2003 Hyundai Sonata ABS

YOUR VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
B255A01Y-AAT
INDICATOR SYMBOLS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
* A detail explanations of these items will be found on page 1-35
SRS (Airbag) Service Reminder
Indicator
Turn Signal Indicator Lights
High Beam Indicator Light
Oil Pressure Warning Light
Parking Brake/Brake Level
Warning Light
Charging System Warning Light
Tail Gate Open Warning LightDoor Ajar Warning Light and Chime
Low Fuel Level Warning Light
Malfunction Indicator Light
Seat Belt Reminder Light
Traction Control Indicator
Cruise Indicator
ABS Service Reminder Indicator
Front Fog Lamp Indicator Lamp

FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI 1- 3
B010E01A-AATGasolines for Cleaner AirTo help contribute to cleaner air, Hyundai rec-
ommends 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 the Emission
Control System performance.
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 recom-
mendations during the first 1,200 miles (2,000
km).
o Don't drive faster than 55 MPH (88 km/h).
o While driving, keep your engine speed (rpm,
or revolutions per minute) between 2,000
rpm and 4,000 rpm.
o Use moderate acceleration. Don't start
quickly or depress the accelerator pedal
fully.
o For the first 200 miles (300 km), try to avoid
hard stops.
o Don't lug the engine (in other words, don't
drive so slowly in too high a gear that the
engine "bucks"-shift to a lower gear).
B030A01Y-AATKEYS
B030B01A-AAT
Record Your Key Number
o Whether going fast or slow, vary your speed
from time to time.
o Don't let the engine idle longer than 3 minutes
at one time.
o Don't tow a trailer during the first 1,200 miles
(2,000 km) of operation.
A code number is stamped on the number plate
that came with the keys to your Hyundai. This
key number plate should not be left with the keys
but kept in a safe place, not in the vehicle. The
key number should also be recorded in a place
where it can be found in an emergency.
If you need additional keys, or if you should lose
your keys, your authorized Hyundai dealer can
make new keys if you can supply the key
number. For greater convenience, your Hyundai has
two master keys and a sub key. The master
keys will open all locks on your vehicle. The sub
key will only function in the ignition and the door
locks.
Leaving your sub key with a parking attendant
will ensure that your vehicle's trunk, trunk lid
release, glovebox compartment and rear trunk
access may not be unlocked in your absence.NOTE:Before leaving your sub key with a parking
attendant, make sure that the lock levers of
the rear seat back lock and the trunk lid lock
are switched to the "LOCK" position.
B030A01YB030B01B
Master key Sub key

FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI 1- 21
!
!WARNING:o When using the rear seat center belt, you
must lock all metal tabs and buckles. If
any metal tab or buckle is not locked, it
will increase the chance of injury in the
event of collision.
o Never unlock the metal tab (a) and the
buckle (b) with the following excep-
tions.
(1) In case of folding rear seatbacks
down.
(2) If transporting an object on the rear
seat may cause damage to the rear
seat center belt.o Lock the metal tab (a) and the buckle (b)
immediately after folding rear seatbacks
up.
o To disconnect the metal tab (a) from the
buckle (b) , insert a sharp-ended tool
into the groove located on the buckle
(b).
B220C01Y-AAT
To Release the Seat Belt
When you want to release the seat belt, press
the button in the locking buckle.
WARNING:The rear seat center belt latching mecha-
nism is different from those for the out-
board rear seat shoulder belts. When fas-
tening the outboard rear seat shoulder belts
or the rear seat center belt, make sure they
are inserted into the correct buckles to
obtain maximum protection from the seat
belt system and assure proper operation.
B220A02Y
B220C02Y

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.

2. DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
Before starting the engine ................................................................ 2-3
Key position ..................................................................................... 2-3
Starting ............................................................................................. 2-4
Operating the manual transaxle ....................................................... 2-5
Automatic transaxle ......................................................................... 2-7
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ..................................................... 2-10
Traction Control System (TCS) ..................................................... 2-11
Good braking practices .................................................................. 2-12
Driving for economy ....................................................................... 2-13
Winter Driving ................................................................................. 2-13
Trailer or vehicle towing ................................................................. 2-16
2

2- 10 DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
!
!
C120A02A-AATANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(If installed)
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is designed
to prevent wheel lock-up during sudden braking
or on hazardous road surfaces. The ABS con-
trol module monitors the wheel speed and con-
trols the pressure applied to each brake. Thus,
in emergency situations or on slick roads, ABS
will increase vehicle control during braking.
NOTE:During ABS operation, a slight pulsation
may be felt in the brake pedal when the
brakes are applied. Also, a noise may be
heard in the engine compartment while
braking. These conditions are normal and
indicate that the anti-lock brake system is
functioning properly.
C090N01O-AATGood Driving Practices
o Never move the gear selector lever from "P"
or "N" to any other position with the accelera-
tor pedal depressed.
o Never move the gear selector lever into "P"
when the vehicle is in motion.
o Be sure the car is completely stopped before
you attempt to shift into "R".
o Never take the car out of gear and coast
down a hill. This may be extremely hazard-
ous. Always leave the car in gear when
moving.
o Do not "ride" the brakes. This can cause
them to overheat and malfunction. Instead,
when you are driving down a long hill, slow
down and shift to a lower gear. When you do
this, engine braking will help slow the car.
o Slow down before shifting to a lower gear.
Otherwise, the lower gear may not be en-
gaged.
o Always use the parking brake. Do not de-
pend on placing the transaxle in "P" to keep
the car from moving.
o Exercise extreme caution when driving on a
slippery surface. Be especially careful when
braking, accelerating or shifting gears. On a
slippery surface, an abrupt change in ve-
hicle speed can cause the drive wheels to
lose traction and the vehicle to go out of
control.
WARNING:ABS will not prevent accidents due to im-
proper or dangerous driving maneuvers.
Even though vehicle control is improved
during emergency braking, always main-
tain a safe distance between you and ob-
jects ahead. Vehicle speeds should always
be reduced during extreme road condi-
tions.
The braking distance for cars equipped
with an anti-lock braking system may be
longer than for those without it in the
following road conditions.
WARNING:o Avoid high cornering speeds.
o Do not make quick steering wheel move-
ments, such as sharp lane changes or
fast, sharp turns.
o Always wear your seat belts.
o The risk of rollover is greatly increased if
you lose control of your vehicle at high-
way speeds.
o Loss of control often occurs if two or
more wheels drop off the roadway and
the driver oversteers to reenter the road-
way.
o In the event your vehicle leaves the road-
way, do not steer sharply. Instead, slow
down before pulling back into the travel
lanes.
o In a collision crash, un unbelted person
is significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seatbelt.

DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI 2- 11
!
o Driving on rough, gravel or snow-cov-
ered roads.
o Driving with tire chains installed.
o Driving on roads where the road surface
is pitted or has different surface height.
During these conditions the vehicle should
be driven at reduced speeds. The safety
features of an ABS equipped vehicle should
not be tested by high speed driving or
cornering. This could endanger the safety
of yourself or others.
C300A03Y-GAT
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
(If installed)
!
C300B01E-GATTCS ON/OFF Mode
In the TCS ON mode, the indicator in the
instrument cluster will not be illuminated.
To switch the TCS OFF mode, press the TCS
switch . And the SLIP control will be deactivated
and the TCS indicator in the instrument cluster
will be illuminated.
NOTE:1) Turn off the engine. Then restart the
engine, and the TCS mode will automati-
cally turn "ON".
2) When the traction control is operating
properly, you can feel a slight pulsation
in the vehicle. This is only the effect of
brake control and indicates nothing
unusual.
3) When the engine starts, a click is heard
from the engine compartment; however,
this is only the sound of traction control
being checked.
4) When moving out of the mud or fresh
snow, pressing the accelerator pedal
may not cause the engine speed to in-
crease. On slippery road surfaces, the traction control
system (TCS) limits the drive wheels from
spinning excessively, thus helping the car to
accelerate. It also provides sufficient driving
force and steering performance as the car turns
at accelerated speeds. TCS has - SLIP control.
SLIP Control
Limits the drive wheels from spinning exces-
sively during starting or while making acceler-
ated turns on slippery roads to avoid losing the
driving force of the front wheels.
Driving hints
TCS does not actively apply brakes. Be sure to
decelerate the car sufficiently before entering
curves.
CAUTION:When the TCS indicator blinks, SLIP control
has been activated. It also means that the
road is slippery or your car is accelerating
excessively. In this situation, release foot
pressure from the accelerator pedal and
maintain moderate speed.
WARNING:Traction control is only a driving aid; all
normal precautions for driving in inclement
weather and on slippery road surfaces
should be observed.
HEF-051A

CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE 4- 3
E020E01A-AATDon't Neglect the Interior
Moisture can collect under the floor mats and
carpeting to cause corrosion. Check under the
mats periodically to be sure the carpeting is dry.
Use particular care if you carry fertilizers, clean-
ing materials or chemicals in the car.
These should be carried only in proper contain-
ers and any spills or leaks should be cleaned up,
flushed with clear water and thoroughly dried.
E020D01A-AATKeep Paint and Trim in Good Condition
Scratches or chips in the finish should be
covered with "touch-up" paint as soon as pos-
sible to reduce the possibility of corrosion. If
bare metal is showing through, the attention of
a qualified body and paint shop is recommended.
E020C01A-AATKeep Your Garage Dry
Don't park your car in a damp, poorly ventilated
garage. This creates a favorable environment
for corrosion. This is particularly true if you
wash your car in the garage or drive it into the
garage when it is still wet or covered with snow,
ice or mud. Even a heated garage can contrib-
ute to corrosion unless it is well ventilated so
moisture is dispersed.
E030A01A-AATWASHING AND WAXING
Washing Your Hyundai
Never wash your car when the surface is hot
from being in the sun. Always wash your car in
the shade.
Wash your car frequently. Dirt is abrasive and
can scratch the paint if it is not removed. Air
pollution or acid rain may damage the paint and
trim through chemical action if pollutants are
allowed to remain in contact with the surface. If
you live near the ocean or in an area where road
salts or dust control chemicals are used, you
should pay particular attention to the underside
of the car. Start by rinsing the car to remove dust
and loose dirt. In winter, or if you have driven
through mud or muddy water, be sure to thor-
oughly clean the underside as well. Use a hard
direct stream of water to remove accumulations
of mud or corrosive materials. Use a good
quality car-washing solution and follow the
manufacturer's directions on the package.
These are available at your Hyundai dealer or
auto parts outlet. Don't use strong household
detergents, gasoline, strong solvents or abra-
sive cleaning powders as these may damage
the finish.
Use a clean sponge or cloth, rinse it frequently
and don't damage the finish by rubbing too hard.
For stubborn spots, dampen them frequently
and remove them a little at a time.
To clean whitewall tires, use a stiff brush or
soapy steel-wool scouring pad.To clean plastic wheel covers, use a clean
sponge or soft cloth and water.
To clean cast aluminum alloy wheels, use a mild
soap or neutral detergent. Do not use abrasive
cleaners. Protect the bare-metal surfaces by
cleaning, polishing and waxing. Because alumi-
num is subject to corrosion, be sure to give
aluminum alloy wheels special attention in win-
ter. If you drive on salted roads, clean the
wheels thoroughly afterwards.
After washing, be sure to rinse thoroughly. If
soapy water dries on the finish, streaking will
result.
When the weather is warm and the humidity low,
you may find it necessary to rinse each section
immediately after washing to avoid streaking.
After rinsing, dry the car using a damp chamois
or soft, absorbent cloth. The reason for drying
the car is to remove water from the car so it will
dry without water spots. Don't rub, this can
damage the finish.
If you find any nicks or scratches in the paint,
use touch-up paint to cover them to prevent
corrosion. To protect the paintwork of the car
against corrosion, you must clean your Hyundai
(at least once a month). Give special attention
to the removal of salt, mud and other sub-
stances on the underside of the splashboards
of the car. Make sure that the outlets and the