move the shift lever
into the P (Park, for automatic
transmission vehicle) posi-
tion, apply the parking brake,
place the Engine Start/Stop
button in the OFF position.
Block the tires (front and back)
to prevent the vehicle from
moving.
Remove loose clothing or jew-
elry that can become entan-
gled in moving parts.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
If you must run the engine
during maintenance, do so
out doors or in an area with
plenty of ventilation.
Keep flames, sparks, or smok-
ing materials away from the
battery and fuel-related parts.
When you open the engine
hood, turn the hybrid system
off. If not, It may result in death
or serious injury because of
the high voltage flow.

7-6
Maintenance
Owner maintenance schedule
When you stop for fuel:
Check the engine oil level.
Check coolant level in the enginecoolant reservoir.
Check the windshield washer fluid level.
Check for low or under-inflated tires.
While operating your vehicle:
Note any changes in the sound ofthe exhaust or any smell of
exhaust fumes in the vehicle.
Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice if there is any
increased steering effort or loose-
ness in the steering wheel, or
change in its straight-ahead posi-
tion.
Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side
when traveling on smooth, level
road.
When stopping, listen and check for unusual sounds, pulling to one
side, increased brake pedal travel
or “hard-to-push” brake pedal.
If any slipping or changes in the operation of your transmission
occurs, check the transmission
fluid level.
Check the automatic transmission P (Park) function.
Check the parking brake.
Check for fluid leaks under your vehicle (water dripping from the air
conditioning system during or after
use is normal).
At least monthly:
Check coolant level in the enginecoolant reservoir.
Check the operation of all exterior lights, including the stoplights, turn
signals and hazard warning flashers.
Check the inflation pressures of all tires including the spare for tires
that are worn, show uneven wear,
or are damaged.
Check for loose wheel lug nuts.
Be careful when checking your
engine coolant level when the
engine is hot. This may result in
coolant being blown out of the
opening and cause serious
burns and other injuries.
WARNING

7-7
7
Maintenance
At least twice a year:(i.e., every Spring and Fall)
Check radiator, heater and air condi-
tioning hoses for leaks or damage.
Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper
blades with clean cloth dampened
with washer fluid.
Check headlamp alignment.
Check muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and clamps.
Check the seat belts for wear and function.
At least once a year:
Clean body and door drain holes.
Lubricate door hinges and hoodhinges.
Lubricate door and hood locks and latches.
Lubricate door rubber weather strips.
Check the air conditioning system.
Inspect and lubricate automatic transmission linkage and controls.
Clean the battery and terminals.
Check the brake fluid level.

7
Maintenance
7-21
Normal maintenance schedule (CONT.)
No check, No service required
❑Automatic transmission fluid
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 fluid
❑ Inspect fuel filter *
3
❑Inspect fuel lines, fuel hoses and connections
❑ Inspect fuel tank air filter (if equipped) *3
❑Inspect parking brake
❑ Inspect vapor hose and fuel filler cap
❑ Inspect HSG belt *
2
(150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 240 months)
❑ Air intake hose
❑ Replace climate control air filter
(for evaporator and blower unit)
❑ Replace air cleaner filter
❑ Replace engine oil and filter
(150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 240 months)
(Continued)
(Continued)
❑Replace engine coolant
(First, 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 120 months
after every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months)
❑ Replace inverter coolant
(First, 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 120 months
after every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months)
❑ Add fuel additive *
1
(150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 240 months)
*
1: If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is not available, one bottle of additive is recommended. Additives are available from
your authorized HYUNDAI dealer along with information on
how to use them. Do not mix other additives.
*
2: Inspect HSG belt for evidence of cuts, crocks, excessive wear or oil saturation and replace if necessary. If drive belt
noise occurred, readjust drive belt tension before replace.
*
3: Fuel filter & Fuel tank air filter are considered to be mainte- nance free but periodic inspection is recommended for this
maintenance schedule depends on fuel quality. If there are
some important safety matters like fuel flow restriction,
surging, loss of power, hard starting problem etc, replace
the fuel filter immediately regardless of maintenance sched-
ule and consult an authorized HYUNDAI dealer for details.
❈ Inspect : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or
replace.

Maintenance
7-22
Maintenance under severe usage conditions
The 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 ITEMMAINTENANCEOPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVALSDRIVING
CONDITION
Engine oil and filterREvery 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 monthsA, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K
Air cleaner filterRMore frequentlyC, E
Spark plugsRMore frequentlyB, H
Automatic transmission fluidREvery 60,000 miles (96,000 km)A, C, E, F, G, I
HSG (Hybrid Starter&Generator) belt
REvery 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
C, D, E, L
IEvery 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months
Front brake disc/pads, calipersIMore frequentlyC, D, G, H

7-25
7
Maintenance
Cooling system
Check cooling system components,
such as radiator, coolant reservoir,
hoses and connections for leakage
and damage. Replace any damaged
parts.
Engine coolant/Inverter
coolant
The coolant should be changed at
the intervals specified in the mainte-
nance schedule.
Automatic transmission fluid
Automatic transmission fluid should
not be checked under normal usage
conditions. But in severe conditions,
the fluid should be changed at an
authorized HYUNDAI dealer in accor-
dance to the scheduled maintenance
at the beginning of this chapter.
Automatic transmission fluid color
is basically red.
As the vehicle is driven, the auto-
matic transmission fluid will begin
to look darker. This is a normal
condition and you should not
judge the need to replace the fluid
based upon the changed color.
Brake hoses and lines
Visually check for proper installation,
chafing, cracks, deterioration and
any leakage. Replace any deteriorat-
ed or damaged parts immediately.
Brake fluid
Check brake fluid level in the brake
fluid reservoir. The level should be
between the MIN and the MAX
marks on the side of the reservoir.
Use only hydraulic brake fluid con-
forming to DOT 3 or DOT 4 specifi-
cation.
Parking brake
Inspect the parking brake system
including the parking brake pedal
and cables.
NOTICE
The use of a non-specified fluid
could result in transmission mal-
function and failure. Use only the
specified automatic transmission
fluid (refer to “Recommended
Lubricants and Capacities” in
chapter 8).
CAUTION

8-6
Specifications, Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
To help achieve proper engine and powertrain performance and durability, use only lubricants of the proper quality.
The correct lubricants also help promote engine efficiency that results in improved fuel economy.
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*1Refer to the recommended SAE viscosity numbers on the next page.
*2Engine oils labeled Energy Conserving Oil are now available. Along with other additional benefits, they contribute to fuel economy by reducing
the amount of fuel necessary to overcome engine friction. Often, these improvements are difficult to measure in everyday driving, but in a year’s
time, they can offer significant cost and energy savings.
*
3If the API service SM engine oil is not available in your country, you are able to use API service SL.
LubricantVolume Classification
Engine oil *
1*2(drain and refill)
Recommends
4.33 US qt. (4.1 l)
API Service SM or above*3/ILSAC GF-4 or above
Automatic transmission fluid
6.34 US qt. (6.0 l)MICHANG ATF SP-IV, SK ATF SP-IV NOCA ATF SP-IV,
HYUNDAI genuine ATF & SP-IV or other brands meeting the above
specification approved by Hyundai Motor Co.
Engine coolant6.97~7.29 US qt.
(6.6 ~ 6.9 l)Mixture of antifreeze and water
(Phosphate-based ethylene glycol coolant for aluminum radiator)
Inverter coolant
2.38 US qt. (2.26 l)Mixture of antifreeze and water
(Phosphate-based ethylene glycol coolant for aluminum radiator)
Brake fluid
0.74~0.85 US qt.
(0.7~0.8 l)FMVSS116 DOT-3 or DOT-4
FuelHybrid15.85 US gal. (60 l)Refer to “Fuel Requirements” in the Foreword chapter.Plug-in hybrid17.17 US gal. (65 l)