2003 Hyundai Sonata checking oil

6. Do-It-Yourself Maintenance
Engine compartment ........................................................................ 6-2
General checks ................................................................................ 6-4
Checking the engine oil .................................................................... 6-5
Changing the oil and filter ................................................................. 6-6
Checking and changing the engine coolant ...................................... 6-7
Spark plugs ...................................................................................... 6-9
Changing the air cleaner filter ......................................................... 6-11
Checking the transaxle oil (Manual) ............................................... 6-12
Checking the transaxle fluid (Automatic) ....................................... 6-13
Checking the brakes ...................................................................... 6-14
Air conditioning care ....................................................................... 6-15
Checking drive belts ...................................................................... 6-18
Checking and replacing fuses ........................................................ 6-18
Replacement of bulbs .................................................................... 6-21
Junction Box description ................................................................ 6-29
6

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE 6- 5
G030A01A-AATCHECKING THE ENGINE OIL
Engine oil is essential to the performance and
service of the engine. It is suggested that you
check the oil level at least once a week in normal
use and more often if you are on a trip or driving
in severe conditions.
G030C02A-AATTo Check the Oil LevelG030B01A-AATRecommended Oil
SH, SG or SG/CD (API) multi-grade and fuel
efficient oil is recommended.Before checking the oil, warm up the engine to
the normal operating temperature and be sure
your car is parked on level ground. Turn the
engine off.
Wait five minutes, then remove the dipstick,
wipe it off, fully reinsert the dipstick and withdraw
it again. Then note the highest level the oil has
reached on the dipstick. It should be between
the upper ("F") and lower ("L") range.
G030A02A
G030C01Y

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE 6- 7
!
!
4. When the oil has stopped draining, replace
the drain plug using a new washer and
retighten by turning it clockwise.
Tightening torque is: 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 is: 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.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.
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 into 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.

6- 12 DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
!
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
Level
G100A03Y-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 2.2
U.S. quarts (2.1 liters).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.
WARNING: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.
G100A03Y
SSA6100B
Filler plug
Drain plug

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE 6- 19
!
If any of your car’s lights or other electrical
accessories stop working, a blown fuse could
be the reason. If the fuse has burned out, you
will see that the metal strip inside the fuse has
burned through. If you suspect a blown fuse,
follow this procedure:
1. Turn off the ignition and all other switches.
2. Open the instrument panel junction box and
examine each fuse. Remove each fuse by
pulling it toward you (a small "fuse puller" tool
is contained in the fuse box to simplify this
operation).
3. Be sure to check all other fuses even if you
find one that appears to have burned out.
4. Replace the blown fuse by pressing a new
fuse of the same rating into place. The fuse
should be a snug fit. If it is not, have the fuse
clip repaired or replaced by a Hyundai dealer.
HXGS416Fuse Puller
G210A01A-AATCHECKING THE BATTERY
WARNING:
Batteries can be dangerous! When working
with batteries, carefully observe the follow-
ing precautions to avoid serious injuries.
The fluid in the battery contains a strong solution
of sulfuric acid, which is poisonous and highly
corrosive. Be careful not to spill it on yourself or
the car. If you do spill battery fluid on yourself,
immediately do the following:
o If battery fluid is on your skin, flush the
affected areas with water for at least 15
minutes and then seek medical assistance.
o If battery fluid is in your eyes, rinse out your
eyes with water and get medical assistance
as soon as possible. While you are being
driven to get medical assistance, continue to
rinse your eyes by using a sponge or soft
cloth saturated with water.
o If you swallow battery fluid, drink a large
quantity of water or milk followed by milk of
magnesia, eat a raw egg or drink vegetable
oil. Get medical assistance as soon as
possible. If you do not have a spare fuse, you may be
able to borrow a fuse of the same or lower
rating from an accessory you can tempo-
rarily get along without (the radio or cigarette
lighter, for example). Always remember to
replace the borrowed fuse.
CAUTION:A burned-out fuse indicates that there is a
problem in the electrical circuit. If you re-
place a fuse and it blows as soon as the
accessory is turned on, the problem is
serious and should be referred to a Hyundai
dealer for diagnosis and repair. Never re-
place a fuse with anything except a fuse
with the same or a lower amperage rating.
A higher capacity fuse could cause damage
and create a fire hazard.
NOTE:See page 6-29 for the junction box descrip-
tions.
!
G200B03Y
GoodBurned out

INDEX 10- 5
T
Tachometer.......................................................................................1-39
Theft-Alarm system ............................................................................ 1-6
Tires
Balancing ........................................................................................ 8-4
Chains............................................................................................ 8-3
Changing a flat tire ......................................................................... 3-5
If you have a flat tire ....................................................................... 3-5
Information ...................................................................................... 8-2
Pressure......................................................................................... 8-2
Replacement.................................................................................. 8-4
Rotation .......................................................................................... 8-3
Snow tires ....................................................................................... 8-3
Spare tire ........................................................................................ 3-4
Traction.......................................................................................... 8-4
Towing
A trailer (or vehicle) ......................................................................2-16
Emergency...................................................................................3-11
If your car must be towed .............................................................. 3-9
Traction Control System ...................................................................2-11
Transaxle
Automatic ........................................................................................ 2-7
Automatic transaxle fluid checking ..............................................6-12
Manual ............................................................................................ 2-5
Manual transaxle oil checking .....................................................6-12
Trip Computer ...................................................................................1-40
Trip Odometer ...................................................................................1-39
Trunk Lid ...........................................................................................1-56V
Vehicle Identification Number ............................................................. 8-2
W
Warning Lights ...................................................................... 1-35 ~ 1-38
Windows
Manual ............................................................................................ 1-9
Power............................................................................................. 1-9
Windshield Wiper and Washer ..........................................................1-42
Windshield Wiper Blades ..................................................................6-11