2003 Hyundai Sonata service

FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI 1- 37
B260M01A-AATLow Fuel Level Warning Light
The low fuel level warning light comes on when
the fuel tank is approaching 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.
B260N01A-AAT
Malfunction Indicator Light
This light illuminates when there is a malfunction
of an exhaust gas related component, and the
system is not functioning properly so that the
exhaust gas regulation values are not satisfied.
This light will also illuminate when the ignition key
is turned to the "ON" position, and will go out in
a few seconds. If it illuminates while driving, or
does not illuminate when the ignition key is
turned to the "ON" position, take your car to your
nearest authorized Hyundai dealer and have
the system checked.
B260P02Y-GATABS Service Reminder
Indicator (If installed)
When the key is turned to the "ON" position, the
Anti-Lock Brake System will come on and then
go off in a few seconds. If the ABS SRI remains
on, comes on while driving, or does not come on
when the key is turned to the "ON" position, this
indicates that there may be a problem with the
ABS.
If this occurs, have your vehicle checked by
your Hyundai dealer as soon as possible. The
normal braking system will still be operational,
but without the assistance of the anti-lock brake
system.
CAUTION:If both ABS SRI and Parking Brake/Brake
fluid level warning lights remain "ON" or
come on while driving, there may be a
problem with E.B.D (Electronic brake force
distribution).
If this occurs, avoid sudden stops and have
your vehicle checked by your Hyundai dealer
as soon as possible.
!
B260C02E-GATTraction Control Indicator
Light (If Installed)
The traction control indicator changes opera-
tion according to the ignition switch position and
whether or not the system is in operation.
It will also illuminate when the ignition key is
turned to the "ON" position, and then go off in a
few seconds. If the TCS indicator stays on, take
your car to your authorized Hyundai dealer and
have the system checked. See section 2 for
more information about the TCS system.
B260Q01HP-DATCruise Indicator (If installed)
The cruise indicator light in the instrument clus-
ter is illuminated only when the vehicle cruising
speed has been set using the control switch on
the steering wheel.
The indicator light does not illuminate when the
main cruise control switch is activated.
Information on the use of cruise control may be
found begins on page 1-62.
B260A01Y-GATFront Fog Lamp Indicator Light
(If installed)
This fog lamp indicator light comes on whenever
the front fog lamp switch is on, when the ignition
key is turned to the "ON" position.

DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI 2- 13
first or reverse gear (manual transaxle) and
block the rear wheels so the car cannot roll.
Then release the parking brake.
o Do not hold the vehicle on the upgrade with
the accelerator pedal. This can cause the
transaxle to overheat. Always use the brake
pedal or parking brake.
C140A01A-AATDRIVING FOR ECONOMY
You can save fuel and get more miles from your
car if you follow these suggestions:
o Drive smoothly. Accelerate at a moderate
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 unnec-
essarily. Avoid heavy traffic whenever pos-
sible. Always maintain a safe distance from
other vehicles so you can avoid unneces-
sary braking. This also reduces brake wear.
o Drive at a moderate speed. The faster you
drive, the more fuel your car uses. Driving at
a moderate speed, especially on the high-
way, is one of the most effective ways to
reduce fuel consumption.
o Don't "ride" the brake or clutch pedal. This
can increase fuel consumption and also
increase wear on these components. In
addition, driving with your foot resting on the
brake pedal may cause the brakes to over-heat, which reduces their effectiveness and
may lead to more serious consequences.
o 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.
o Be sure that the wheels are aligned cor-
rectly. Improper alignment can result from
hitting curbs or driving too fast over irregular
surfaces. Poor alignment causes faster tire
wear and may also result in other problems
as well as greater fuel consumption.
o 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 5. If
you drive your car in severe conditions,
more frequent maintenance is required (see
Section 5 for details).
o Keep your car clean. For maximum service,
your Hyundai should be kept clean and free
of corrosive materials. It is especially impor-
tant that mud, dirt, ice, etc. not be allowed to
accumulate on the underside of the car. This
extra weight can result in increased fuel
consumption and also contribute to corro-
sion.
o Travel lightly. Don't carry unnecessary
weight in your car. Weight reduces fuel
economy.
o Don't let the engine idle longer than neces-
sary. If you are waiting (and not in traffic),
turn off your engine and restart only when
you're ready to go.o Remember, your Hyundai does not require
extended warm-up. As soon as the engine
is running smoothly, you can drive away. In
very cold weather, however, give your en-
gine a slightly longer warm-up period.
o Don't "lug" or "over-rev" the engine. Lugging
is driving too slowly in too high a gear result-
ing in the engine bucking. If this happens,
shift to a lower gear. Over-revving is racing
the engine beyond its safe limit. This can be
avoided by shifting at the recommended
speeds.
o Use your air conditioning sparingly. The air
conditioning system is operated by engine
power so your fuel economy is reduced
when you use it.
C160A01A-AATWINTER DRIVING
The more severe weather conditions of winter
result in greater wear and other problems. To
minimize the problems of winter driving, you
should follow these suggestions:
C150A01A-AAT
SMOOTH CORNERING
Avoid braking or gear changing in corners,
especially when roads are wet. Ideally, corners
should always be taken under gentle accelera-
tion. If you follow these suggestions, tire wear
will be held to a minimum.

2- 14 DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
C160G01A-AATTo Keep Locks from Freezing
To keep the locks from freezing, squirt an
approved de-icer fluid or glycerine into the key
opening. If a lock is covered with ice, squirt it with
an approved de-icing fluid to remove the ice. If
the lock is frozen internally, you may be able to
thaw it out by using a heated key. Handle the
heated key with care to avoid burning the
fingers.
C160D01A-AAT
Check Battery and Cables
Winter puts additional burdens on the battery
system. Visually inspect the battery and cables
as described in Section 6. The level of charge
in your battery can be checked by your Hyundai
dealer or a service station.
C160F01A-AATCheck Spark Plugs and Ignition
System
Inspect your spark plugs as described in Sec-
tion 6 and replace them if necessary. Also
check all ignition wiring and components to be
sure they are not cracked, worn or damaged in
any way.
C160E01A-AATChange to "Winter Weight" Oil if
Necessary
In some climates it is recommended that a lower
viscosity "winter weight" oil be used during cold
weather. See Section 9 for recommendations.
If you aren't sure what weight oil you should use,
consult your Hyundai dealer.
C160C01A-AATUse High Quality Ethylene Glycol
Coolant
Your Hyundai is delivered with high quality
ethylene glycol coolant in the cooling system. It
is the only type of coolant that should be used
because it helps prevent corrosion in the cool-
ing system, lubricates the water pump and
prevents freezing. Be sure to replace or replen-
ish your coolant in accordance with the main-
tenance schedule in Section 5. Before winter,
have your coolant tested to assure that its
freezing point is sufficient for the temperatures
anticipated during the winter.
C160B01A-AATSnowy or Icy Conditions
To drive your vehicle in deep snow, it may be
necessary to use snow tires or to install tire
chains on your tires. If snow tires are needed,
it is necessary to select tires equivalent in size
and type of the original equipment tires. Failure
to do so may adversely affect the safety and
handling of your car. Furthermore, speeding,
rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications,
and sharp turns are potentially very hazardous
practices.
During deceleration, use engine braking to the
fullest extent. Sudden brake applications on
snowy or icy roads may cause skids to occur.
You need to keep sufficient distance between
the vehicle in operation in front and your vehicle.
Also, apply the brake gently. It should be noted
that installing tire chains on the tire will provide
a greater driving force, but will not prevent side
skids.
NOTE:Tire chains are not legal in all states. Check
state laws before fitting tire chains.

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY 3- 9
D080A01A-AATIF YOUR CAR MUST BE TOWEDD060I01Y-AAT8. Lower Vehicle and Tighten NutsD060J01A-AATAfter Changing Wheels
Lower the car to the ground by turning the jack
handle counterclockwise. Then position the
wrench as shown in the drawing and tighten the
wheel nuts. Be sure the socket is seated com-
pletely over the nut. Do not stand on the wrench
handle or use an extension pipe over the wrench
handle.
Go around the wheel tightening every other nut
until they are all tight. Then double-check each
nut for tightness and reinstall the wheel cover.
After changing wheels, have a technician tighten
the wheel nuts to their proper torque as soon as
possible.
Wheel nut tightening torque:Steel wheel & aluminium alloy wheel:
65-80 lb.ft (900-1,100 kg.cm)If you have a tire gauge, remove the valve cap
and check the air pressure. If the pressure is
lower than recommended, drive slowly to the
nearest service station and inflate to the correct
pressure. If it is too high, adjust it until it is correct.
Always reinstall the valve cap after checking or
adjusting tire pressure. If the cap is not re-
placed, air may leak from the tire. If you lose a
valve cap, buy another and install it as soon as
possible.
After you have changed wheels, always secure
the flat tire in its place in the trunk and return the
jack, jack handle, and tools to their proper
storage locations.
CAUTION:Your car can be damaged if towed incor-
rectly!
If your car has to be towed, it should be done by
your Hyundai dealer or a commercial tow truck
service. This will help assure that your car is not
damaged in towing. Also, professionals are
generally aware of state and local laws govern-
ing towing. In any case, rather than risk damage
to your car, it is suggested that you show this
information to the tow truck operator. Be sure
that a safety chain system is used and that all
state and local laws are observed.
!
o OK FOR AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL
TRANSAXLE EQUIPPED VEHICLE
D060D02Y
D040B01YHEF-209

5- 2 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
F010D01A-AATGeneral Checks
These are the regular checks you should per-
form when you drive your Hyundai or you fill the
fuel tank. A list of these items will be found on
page 6-4.
F010C01A-AATSpecified Scheduled Procedures
These are the procedures such as inspections,
adjustments and replacements that are listed in
the maintenance charts starting on page 5-4.
These procedures must be performed at the
intervals shown in the maintenance schedule to
assure that your warranty remains in effect.
Although it is strongly recommended that they
be performed by the trained technicians at your
Hyundai dealer, these procedures may be per-
formed at any qualified service facility.
It is suggested that genuine Hyundai service
parts be used for any required repairs or re-
placements. Other parts of equivalent quality
such as engine oil, engine coolant, manual or
auto transaxle oil, brake fluid and so on which
are not supplied by Hyundai Motor Company or
its distributor may be used without affecting
your warranty coverage but you should always
be sure these are equivalent to the quality of the
original Hyundai parts. Your Owner's Hand-
book provides further information about your
warranty coverage.
F010A01A-AATMAINTENANCE INTERVALS
Service Requirements
To ensure that you receive the greatest number
of miles of satisfying operation from your Hyundai,
certain maintenance procedures must be per-
formed. Although careful design and engineer-
ing have reduced these to a minimum, those that
are required are of the utmost importance.
It is your responsibility to have these mainte-
nance procedures performed to comply with
the terms of the warranties covering your new
Hyundai. The Owner's Handbook supplied with
your new vehicle provides further information
about these warranties.
F010B01A-AATMaintenance Requirements
The maintenance required for your Hyundai
can be divided into three main areas:
o Specified scheduled procedures
o General checks
o Do-it-yourself maintenance
F010E01A-AATDo-It-Yourself Maintenance
If you are mechanically inclined, own a few tools
that are required and want to take the time to do
so, you can inspect and service a number of
items. For more information about doing it your-
self, see Section 6.
F010F01A-AATA Few Tips
o Whenever you have your Hyundai serviced,
keep copies of the service records in your
glovebox. This will help ensure that you can
document that the required procedures have
been performed to keep your warranties in
effect. This is especially important when
service is not performed by an authorized
Hyundai dealer.
o If you choose to do your own maintenance
and repairs, you may find it helpful to have
an official Hyundai Shop Manual. A copy of
this publication may be purchased at your
Hyundai dealer's parts department.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS 5- 3
F020A02Y-AATSCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
REQUIREMENTS
o Inspection should be performed any time a
malfunction is experienced or suspected.
o Receipts for all emission control system
services should be retained to demonstrate
compliance with conditions of the emissions
system warranty.
o After 120 months or 150,000 miles (240,000
km), continue to follow the prescribed main-
tenance intervals.
o For severe usage maintenance require-
ments, see page 5-6 of this section.
F020A02Y-AAT
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
REQUIREMENTS
o Inspection should be performed any time a
malfunction is experienced or suspected.
o Receipts for all emission control system
services should be retained to demonstrate
compliance with conditions of the emissions
system warranty.
o After 120 months or 150,000 miles (240,000
km), continue to follow the prescribed main-
tenance intervals.
o For severe usage maintenance require-
ments, see page 5-6 of this section.

5- 4 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
F030A01A-AATSCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
The following maintenance services must be performed to ensure good emission control and performance. Keep receipts for all vehicle emission services
to protect your warranty. Where both mileage and time are shown, the frequency of service is determined by whichever occurs first.
DESCRIPTION
EMISSION CONTROL ITEMS
ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
FUEL FILTER
FUEL LINES, FUEL HOSES AND CONNECTIONS
VACUUM AND CRANKCASE VENTILATION HOSES
VAPOR HOSE AND FUEL FILLER CAP
AIR CLEANER FILTER
SPARK PLUGS (PLATINUM COATED) No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7MILES X 1000
KILOMETERS X 1000
MONTHS7.5
12
6
R15
24
12
R22.5
36
18
R30
48
24
R
I
I
R37.5
60
30
R45
72
36
R52.5
84
42
R
R
I60
96
48
R
I
I
R
R67.5
108
54
R75
120
60
R82.5
132
66
R90
144
72
R
I
I
R97.5
156
78
R105
168
84
R
R
I112.5
180
90
R120
192
96
R
I
I
R
R127.5
204
102
R135
216
108
R142.5
228
114
R150
240
120
R
I
I
R
F030B02Y-AATR :Replace I : Inspect and, after Inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary.

5- 6 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONSA - Repeated short distance driving
B - Extensive idling
C - Driving in dusty, rough roads
D - Driving in areas using salt or other corrosive materials or in
very cold weather
E - Driving in sandy areas
F040A04Y-AATMAINTENANCE 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 necessary
F - More than 50% driving in heavy city traffic during hot weather
above 90°F (32°C)
G - Driving in mountainous areas
H - Towing a trailer
I - Driving for patrol car, taxi or commercial car and vehicle towing
J - Driving over 100 mph ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
AIR CLEANER FILTER
SPARK PLUGS
BRAKE PADS, CALIPERS AND ROTORS
REAR BRAKE DRUMS/LININGS,
PARKING BRAKE
STEERING GEAR BOX, LINKAGE & BOOTS/
LOWER ARM BALL JOINT, UPPER ARM BALL JOINT
DRIVESHAFTS AND BOOTS
MANUAL TRANSAXLE OIL
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID AND FILTER
AIR FILTER (FOR EVAP. AND BLOWER UNIT)
MAINTENANCE ITEM
R
R
R
I
I
I
I
R
R
RVERY 3,000 MILES (4,800 KM) OR 3 MONTHS
MORE FREQUENTLY
MORE FREQUENTLY
MORE FREQUENTLY
MORE FREQUENTLY
MORE FREQUENTLY
EVERY 7,500 MILES (12,000 KM) OR 6 MONTHS
EVERY 60,000 MILES (96,000 KM)
EVERY 30,000 MILES (48,000 KM)
MORE FREQUENTLY
DRIVING
CONDITION MAINTENANCE
INTERVALS MAINTENANCE
OPERATION
A, B, C, F, H
C, E
B, H
C, D, G, H
C, D, G, H
C, D, E, F, G
C, E, F
A, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J
A, C, E, F, G, H, I
C, E