2003 Hyundai Sonata brake

2- 18 DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
CAUTION:If overheating should occur when towing,
(the temperature gauge reads near red zone),
taking the following action may reduce or
eliminate the problem.
1. Turn off the air conditioner.
2. Reduce highway speed.
3. Select a lower gear when going uphill.
4. While in stop and go traffic, place the gear
selector in park or neutral and idle the engine
at a higher speed.
!
C190F01S-AATTrailer or Vehicle Towing Tips
1. Before towing, check hitch and safety chain
connections as well as proper operation of
the trailer running lights, brake lights, and
turn signals.
2. Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed (Less than 60 mph)
3. Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
conditions.
4. To maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
fifth gear (manual transaxle) or overdrive
(automatic transaxle).
5. Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
6. Check the condition and air pressure of all
tires on the trailer and your car. Low tire
pressure can seriously affect the handling.
Also check the spare tire.
7. The vehicle/trailer combination is more af-
fected by crosswind and buffeting.
When being passed by a large vehicle, keep
a constant speed and steer straight ahead.
If there is too much wind buffeting slow down
to get out of the other vehicle's air turbulence.
8. When parking your car and trailer, especially
on a hill, be sure to follow all the normal
precautions. Turn your front wheel into the
curb, set the parking brake firmly, and put the
transaxle in 1st or Reverse (manual) or Park
(automatic). In addition, place wheel chocks
at each of the trailer's tires.9. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your
vehicle and trailer moving, and then apply the
trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the
brakes are working. This lets you check
your electrical connection at the same time.
10.During your trip, check occasionally to be
sure that the load is secure, and that the
lights and any trailer brakes are still working.
11.Avoid jerky starts, sudden acceleration or
sudden stops.
12.Avoid sharp turns and rapid lane changes.
13.Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the brakes
to overheat, resulting in reduced braking
efficiency.
14.When going down a hill, shift into a lower gear
and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift the
transaxle to a lower gear and reduce speed
to reduce chances of engine overloading
and/or overheating.
15.If you have to stop while going uphill, do not
hold the vehicle in place by pressing on the
accelerator. This can cause the automatic
transaxle to overheat. Use the parking brake
or footbrake.
NOTE:When towing check transaxle fluid more
frequently.

3- 2 WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
!
D010A01A-AATIF THE ENGINE WILL NOT START
D010B01A-AATIf Engine Doesn't Turn Over or Turns
Over Slowly
D010C01Y-AATIf Engine Turns Over Normally but Does
Not Start
1. Check fuel level.
2. Check all connectors at ignition, coil and
spark plugs. Re-connect any that may be
disconnected or loose.
3. Check the fuel line in the engine room.
4. If engine still refuses to start, call a Hyundai
dealer or seek other qualified assistance.
D010D01A-AATIf Engine Stalls While Driving
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a
straight line. Move cautiously off the road to
a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try to start the engine again. If your vehicle
will not start, contact a Hyundai dealer or
seek other qualified assistance.
CAUTION:If the engine will not start, do not push or
pull the car to start it. This could result in a
collision or cause other damage. In addi-
tion, push or pull starting may cause the
catalytic converter to be overloaded and
create a fire hazard.
!
1. If your car has an automatic transaxle, be
sure the gear selector lever is in "N" or "P"
and the emergency brake is set.2. Check the battery connections to be sure
they are clean and tight.
3. Turn on the interior light. If the light dims or
goes out when you operate the starter, the
battery is discharged.
4. Check the starter connections to be sure
they are securely tightened.
5. Do not push or pull the vehicle to start it. See
instructions for "Jump Starting" on the fol-
lowing pages.
D020A02A-AATJUMP STARTING
WARNING:
The gas produced by the battery during the
jump-start operation is highly explosive. If
these instructions are not followed exactly,
serious personal injury and damage to the
vehicle may occur! If you are not sure how
to follow this procedure, seek qualified
assistance. Automobile batteries contain
sulfuric acid. This is poisonous and highly
corrosive. When jump starting, wear pro-
tective glasses and be careful not to get
acid on yourself, your clothing or on the car.
D010B02YHEF194
Battery

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY 3- 3
o If you should accidentally get acid on your
skin or in your eyes, immediately remove
any contaminated clothing and flush the area
with clear water for at least 15 minutes. Then
promptly obtain medical attention. If you
must be transported to an emergency facil-
ity, continue to apply water to the affected
area with a sponge or cloth.
o The gas produced by the battery during the
jump-start operation is highly explosive. Do
not smoke or allow a spark or an open flame
in the vicinity.
o The battery being used to provide the jump
start must be 12-volt. If you cannot deter-
mine that it is a 12-volt battery, do not attempt
to use it for the jump start.
o To jump start a car with a discharged battery,
follow this procedure exactly:
1. If the booster battery is installed in another
vehicle, be sure the two vehicles are not
touching.
2. Turn off all unnecessary lights and acces-
sories in both vehicles.
3. Attach the clamps of the jumper cable in the
exact location shown on the illustration. First,
attach one clamp of the jumper cable to the
positive (+) post or cable of the discharged
battery. Then attach the other end of the
same cable to the positive (+) post or cable
of the booster battery. Next, using the other
cable, attach one clamp to the negative (-)
post or cable of the booster battery. Then
attach the other end of that cable to a solidmetal part of the engine away from the
battery. Do not connect the cable to any
moving part.
4. Start the engine in the car with the booster
battery and let it run for a few minutes. This
will help to assure that the booster battery is
fully charged. During the jumping operation,
run the engine in this vehicle at about 2,000
rpm.
5. Start your engine using the normal starting
procedure. After the engine starts, leave the
jumper cables connected and let the engine
run at fast idle or about 2,000 rpm for several
minutes.
6. Carefully remove the jumper cables in the
reverse order of attachment.
If you do not know why your battery became
discharged (because the lights were left on,
etc.), have the charging system checked by
your Hyundai dealer.D030A01A-AATIF THE ENGINE OVERHEATS
If your temperature gauge indicates overheat-
ing, you experience a loss of power, or hear loud
pinging or knocking, the engine is probably too
hot. If this happens, you should:
1. Pull off the road and stop as soon as it is safe
to do so.
2. Place the gear selector lever in "P" (auto-
matic), or neutral (manual transaxle) and set
the parking brake. If the air conditioning is on,
turn it off.
3. If engine coolant is running out under the car
or steam is coming out from the hood, stop
the engine. Do not open the hood until the
coolant has stopped running or the steaming
has stopped. If there is no visible loss of
engine coolant and no steam, leave the
engine running and check to be sure the
engine cooling fan is operating. If the fan is
not running, turn the engine off.
4. Check to see if the water pump drive belt is
missing. If it is not missing, check to see that
it is tight. If the drive belt seems to be
satisfactory, check for coolant leaking from
the radiator, hoses or under the car. (If the
air conditioning had been in use, it is normal
for cold water to be draining from it when you
stop).

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY 3- 5
D040B01A-AATHandling the Spare Tire
Remove the installation bolt to remove the spare
tire. To replace the spare tire in its storage
compartment, tighten the bolt firmly with your
fingers until there is no more play in the spare
tire.
D050A01A-AATIF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
If a tire goes flat while you are driving:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and
let the car slow down while driving straight
ahead. Do not apply the brakes immediately
or attempt to pull off the road as this may
cause a loss of control. When the car has
slowed to such a speed that it is safe to do
so, brake carefully and pull off the road.
Drive off the road as far as possible and park
on firm, level ground. If you are on a divided
highway, do not park in the median area
between the two traffic lanes.
2. When the car is stopped, turn on your emer-
gency hazard flashers, set the parking brake
and put the transaxle in "P" (automatic) or
reverse (manual transaxle).
3. Have all passengers get out of the car. Be
sure they all get out on the side of the car that
is away from traffic.
4. Change the tire following the instructions
provided on the following pages.
D060A01A-AATCHANGING A FLAT TIRE
The procedure described on the following pages
can be used to rotate tires as well as to change
a flat tire. When preparing to change a flat tire,
check to be sure the gear selector lever is in "P"
(automatic) or reverse gear (manual transaxle)
and that the parking brake is set, then:
D040B01Y
D060A01Y

3- 10 WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
D080B01A-AATTowing a Car With Manual TransaxleD080C02A-AATTowing a Car With Automatic Transaxle
o If the car is being towed with the rear wheels
on the ground, be sure the parking brake is
released.
o If the car is being towed with the front wheels
on the ground, be sure that the transaxle is
in neutral. Also, be sure that the ignition key
is in the "ACC" position. This is necessary to
prevent damage to the steering lock mecha-
nism, which is not designed to hold the front
wheels straight while the car is being towed.
o If any of the loaded wheels or suspension
components are damaged, a towing dolly
must be used.
CAUTION:A car with an automatic transaxle should
never be towed from the rear with the front
wheels on the ground. This can cause se-
rious damage to the transaxle. If the car
must be towed from the rear, a towing dolly
must be used under the front wheels.
If the car is being towed with the rear wheels on
the ground, be sure the parking brake is re-
leased.
NOTE:Before towing, check the level of the
transaxle fluid. If it is below the "HOT" mark
on the dipstick, add fluid. If you cannot add
fluid, a towing dolly must be used as de-
scribed above.!
o OK FOR AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL
TRANSAXLE EQUIPPED VEHICLE
WITH NO DAMAGE o NOT OK FOR AUTOMATIC
TRANSAXLE EQUIPPED VEHICLE
o OK FOR MANUAL TRANSAXLE o OK FOR AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL
TRANSAXLE EQUIPPED VEHICLE
HEF-210HEF-211HEF-212

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY 3- 11
D080D02A-AATEmergency Towing
For emergency towing when no commercial
tow vehicle is available, attach a tow cable,
chain or strap to one of the tie-down hooks
under the front of your car. Do not attempt to tow
your vehicle in this manner on any unpaved
surface. This could result in serious damage to
your car.
Nor should towing be attempted if the wheels,
drive train, axles, steering or brakes are dam-
aged. Before towing, be sure the transaxle is in
neutral and the key is in "ACC" (with the engine
off) or in the "ON" position (with the engine
running). A driver must be in the towed car to
steer it and operate the brakes.
!
D120A01A-AATIF YOU LOSE YOUR KEYS
If you lose your keys, many Hyundai dealers
can make you a new key if you have your key
number.
If you lock the keys inside your car and you
cannot obtain a new key, many Hyundai dealers
can use special tools to open the door for you.
CAUTION:If the car is being towed with all four wheels
on the ground, it can be towed only from the
front. Be sure that the transaxle is in neutral.
Do not tow at speeds greater than 30 mph
(50 km/h) and for more than 15 miles (25
km). Be sure the steering is unlocked by
placing the key in the "ACC" position.
D080D02Y

4- 4 CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE
E040B01A-AATTo Clean the Leather Upholstery
(If installed)
In the normal course of use, leather upholstered
surfaces will, like any material, pick-up dust and
dirt. This dust and dirt must be cleaned off or it
may work into the surface of the leather, caus-
ing damage.
Fine leather needs care, and should be cleaned
when necessary. Washing leather thoroughly
with soap and water will keep your leather
lustrous, beautiful and ensure you have many
years of wear.
E040A01A-AATCLEANING THE INTERIOR
To Clean the Vinyl Upholstery
To clean the vinyl upholstery, first remove loose
dirt and dust with a vacuum cleaner. Then apply
a solution of mild soap or detergent and water
using a clean sponge or soft cloth. Allow this to
stay on the surface to loosen the dirt, then wipe
with a clean damp sponge or cloth. If all the dirt
stains are not removed, repeat this procedure
until the upholstery is clean. Do not use gaso-
line, solvent, paint thinner or other strong clean-
ers.
E030E01A-AATMaintaining Bumpers
Special precautions must be observed to pre-
serve the appearance of the bumpers on your
Hyundai. They are:
o Be careful not to spill battery electrolyte or
hydraulic brake fluid on the bumpers. If you
do, wash it off immediately with clear water.
o Be gentle when cleaning the bumper sur-
faces. They are made of soft plastic and the
surface can be damaged if mistreated. Do
not use abrasive cleaners. Use warm water
and mild soap or car-washing solution.
o Do not expose the bumpers to high tem-
peratures. For example, if you have your car
repainted, do not leave the bumpers on the
car if the car is going to be placed in a high-
temperature paint booth.
E030D01A-AATWhen to Wax Again
You should polish and wax the car again when
water no longer beads on a clean surface but
spreads out over a larger area.
E030C01A-AATPolishing and Waxing
Always wash and dry the car before polishing
or waxing or using a combination cleaner and
wax. Use a good quality commercial product
and follow the manufacturer's directions on the
container. Polish and wax the bright trim pieces
as well as the paint.
E030B01A-AAT
Spot Cleaning
Don't use gasoline, strong solvents or corro-
sive cleaning agents. These can damage the
finish of the car. To remove road tar, use
turpentine on a clean, soft cloth. Be gentle.
To remove dead insects or tree sap, use warm
water and mild soap or car-washing solution.
Soak the spot and rub gently. If the paint has lost
its luster, use a commercial car-cleaning polish. underside of the doors are open. Paint damage
can be caused by small accumulation of tar,
industrial precipitation, tree resin, insects and
bird droppings, when not removed immediately.
If water alone is not strong enough to remove the
accumulated dirt, use a mild car washing solu-
tion. Be sure to rinse the surface after washing
to remove the solution. Never allow the solution
to dry on the painted surfaces.

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.