2003 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner's Manual

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE 6- 7
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If the oil level is close to or below the "L" mark,
add oil until it reaches the "F" mark. To add oil:
1. Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counter-
clockwise.
2. Add oil, then check the level again. Do not
overfill.
3. Replace the cap by turning it clockwise.
The distance between the "F" and "L" marks is
equal to about 1 quart of oil.
HSM426G040A03A-GAT
CHANGING THE OIL AND FILTERThe engine oil and filter should be changed at
those intervals specified in the maintenance
schedule in Section 5. If the car is being driven
in severe conditions, more frequent oil and filter
changes are required.
The procedure for changing the oil and filter is
as follows:
1. Park the car on level ground and set the
parking brake. Start the engine and let it
warm up until the needle on the coolant
temperature gauge moves above the lowest
mark. Turn the engine off and place the gear
selector lever in "P" (automatic) or reverse
gear (manual transaxle).
2. Open the hood and remove the engine oil
filler cap.
3. Slide underneath the car and loosen the
drain plug by turning it counterclockwise with
a wrench of the proper size. Be sure that a
drain pan is in position to catch the oil as it
drains out, then remove the drain plug.
HSM394
2.4 DOHC 2.7 V6
G040A02L
WARNING:Be very careful when draining the engine oil
as it may be hot enough to burn you! 3.5 V6
3.5 V6

6- 8 DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
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G050A01A-AATCHECKING AND CHANGING THE EN-
GINE COOLANT
WARNING:
Do not remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. When the engine is hot, the
engine coolant is under pressure and may
erupt through the opening if the cap is
removed. You could be seriously burned if
you do not observe this precaution. Do not
remove the radiator cap until the radiator is
cool to the touch.
G050B01A-AATRecommended Engine Coolant
Use a high quality ethylene-glycol coolant in a
50/50 mix with water. The engine coolant should
be compatible with aluminum engine parts.
Additional corrosion inhibitors or additives should
not be used. The cooling system must be
maintained with the correct concentration and
type of engine coolant to prevent freezing and
corrosion. Never allow the concentration of
antifreeze to exceed the 60% level or go below
the 35% level, or damage to the cooling system
may result. For proper concentration when
adding or replacing the engine coolant, refer to
the following table.
G050B01O
4. When the oil has stopped draining, replace
the drain plug using a new washer and
retighten by turning it clockwise.
Oil pan drain plug tightening torque:
3.5 ~ 4.5 kgf.m
5. Remove the oil filter by turning it counter-
clockwise with a oil filter wrench of the proper
size. A certain amount of oil will come out
when you remove the filter. So be sure to
have your drain pan in place underneath it.
6. Install a new oil filter in accordance with the
instructions on the carton or on the filter itself.
Do not over-tighten. (Tightening torque :
1.2 ~ 1.6 kgf.m) Be sure that the mounting
surface on the engine is clean and that the
old gasket is removed completely. Lubricate
the new gasket on the filter with clean engine
oil before installation.
7. Refill the crankcase with the recommended
engine oil. Refer to the specification in chap-
ter 9 for engine oil capacity.
8. Start the engine and check to be sure no oil
is leaking from the drain plug or oil filter.
9. Shut off the engine and recheck the oil level.
NOTE:Always dispose of used engine oil in an
environmentally acceptable manner. It is
suggested that it be placed in a sealed
container and taken to a service station for
reclamation. Do not pour the oil on the
ground or put it in with the household
trash.
WARNING:Used motor oil may cause irritation or can-
cer of the skin if left in contact with the skin
for prolonged periods of time. Wash your
hands thoroughly with soap and warm
water as soon as possible after handling
used oil.

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE 6- 9
G050C01A-AAT
To Check the Coolant Level
The coolant level can be seen on the side of the
plastic coolant reservoir. The level of the cool-
ant should be between the "L" and "F" lines on
the reservoir when the engine is cool. If the level
is below the "L" mark, add engine coolant to
bring it up between "L" and "F". If the level is low,Ambient
temperature
°C ( °F)
-15 (5)
-25 (-13)
-35 (-31)
-45 (-49)
65%
60%
50%
40% 35%
40%
50%
60%Water Antifreeze
solution Engine Coolant concentration
G050C01O
G050D02A-AATTo Change the Engine Coolant
The engine coolant should be changed at those
intervals specified in the vehicle maintenance
schedule in Section 5.
CAUTION:Engine coolant can damage the finish of
your car. If you spill engine coolant on the
car, wash it off thoroughly with clean water.
1. Park the car on level ground, set the park-
ing brake and remove the radiator cap when
cool.
2. Be sure your drain receptacle is in place.
Open the drain cock on the radiator. Allow all
the engine coolant to drain from the cooling
system, then securely close the drain cock.
3. Check Section 9 for the capacity of the
cooling system in your car. Then, following
the manufacturer's directions on the engine
coolant container, add the appropriate quan-
tity of coolant to the radiator. inspect for coolant leaks and recheck the fluid
level frequently. If the level drops again, visit
your Hyundai dealer for an inspection and
diagnosis of the reason.
4. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise with-
out pressing down on it, until it stops. This
relieves any pressure remaining in the cool-
ing system. And remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning counterclock-
wise.
Now fill the radiator with clean demineralized
or distilled water. Continue to add clean
demineralized or distilled water in small quan-
tities until the fluid level stays up in the
radiator neck.G050D01O

6- 10 DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
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G060A01O-AATSPARK PLUGS
Your engine was originally equipped with plati-
num-tipped spark plugs.
Platinum-tipped spark plugs will last longer than
conventional type spark plugs and can be
identified by blue lines on the ceramic shell.
NOTE:Do not clean or regap platinum-tipped spark
plugs.
G060B02O-AATReplacing the Spark Plugs
The spark plugs should be changed at the
intervals specified in the vehicle maintenance
schedule in Section 5 or whenever engine
performance indicates they should be changed.
Symptoms that suggest poor spark plug perfor-
mance include engine misfiring under load, loss
of fuel economy, poor acceleration, etc. When
spark plugs are replaced, always use spark
plugs recommended by Hyundai. The use of
other spark plugs can result in loss of perfor-
mance, radio interference or engine damage.
NOTE:o When replacing the spark plugs, genu-
ine Hyundai replacement parts are rec-
ommended.
o It is recommended that the spark plug
should be changed by an authorized
Hyundai dealer. (2.7 L, 3.5 L)
Recommended Spark Plugs:
Type
RN10PYP4 (CHAMPION)
PGR5C-11 (NGK)
RC10PYPB4 (CHAMPION)
PFR5N-11 (NGK)Remark
2.4 L
2.7 L / 3.5 L
HSM392
2.4 DOHC 2.7 V6 / 3.5 V6
0.039 ~0.043 in.(1.0~1.1 mm)
0.039 ~0.043 in.(1.0~1.1 mm)5. Start the engine, top off the radiator with
water and then add coolant to the reservoir
until the level is between "L" and "F".
6. Replace the radiator and reservoir caps and
check to be sure the drain cocks are fully
closed and not leaking.
WARNING:The cooling fan is controlled by engine
coolant temperature and may sometimes
operate even when the engine is not run-
ning. Use extreme caution when working
near the blades of the coolant fan so that
you are not injured by a rotating fan blade.
As the engine coolant temperature de-
creases, the fan will automatically shut off.
This is a normal condition.
G050D02O

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE 6- 11
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G060C0IO-AATChanging the Spark Plugs
You will find it easier to change spark plugs if the
engine is cold. Always change one spark plug
at a time. This helps avoid getting the wires
mixed up.
1. Remove the center cover (2.4 L) on the
engine rocker cover.
2. Using a clean cloth, remove any dirt that has
accumulated around the base of the spark
plug so it cannot fall into the cylinder when the
spark plug is removed.
3. To remove the spark plug cable, pull straight
up on the insulated connector, not the cable.
Pulling on the cable may damage the carbon
core conductor.
G060C01O
WARNING:It is recommended that the engine be cool
or cold when changing the spark plugs. If
the engine is hot, you could burn yourself
on the insulated connector, the spark plug
or the engine itself.
NOTE:Spark plugs should be tightened to speci-
fication. Over-tightening can damage the
threads in the aluminum cylinder head.
Also, leaving them too loose can cause the
spark plug to get very hot and possibly
result in damage to the engine.
7. Replace the cable by pushing the insulated
connector directly down onto the electrode.
Check to be sure it has snapped into place
and can't fall off. 4. When preparing to remove the old spark
plug, guide the socket down over the spark
plug, being careful not to damage the ce-
ramic insu lator.
5. To remove the old spark plug, turn the
wrench handle in a counterclockwise direc-
tion.
6. To install the new spark plug, guide the
socket down over the spark plug, being
careful not to damage the ceramic insulator.
G060C02O G060C03O

6- 12 DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
G080A02A-AATWINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
The wiper blades should be carefully inspected
from time to time and cleaned to remove accu-
mulations of road film or other debris. To clean
the wiper blades and arms, use a clean sponge
or cloth with a mild soap or detergent and water.
If the wipers continue to streak or smear the
glass, replace them with genuine Hyundai re-
placement parts or their equivalent.
NOTE:o Do not operate the wipers on dry glass.
This can result in more rapid wear of the
wiper blades and may scratch the glass.
o Keep the blade rubber out of contact
with petroleum products such as engine
oil, gasoline, etc.
G090A01O-AATFILLING THE WASHER RESERVOIR
The washer fluid reservoir supplies fluid to the
windshield washer system.
A good quality washer fluid should be used to fill
the washer reservoir. The fluid level should be
checked more frequently during bad weather or
whenever the washer system is in more fre-
quent use.
The capacity of the washer reservoir is 3.59
U.S. quarts (3.4 Liters).
CAUTION:o Radiator anti-freeze (engine coolant)
should not be used in the washer system
because it will damage the car's finish.
o The washer lever should not be pulled
and the washer should not be operated
if the washer reservoir is empty. This can
damage the washer fluid pump.
HEF119
G090A01O
!
G070A02Y-AATCHANGING THE AIR CLEANER FILTER
The replacement of air cleaner filter is per-
formed in the following manner.
1. Unsnap the clips around the cover.
2. When this is done, the cover can be lifted off,
the old filter removed and the new filter put in
its place.
Genuine Hyundai replacement parts are rec-
ommended.
CAUTION:Operating your vehicle without a proper air
cleaner filter in place can result in excessive
engine wear.
G070A01O
!

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE 6- 13
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G100A02O-AATCHECKING THE TRANSAXLE OIL
(MANUAL)
Transaxle lubricant in the manual transaxle
should be checked at those intervals specified
in the vehicle maintenance schedule in Section
5.
Recommended Oil
Use only HYUNDAI GENUINE PARTS MTF
75W/90 (API GL-4) or EQUIVALENT in the
manual transaxle.
Manual Transaxle Oil Capacity
The oil capacity of the manual transaxle is 2.43
U.S. quarts (2.3 liters).
HSM435
Filler plug
Drain plug
G110B03A-AAT
Recommended Fluid
Your Hyundai automatic transaxle is specially
designed to operate with HYUNDAI GENUINE
ATF or DIAMOND ATF SP-III or SK ATF SP-III.
Damage caused by a nonspecified fluid is not
covered by your new vehicle limited warranty.
G110A01A-AAT
CHECKING THE TRANSAXLE FLUID
(AUTOMATIC)
Transaxle fluid in the automatic transaxle should
be checked at those intervals specified in the
vehicle maintenance schedule in Section 5.
G100B02A-AATTo Check the Manual Transaxle Fluid
LevelWARNING:
It is always better to check the transaxle oil
level when the engine is cool or cold. If the
engine is hot, you should exercise great
caution to avoid burning yourself on hot
engine or exhaust parts.
Park the car on level ground with the engine off.
1. Using a wrench of the correct size, loosen
the oil filler plug by turning it counterclock-
wise and remove it with your fingers.2. Use your finger or suitable tool to feel inside
the hole. The oil level should be at its bottom
edge. If it is not, check for leaks before
adding oil. To refill the transaxle or bring the
oil level up,add oil slowly until it reaches the
proper level. Do not overfill.
3. Replace the plug and washer, screw it in with
your fingers and then tighten securely with
the wrench.
SSA6100B

6- 14 DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
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G110D02Y-AATTo Check the Transaxle Fluid Level
Park the car on level ground with the parking
brake engaged. When the transaxle fluid level
is checked, the transaxle fluid should be at
normal operating temperature and the engine
idling.
C090A01OHSM388
2.4 DOHC 2.7 V6G110C01O-AATTransaxle Fluid Capacity
The fluid capacity of the automatic transaxle is
8.98 U.S. quarts (8.5 liters).
WARNING:The transaxle fluid level should be checked
when the engine is at normal operating
temperature. This means that the engine,
radiator, exhaust system etc., are very hot
so you should exercise great care not to
burn yourself during this procedure.
HSM425
While the engine is idling, apply the brakes and
move the gear selector lever from "P" to each
of its other positions — "R", "N", "D", "2", "3", "L"
— and then return to "N" or "P". With the engine
still idling:3.5 V6