2003 Hyundai Elantra maintenance

A010A02A-AAT
WARRANTIES FOR YOUR HYUNDAI VEHICLE WARRANTIES FOR YOUR HYUNDAI VEHICLEWARRANTIES FOR YOUR HYUNDAI VEHICLE WARRANTIES FOR YOUR HYUNDAI VEHICLE
WARRANTIES FOR YOUR HYUNDAI VEHICLE
o New Vehicle 60 Months/60,000 Miles Limited Warranty
o New Vehicle 120 Months/100,000 Miles Limited Powertrain Warranty (first owner only)
o Anti-Perforation Limited Warranty
o Emission Defect Warranty - Federal Vehicle
o California Emission Control System Warranty (if applicable)
o Emission Performance Warranty - Federal Vehicle
o Replacement Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty
NOTE:
Detailed warranty information is provided in your Hyundai Owner's Handbook.
A020A01A-AAT
RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAINTENANCERESPONSIBILITY FOR MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAINTENANCE
RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAINTENANCE
The maintenance requirements for your new Hyundai are found in Section 5. As the owner,
it is your responsibility to see that all maintenance operations specified by the manufacturer
are carried out at the appropriate intervals. When the vehicle is used in severe driving
conditions, more frequent maintenance is required for some operations. Maintenance
requirements for severe operating conditions are also included in Section 5.

OWNER'S MANUAL OWNER'S MANUALOWNER'S MANUAL OWNER'S MANUAL
OWNER'S MANUALA030A02E-AAT
Operation OperationOperation Operation
Operation
Maintenance MaintenanceMaintenance Maintenance
Maintenance
Specifications SpecificationsSpecifications Specifications
Specifications
All information in this Owner's Manual is current at the time of publication. However, Hyundai reserves the right to make changes at any
time so that our policy of continual product improvement may be carried out.
This manual applies to all Hyundai models and includes descriptions and explanations of optional as well as standard equipment. As a
result, you may find material in this manual that does not apply to your specific vehicle.
G280A01E

A040A01A-AAT
FOREWORD FOREWORDFOREWORD FOREWORD
FOREWORD
Thank you for choosing Hyundai. We are pleased to welcome you to the growing number of discriminating
people who drive Hyundai. The advanced engineering and high-quality construction of each Hyundai we build
is something of which we're very proud.
Your Owner's Manual will introduce you to the features and operation of your new Hyundai. It is suggested
that you read it carefully because the information it contains can contribute greatly to the satisfaction you
receive from your new car.
The manufacturer also recommends that all service and maintenance on your car be performed by an
authorized Hyundai dealer. Hyundai dealers are prepared to provide high-quality service, maintenance and
any other assistance that may be required.
A050A04A-AAT
HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYHYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
Note:Because future owners will also need the information included in this manual, if you sell this Hyundai,
please leave the manual in the vehicle for their use. Thank you.
CAUTION: Severe engine and transaxle damage may result from the use of poor quality fuels and
lubricants that do not meet Hyundai specifications. You must always use high quality fuels and
lubricants that meet the specifications listed on Page 9-3 in the Vehicle Specifications section of the
Owner's Manual and which also appear in the Service Station Information on the back cover of the
Owner's Manual.
Copyright 2003 Hyundai Motor Company. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission
of Hyundai Motor Company.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1. FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI .......................................................................... 1-1
2. DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI .................................................................................... 2-1
3. WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY ...................................................................... 3-1
4. CORROSION PREVENTION & APPEARANCE CARE .......................................... 4-1
5. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 5-1
6. DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE ...................................................................... 6-1
7. EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS ......................................................................... 7-1
8. CONSUMER INFORMATION & REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS ........................ 8-1
9. VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................. 9-1
10. INDEX ................................................................................................................. 10-1
1 11 1
1
2 22 2
2
3 33 3
3
4 44 4
4
5 55 5
5
6 66 6
6
7 77 7
7
10 1010 10
10
8 88 8
8
9 99 9
9

FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAIFEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
1- 1
1. 1.1. 1.
1.
FEA FEAFEA FEA
FEA
TURES OF TURES OFTURES OF TURES OF
TURES OF
Y YY Y
Y
OUR HYUND OUR HYUNDOUR HYUND OUR HYUND
OUR HYUND
AI AIAI AI
AI
UNLEADED
FUEL ONLY
B020A01S-AATBREAKING IN YOUR NEW HYUNDAI
During 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
recommendations during the first 1,200 miles
(2,000 km).
B010A02A-AAT
FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Use Unleaded GasolineCAUTION: CAUTION:CAUTION: CAUTION:
CAUTION:
o oo o
o
Do not "TOP-OFF" after the first nozzle Do not "TOP-OFF" after the first nozzleDo not "TOP-OFF" after the first nozzle Do not "TOP-OFF" after the first nozzle
Do not "TOP-OFF" after the first nozzle
shut off when refueling. shut off when refueling.shut off when refueling. shut off when refueling.
shut off when refueling.
o oo o
o
The fuel cap must be tightened at least 3 The fuel cap must be tightened at least 3The fuel cap must be tightened at least 3 The fuel cap must be tightened at least 3
The fuel cap must be tightened at least 3
clicks, otherwise " " light may illu- clicks, otherwise " " light may illu-clicks, otherwise " " light may illu- clicks, otherwise " " light may illu-
clicks, otherwise " " light may illu-
minate. minate.minate. minate.
minate.
Unleaded gasoline with a Pump Octane Rating
of 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher
must be used in your Hyundai.
If leaded gasoline is used, it will cause the
catalytic converter to become ineffective and
the emission control system to malfunction.
This can also result in increased maintenance
expense.
To avoid accidental use of leaded fuel, the
larger nozzle used with leaded gasoline at
service stations cannot be inserted into the fuel
tank opening of your Hyundai.
B010B01A-AATWhat About Gasohol?Gasohol (a mixture of 90% unleaded gasoline
and 10% ethanol or grain alcohol) may be used
in your Hyundai. However, if your engine devel-
ops driveability problems, the use of 100%
unleaded gasoline is recommended. Fuels with
unspecified quantities of alcohol, or alcohols
other than ethanol, should not be used.
B010C01A-AATUse of MTBE
Hyundai recommends that fuels containing
MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) over 15.0%
vol. (Oxygen Content 2.7% weight) should not
be used in your Hyundai.
Fuel containing MTBE over 15.0% vol. (Oxy-
gen Content 2.7% weight) may reduce vehicle
performance and produce vapor lock or hard
starting.
B010D01A-AATDo Not Use Methanol
Fuels containing methanol (wood alcohol)
should not be used in your Hyundai. This type
of fuel can reduce vehicle performance and
damage components of the fuel system.
CAUTION:Your Hyundai's New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty may not cover damage to the fuel
system and any performance problems that
are caused by the use of fuels containing
methanol or fuels containing MTBE (Methyl
Tertiary Butyl Ether) over 15.0% vol. (Oxy-
gen Content 2.7% weight.).
B010F01A-AATOperation in Foreign Countries
If 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
recommends 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
performance of the Emission Control System.
B010A01E
1

FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAIFEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
1- 25
B990B01ESide airbag
sensor
WARNING:o For best protection from the side impact
airbag system and to avoid being injured
by the deploying side impact airbag, both
front seat occupants should sit in an
upright position with the seat belt prop-
erly fastened. The driver's hands should
be placed on the steering wheel at the
9:00 and 3:00 o'clock positions. The
passenger's arms and hands should be
placed in their laps.
o Do not use any accessory seat covers.
o Use of seat covers could reduce or pre-
vent the effectiveness of the system.
o Do not install any accessories on the
side or near the side impact airbag.
o Do not use excessive force on the side of
the seat.
o Do not place any objects over the airbag
or between the airbag and yourself.o Do not place any objects (an umbrella,
bag, etc.) between the front door and the
front seat. Such objects may become
dangerous projectiles and cause injury if
the supplemental side impact air bag
inflates.
o To prevent unexpected deployment of
the side impact air bag that may result in
personal injury, avoid impact to the side
airbag sensor when the ignition key is
on.B240C02A-AAT
SRS Care SRS CareSRS Care SRS Care
SRS Careo The SRS is virtually maintenance free and
there are no parts you can safely service by
yourself. The entire SRS system must be
inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealer
10 years after the date that the vehicle was
manufactured.
o Any work on the SRS system, such as re-
moving, installing, repairing, or any work on
the steering wheel must be performed by a
qualified Hyundai technician. Improper han-
dling of the airbag system may result in
serious personal injury.
WARNING: WARNING:WARNING: WARNING:
WARNING:o oo o
o
Do not install a child restraint system in Do not install a child restraint system inDo not install a child restraint system in Do not install a child restraint system in
Do not install a child restraint system in
the front passenger seat position. the front passenger seat position.the front passenger seat position. the front passenger seat position.
the front passenger seat position.
A child restraint system must never be A child restraint system must never beA child restraint system must never be A child restraint system must never be
A child restraint system must never be
placed in the front seat. The infant or child placed in the front seat. The infant or childplaced in the front seat. The infant or child placed in the front seat. The infant or child
placed in the front seat. The infant or child
could be severely injured or killed by an could be severely injured or killed by ancould be severely injured or killed by an could be severely injured or killed by an
could be severely injured or killed by an
airbag deployment in case of an accident. airbag deployment in case of an accident.airbag deployment in case of an accident. airbag deployment in case of an accident.
airbag deployment in case of an accident.
o oo o
o
Modification to SRS components or wir- Modification to SRS components or wir-Modification to SRS components or wir- Modification to SRS components or wir-
Modification to SRS components or wir-
ing, including the addition of any kind of ing, including the addition of any kind ofing, including the addition of any kind of ing, including the addition of any kind of
ing, including the addition of any kind of
badges to the pad covers or modifica- badges to the pad covers or modifica-badges to the pad covers or modifica- badges to the pad covers or modifica-
badges to the pad covers or modifica-
tions to the body structure, can adversely tions to the body structure, can adverselytions to the body structure, can adversely tions to the body structure, can adversely
tions to the body structure, can adversely
affect SRS performance and lead to pos- affect SRS performance and lead to pos-affect SRS performance and lead to pos- affect SRS performance and lead to pos-
affect SRS performance and lead to pos-
sible injury. sible injury.sible injury. sible injury.
sible injury.
o oo o
o
For cleaning the airbag pad covers, use For cleaning the airbag pad covers, useFor cleaning the airbag pad covers, use For cleaning the airbag pad covers, use
For cleaning the airbag pad covers, use
only a soft, dry cloth or one which has only a soft, dry cloth or one which hasonly a soft, dry cloth or one which has only a soft, dry cloth or one which has
only a soft, dry cloth or one which has
been moistened with plain water. Sol- been moistened with plain water. Sol-been moistened with plain water. Sol- been moistened with plain water. Sol-
been moistened with plain water. Sol-
vents or cleaners could adversely affect vents or cleaners could adversely affectvents or cleaners could adversely affect vents or cleaners could adversely affect
vents or cleaners could adversely affect
the airbag covers and proper deployment the airbag covers and proper deploymentthe airbag covers and proper deployment the airbag covers and proper deployment
the airbag covers and proper deployment
of the system. of the system.of the system. of the system.
of the system.
B240C01A

FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAIFEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
1- 35
B310A01S-AAT
ODOMETER
The odometer records the total driving distance
in miles or kilometers, and is useful for keeping
a record for maintenance intervals.
NOTE:Federal law forbids alteration of the odom-
eter of any vehicle with the intent to change
the number of the odometer.
The alteration of the odometer may void
your warranty coverage.
HXDOM230
With Trip Computer
Odometer
To shift from TRIP A to TRIP B, press the reset
switch. When pressed for 1 second, it will reset
to 0.
The trip computer is a microcomputer-con-
trolled driver information gauge that displays
information related to driving, such as a
tripmeter, average fuel consumption and dis-
tance to empty on the LCD.
RESET SWITCHo The reset switch is used to zero the multi-
functional display mode.
o Pushing in the reset switch under the right
side of the speedometer changes the dis-
play as follows;
B300B01E B400B02E-AAT
TRIP COMPUTER (If Installed)
Reset switchTRIPMETER
AVERAGE FUEL
CONSUMPTION
DISTANCE TO EMPTY
o This mode provides the total distance trav-
elled since the last tripmeter reset. Total
distance is also reset to zero if the battery
is disconnected.
o Pressing the reset switch for more than 1
second, when the tripmeter is being dis-
played, clears the tripmeter to zero.
o The meter's working range is from 0 to
999.9 miles.
HXDOM102
Tripmeter
Odometer 1. TRIPMETER

DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAIDRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
2- 6
C090G01A-AAT
o L (Low gear): o L (Low gear):o L (Low gear): o L (Low gear):
o L (Low gear):Use for driving up a very steep grade or for
engine braking when descending steep hills.
When downshifting to "L", the transaxle will tem-
porarily remain in second gear until the vehicle
has slowed enough for low gear to engage. Do
not exceed 31 mph (50 km/h) in low gear.
C090I02Y-AAT
CAUTION: CAUTION:CAUTION: CAUTION:
CAUTION:o oo o
o
Shift into "R" and "P" position only when Shift into "R" and "P" position only whenShift into "R" and "P" position only when Shift into "R" and "P" position only when
Shift into "R" and "P" position only when
the vehicle has completely stopped. the vehicle has completely stopped.the vehicle has completely stopped. the vehicle has completely stopped.
the vehicle has completely stopped.
o oo o
o
Do not accelerate the engine in reverse or Do not accelerate the engine in reverse orDo not accelerate the engine in reverse or Do not accelerate the engine in reverse or
Do not accelerate the engine in reverse or
any of the forward positions with the any of the forward positions with theany of the forward positions with the any of the forward positions with the
any of the forward positions with the
brakes applied. brakes applied.brakes applied. brakes applied.
brakes applied.
o oo o
o
Always apply the footbrake when shifting Always apply the footbrake when shiftingAlways apply the footbrake when shifting Always apply the footbrake when shifting
Always apply the footbrake when shifting
from "P" or "N", to "R", "D", "3", "2" or "L" from "P" or "N", to "R", "D", "3", "2" or "L"from "P" or "N", to "R", "D", "3", "2" or "L" from "P" or "N", to "R", "D", "3", "2" or "L"
from "P" or "N", to "R", "D", "3", "2" or "L"
position. position.position. position.
position.
o oo o
o
Do not use the "P" (Park) position in place Do not use the "P" (Park) position in placeDo not use the "P" (Park) position in place Do not use the "P" (Park) position in place
Do not use the "P" (Park) position in place
of the parking brake. Always set the park- of the parking brake. Always set the park-of the parking brake. Always set the park- of the parking brake. Always set the park-
of the parking brake. Always set the park-
ing brake, shift the transaxle into "P" (Park) ing brake, shift the transaxle into "P" (Park)ing brake, shift the transaxle into "P" (Park) ing brake, shift the transaxle into "P" (Park)
ing brake, shift the transaxle into "P" (Park)
position and turn off the ignition when position and turn off the ignition whenposition and turn off the ignition when position and turn off the ignition when
position and turn off the ignition when
you leave the vehicle, even momentarily. you leave the vehicle, even momentarily.you leave the vehicle, even momentarily. you leave the vehicle, even momentarily.
you leave the vehicle, even momentarily.
Never leave the vehicle unattended while Never leave the vehicle unattended whileNever leave the vehicle unattended while Never leave the vehicle unattended while
Never leave the vehicle unattended while
the engine is running. the engine is running.the engine is running. the engine is running.
the engine is running.
o oo o
o
Check the automatic transaxle fluid level Check the automatic transaxle fluid levelCheck the automatic transaxle fluid level Check the automatic transaxle fluid level
Check the automatic transaxle fluid level
regularly, and add fluid as necessary. regularly, and add fluid as necessary.regularly, and add fluid as necessary. regularly, and add fluid as necessary.
regularly, and add fluid as necessary.
See the maintenance schedule for the See the maintenance schedule for theSee the maintenance schedule for the See the maintenance schedule for the
See the maintenance schedule for the
proper fluid recommendation. proper fluid recommendation.proper fluid recommendation. proper fluid recommendation.
proper fluid recommendation.
C090H01Y-AAT
NOTE: NOTE:NOTE: NOTE:
NOTE:o oo o
o
For smooth and safe operation, depress For smooth and safe operation, depressFor smooth and safe operation, depress For smooth and safe operation, depress
For smooth and safe operation, depress
the brake pedal when shifting from "Neu- the brake pedal when shifting from "Neu-the brake pedal when shifting from "Neu- the brake pedal when shifting from "Neu-
the brake pedal when shifting from "Neu-
tral" position or "Park" position to a for- tral" position or "Park" position to a for-tral" position or "Park" position to a for- tral" position or "Park" position to a for-
tral" position or "Park" position to a for-
ward or reverse gear. ward or reverse gear.ward or reverse gear. ward or reverse gear.
ward or reverse gear.
o oo o
o
The ignition key must be in the "ON" The ignition key must be in the "ON"The ignition key must be in the "ON" The ignition key must be in the "ON"
The ignition key must be in the "ON"
position and the brake pedal fully de- position and the brake pedal fully de-position and the brake pedal fully de- position and the brake pedal fully de-
position and the brake pedal fully de-
pressed in order to move the shift lever pressed in order to move the shift leverpressed in order to move the shift lever pressed in order to move the shift lever
pressed in order to move the shift lever
from the "P" (Park) position to any of the from the "P" (Park) position to any of thefrom the "P" (Park) position to any of the from the "P" (Park) position to any of the
from the "P" (Park) position to any of the
other positions. other positions.other positions. other positions.
other positions.
C090F01A-AAT
o 2 (Second gear): o 2 (Second gear):o 2 (Second gear): o 2 (Second gear):
o 2 (Second gear):Use for driving on a slippery road, hill climbing or
engine braking downhill. "2" automatically shifts
between first and second gears.
This means that no shift-up to 3rd gear is per-
formed. However, the shift-up to third gear is
done when the car speed exceeds a certain
value to prevent the engine from over-revving.
Manually move the selector to "D" returning to
normal driving condition.
C090D02A-AAT
o N (Neutral): o N (Neutral):o N (Neutral): o N (Neutral):
o N (Neutral):In the "N" position, the transaxle is in neutral,
which means that no gears are engaged. The
engine can be started with the shift lever in "N"
position, although this is not recommended ex-
cept if the engine stalls while the car is moving.
C090E01A-AAT
o D (Drive): o D (Drive):o D (Drive): o D (Drive):
o D (Drive):Use for normal driving. The transaxle will auto-
matically shift through a four-gear sequence.
Never downshift manually to "2" position or "L"
position when vehicle speed is more than 60 mph
(96 km/h).
C090Q01A-GAT
o 3 (Third gear): o 3 (Third gear):o 3 (Third gear): o 3 (Third gear):
o 3 (Third gear):Use for towing a trailer during hill climbing or to
use engine braking downhill.
"3" automatically shifts between 1st, 2nd and 3rd
gears. This means that no shift-up to 4th gear is
performed. However, the shift-up to 4th gear is
done when the car speed exceeds a certain
value to prevent the engine from over-revving.
Manually move the selector to "D" when return-
ing to normal driving condition.o oo o
o
It is always possible to shift from "R", "N", It is always possible to shift from "R", "N",It is always possible to shift from "R", "N", It is always possible to shift from "R", "N",
It is always possible to shift from "R", "N",
"D", "3", "2", "L" position to "P" position. "D", "3", "2", "L" position to "P" position."D", "3", "2", "L" position to "P" position. "D", "3", "2", "L" position to "P" position.
"D", "3", "2", "L" position to "P" position.
The vehicle must be fully stopped to avoid The vehicle must be fully stopped to avoidThe vehicle must be fully stopped to avoid The vehicle must be fully stopped to avoid
The vehicle must be fully stopped to avoid
transaxle damage. transaxle damage.transaxle damage. transaxle damage.
transaxle damage.